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NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING TO RELEASE EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION COMIC VARIANT AT G1 CLIMAX 36 U.S. OPENER
Created in collaboration with emerging American comic brand BAD IDEA, only 1,000 copies of the venue-exclusive collectible will be distributed at NOW Arena on July 11!
New York, NY / Tokyo, Japan — July 7, 2026 — New Japan Pro-Wrestling and BAD IDEA are proud to announce a special collaboration celebrating the U.S. opening night of G1 CLIMAX 36, one of the most prestigious tournaments in all of professional wrestling.
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, NJPW brings the opening night of G1 CLIMAX 36 to NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, marking the tournament’s return to the United States for the first time in six years. To commemorate this historic night, NJPW and BAD IDEA will release an exclusive edition of PLANET DEATH, the groundbreaking sci-fi epic from John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad, New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti, and critically acclaimed artist Tomás Giorello.
The special NJPW variant cover will be produced in a strictly limited run of 1,000 copies, available only at the venue on the day of the event.
Tickets are on sale now. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats, arrive early, and witness history live as G1 CLIMAX 36 comes to NOW Arena on July 11. Fans can also make it a full G1 CLIMAX weekend with the G1 CLIMAX 36 Talk Show on Friday, July 10, featuring Walker Stewart, Chris Charlton, and Rocky Romero, followed by a Meet & Greet session with NJPW wrestlers.
This one-night-only collectible celebrates the shared spirit of NJPW and BAD IDEA — bold characters, high-stakes battles, passionate fandom, and unforgettable storytelling.
“We are extremely excited to collaborate with BAD IDEA, an innovative comic brand powered by world-class creators,” said Hiroshi Tanahashi, President of NJPW. “This summer, the best wrestlers in the world will come to Chicago for G1 CLIMAX, the most grueling tournament in all of professional wrestling, to determine the Strongest of the Summer.
Like American comics, G1 CLIMAX is driven by larger-than-life personalities, intense rivalries, and
unforgettable moments. NJPW’s edgy, hard-hitting spirit is a strong match for BAD IDEA’s fearless creative identity, and we look forward to bringing these two fan communities together.”
BAD IDEA, the American comic book publisher, is known for ambitious original titles, sales-shattering comic book launches, and a fervent fan base.
“We are thrilled to bring PLANET DEATH to G1 CLIMAX 36 through this exclusive NJPW variant cover,” said Dinesh Shamdasani, Founder, CEO/CCO of Cincinnati Kid LLC / BAD IDEA. “With more than one million copies sold, PLANET DEATH has become the largest-selling independent comic book in over 30 years. Both NJPW and comics are built on combat, character, rivalry, and spectacle, and this collaboration gives fans a unique way to experience that shared energy on one historic night.”
For fans unable to attend in person, G1 CLIMAX 36 will also stream live on NJPW World, allowing international audiences to experience the drama and intensity of the tournament with English coverage.
Event Details
Event: G1 CLIMAX 36
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Venue: NOW Arena
Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Doors Open: 5:30 PM CDT
Bell Time: 7:00 PM CDT
Tickets: On sale now (https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0400646AE39194F6)
Streaming: Live on NJPW World with English coverage (https://www.njpwworld.com/)
Special Item: PLANET DEATH #1 NJPW Edition
Print Run: 1,000 copies
Availability: Distributed at the venue on event day, while supplies last
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now, arrive early, and be part of history as G1 CLIMAX 36 begins in the United States with an unforgettable night of Strong Style action and an exclusive venue-only
collectible.
About New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Founded in 1972, New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd. is Japan’s premier professional wrestling organization, with a global fanbase and a legacy built on world-class athletes, iconic rivalries, and the fighting philosophy known as Strong Style.
NJPW operates live professional wrestling events, develops and sells related merchandise, and produces content for fans in Japan and around the world. Its annual G1 CLIMAX tournament is widely recognized as one of the most demanding and prestigious tournaments in professional wrestling, bringing together elite competitors in a battle to determine the strongest wrestler of the summer.
TV Asahi and NJPW have collaborated for many years across television programming, video content, and event production. In June 2026, NJPW became a consolidated subsidiary of TV Asahi following TV Asahi’s acquisition of additional shares, further strengthening cooperation between the companies in content, IP development, global distribution, events, and merchandising.
About BAD IDEA
Founded in 2020, BAD IDEA is the last, and greatest, underground comics publisher. Committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence in the medium, BAD IDEA produces only A-level comics storytelling from the industry’s leading talents in a prestige-format package.
Exploding onto the scene with the hotly sought-after secret release of THE HERO TRADE, BAD IDEA quickly followed with a string of breakout hits, including CUL-DE-SAC, SAVE NOW, THE LOT, HANK HOWARD, PIZZA DETECTIVE and PLANET DEATH among many others.
BAD IDEA’s stories are now expanding beyond the printed page. Most recently, the company announced that ORDAINED is soon to be a major motion picture written by Derek Kolstad (John Wick) and set to star Oscar nominee Colin Farrell.
With widespread critical acclaim, repeated sellouts, record-setting crowdfunding campaigns, and fans lining up overnight outside comic shops and packing convention halls, BAD IDEA has become a movement and the most exciting name in comics today.
About TV Asahi Corporation
With over 66 years of leadership in the Japanese content industry and 23 network affiliate stations covering the nation, TV Asahi Corporation delivers top-rated drama series, enduring animation programs, high-quality variety shows, diverse sports events, and daily news programs.
TV Asahi has broadcast New Japan Pro-Wrestling programming for more than 50 years, helping bring the
excitement of Strong Style pro-wrestling to generations of fans. Since 1979, TV Asahi has continued to deliver beloved animated series through “Doraemon,” one of Japan’s most iconic kids and family franchises. TV Asahi has also built a diverse animation portfolio over the years, including “Shin chan,” which has entertained audiences since 1992.
TV Asahi is well known for producing long-running drama series including “Doctor-X,” distributed in over 190 countries and regions, and “AIBOU,” which has reached 24 seasons. In variety programming, “London Hearts” has been localized and well received in over 10 countries and regions across Europe and Asia. TV Asahi also continues to expand globally through new businesses, including original anime production in India and collaborations with partner studios in Korea and Thailand.
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