The upcoming release of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ new graphic novel in the Criminal series is poised to excite collectors and comics enthusiasts alike, not only for its storied legacy but also for its strategic positioning alongside a new Amazon Prime adaptation.
Five Gears In Reverse: A Criminal Book by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips
Hardcover – June 23, 2026
A brand new CRIMINAL graphic novel featuring the legendary RICKY LAWLESS and the crazy tale of how he and MALLORY fell in love in the midst of a crime spree. In one of the wildest, most action-packed books that Brubaker and Phillips have ever done, we delve deep into the life of one of CRIMINAL‘s most complex and tragic characters, Ricky Lawless as he tries to pay off a deep debt to a mobster, while things just keep going from bad to worse. FIVE GEARS IN REVERSE will have long-time CRIMINAL fans cheering the return of RICKY LAWLESS, and new readers will find it a perfect jumping-on point for the greatest crime comic series of the 21st century. “Brubaker and Phillips don’t hit a wrong note.” – Shane Black
And here’s a look ahead…
Criminal began in October 2006 from Marvel’s Icon imprint, serving as a nuanced exploration of the clichés within the crime genre while maintaining a sense of realism. Key characters such as Leo Patterson and Tracy Lawless have captivated audiences through intricate story arcs, including Leo’s entanglement in a heist and Tracy’s investigation into his brother’s murder. The franchise has developed an expansive narrative fabric that weaves together the lives of two generations of criminals in Center City. As the series evolved, new narratives surfaced, including a notable return in 2019 featuring Teeg Lawless, and additional collections were released this year to align with the upcoming television adaptation. The ensemble cast for the show includes prominent actors such as Charlie Hunnam as Leo, Richard Jenkins as Ivan, and Emilia Clarke as Mallory, although the series’ release date remains unconfirmed.
Based on reporting by https://www.facebook.com/richard.james.johnston. Read the full story at https://bleedingcool.com/comics/ed-brubaker-sean-phillips-criminal-five-gears-in-reverse-in-june/.
