NJPW is partnering with BAD IDEA for a special collaboration celebrating the U.S. opening night of the G1 CLIMAX 36, one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional wrestling.
The press release announcing this partnership states the following:
“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.”
“‘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.’ “
The exclusive NJPW variant cover is below:
1,000 of these comic variants will be handed out prior to the event on Saturday. Make sure to get there early to snag one of these and to check out the pre show fan event outside of the venue.
