Cult of the Lamb: Schism Special #1 Announced by Oni Press
Your devotion is requested once more, as the next chapter in the comic book saga has been revealed with the announcement of CULT OF THE LAMB: SCHISM SPECIAL #1. The news comes from the acclaimed publisher Oni Press, which, in partnership with game developers Massive Monster and Devolver Digital, will continue the story that began in the hit miniseries The First Verse. This brand-new, 48-page one-shot brings back the original creative team for a tale of internal strife, waning faith, and a bloody new quest. For any who follow the Lamb, this is a can’t-miss event when it arrives in comic shops on October 29, 2025.
What Heresy Awaits in Cult of the Lamb: Schism Special #1?
This special dives into the grim aftermath of the first series. The Lamb’s quest to defeat the Bishops of the Old Faith rages on, but a rot is forming at the heart of the crusade. With the flock growing larger by the day, the Lamb lacks the conviction to properly indoctrinate new followers. This leads to stagnation, which in turn draws the ire of The One Who Waits, who grows tired of his vessel’s resistance to the Red Crown’s full power.
This crisis of faith manifests in a very real threat: famine. As the cult begins to starve, the perfect opportunity arises for a challenger to the Lamb’s authority to step forward. A new power struggle erupts, not with a god from the outside, but with a dissenter from within. This internal “schism” threatens to unravel everything the Lamb has built, forcing them to confront the true cost and responsibility of leadership in a world that demands sacrifice. This promises a more personal and political story, adding new layers to the Lamb’s dark journey.
The Returning Creative Coven
To shepherd this new story, Oni Press has wisely reconvened the original, celebrated creative team. Writer Alex Paknadel (Astonishing X-Men) returns to script the tale. His proven ability to blend dark fantasy with compelling character arcs was a key ingredient in the first series’ success. Joining him is the inimitable Eisner Award-nominated artist Troy Little (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). Little’s energetic and highly detailed cartooning perfectly captures the game’s signature blend of cute aesthetics and brutal horror. Our gallery of stunning cover artwork will surely showcase his variant cover for the issue.
Speaking of covers, the special will be blessed with heretically curated art from some of the industry’s best. Modern master Peach Momoko (Ultimate X-Men) provides the breathtaking Cover A as well as a premium Foil Full Art Variant. With such talent involved, it’s clear this is a major release for Oni Press and a top priority for any community for comic book fans.
Building on a Critically Acclaimed Foundation
The immense anticipation for this special is a direct result of the universal praise for The First Verse. The initial series proved to be one of the best video game adaptations in recent memory. AIPT went so far as to say, “Cult of the Lamb really is the best damn fantasy story this side of a Conan anthology.” Meanwhile, PC Gamer praised it as “a brilliant way to get to know all the creatures that I’ll eventually encounter in Cult of the Lamb.”
The creative team was lauded for expanding the world in meaningful ways, providing a story that satisfies gamers and new readers alike, a point you can see in our extensive archived coverage. As ComicBook.com noted, “The comic succeeds largely by understanding the relative strengths of the video game but not recreating it beat for beat.” It’s this dedication to quality that makes it one of the most exciting of the latest comic book releases.
In conclusion, the announcement of CULT OF THE LAMB: SCHISM SPECIAL #1 is a monumental event. It promises to build upon a beloved foundation with a compelling new conflict, all while being helmed by the phenomenal creative team that made the first series a runaway success.What did you think of this issue? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt!
