Ben 10: Absolute - First Look at the Darker Mature Series Coming May 2026

The creators of Ben 10 officially announced a new comic series, along with the release of the comic’s concept covers. And no, it’s not a continuation of Ben 10: Reboot. This story is stated to lean toward the darker side of the moral spectrum, as it’s targeted at a mature audience.

Concept Covers of New Ben 10 Comic Series

For those of you wondering, "Who is Ben?"—grow up, kiddo. It’s the best OG animated series of the early 2000s. I’m a sucker for the entire franchise, from Classic to Omniverse. I dislike the Reboot, but it’s still Ben 10, guys; I won’t make up the time to follow the show, but if I stumble upon it while changing channels, I’ll watch it until the end.

First Look at a Few Pages from the New Ben 10 Comic Series

Back to the news: fortunately, the new comic series is adapting the Classic story with a darker theme and basing it in the present day. You could literally see it in the opening scene's panels drawn by Dynamite Entertainment—the government actually detected the falling of the Omnitrix; I'm hooked. I wish they would give Lt. Steel more screen presence.

Although, I don't like this new design for Grandpa Max. He looks lean with a beard? The chubby grandpa vibe was indispensable. Plus, he is a retired Plumber; I always thought that being clean-shaven was second nature to him, picked up from his former profession just like how his out-of-this-world taste senses are. Even the Omniverse art-style changes didn't sting this much. Ben and Gwen's looks? It somehow feels alien... but nothing to complain about.

Concept Covers for the New Ben 10 Comic Series Showcasing the Omnitrix Redesign

There are actually two different designs of the Omnitrix in different covers. The first one is the same as the Classic design, except a bit bulkier and longer, like the Omnitrix of Ben 10,000. The second design is unexpected; the whole watch looks like it is made up of living silver vines. It definitely suits the Classic aesthetic, the steampunk style from the alien design. But the former design is inconspicuous, while the second one is striking; I cannot think how Gwen could now say, "it’s a toy watch."

Concept Art of the New Looks for Four Arms, Upgrade, and Cannonbolt

The concept covers also reveals a new darker design for some of Ben’s alien forms. Four Arms' classic look is iconic; I really like that the new look is just a dark take on it. Upgrade is... just jacked. Those two are perfectly satisfying, as long as they do not finalize the version of Four Arms wearing pants with pockets. The Classic aliens' clothes should resemble Ben’s clothes in a skinny fit; it is important.

Cannonbolt is one of my favorites—all of the Classic aliens are at the top of my list—but his classic swelled body is now partially deflated while his armor parts are protruding more in his new look. I never liked any of the Cannonbolt looks except for the Classic one. Maybe I am biased, but I cannot understand how Cannonbolt shifts into his rolling form with that new eggy armor.

Concept Art of the New Looks for Four Stinkfly, XLR8, Heatblast, Grey Matter, and Diamondhead

Grey Matter is more uncanny, XLR8’s balls are replaced with heavy wheels, Diamondhead looks like the Thing made of diamonds, and Wildvine looks completely different, more complex I would say. The ones who drew the short stick are Heatblast and Stinkfly. Classic Heatblast is one of the coolest son-of-gun; the new design ruined him. Stinkfly... well, what can I say other than his new bug-like look is fabulous compared to his Reboot version.

Concept Cover Showcasing the Coloured Redesigned Look of Ben 10 Aliens

If you squint your eyes more, you could notice Overflow hidden in the left corner of the cover. Why are the creators so obsessed with him?

They already received huge backlash from the fans for putting Overflow in the Reboot; it was odd seeing an Ultimate Alien form in the Classic timeline. Now they are again dittoing it with a new design that makes him look like a human-sized Transformer, which feels ridiculous knowing his ability is literally blasting water.

Some of the Classic aliens like Wildmutt, Ripjaws, and Ghostfreak are missing on the cover. It probably means nothing, but even that Wildmutt was not included is concerning, especially after they once pulled this crap in the Reboot. Wildmutt is the second alien Ben transformed; if they excluded him or any of the core ten aliens and Upchuck, they are officially insane.

Only one issue from the new series is officially confirmed; creators are vague about its further development as their previous try, Ben 10: Reboot, didn’t do well. So they are now waiting to see how the first issue goes first to decide its future route.

Ben 10: Reboot and his alien transformations leap into action as the adventure races forward!

The kid-friendly gimmick is what ruined the Reboot. Why bother? Ben 10 Classic already a kids' show; it had nothing horrific—‘ben’s transition into aliens, Kavin 11’s alien forms, an acid-spitting clown’—I mean, why it would be horrifying, like it had ghosts—‘Ghostfreak’—Cough, Ben 10 Classic wasn’t gorey like today’s shows—‘Vilgax torturing ben to rip out the Omnitrix, and Upchuck swallowing a bomb knowing what it is and it exploded inside his stomach...’

Heart: 'shut the trap you slob, your ruining the golden memories’

Brain: 'but dude, my job is providing the logical thinking...'

Heart: 'I don’t give a flying fudge, go be the slob, like how you are whenever something productive comes up’

...yep, Ben 10 Classic is totally kid-friendly. The first issue is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2026. I’m fairly convinced the upcoming comic series is going to be a blast, as it is intended for mature audiences who enjoyed their time watching the original series as kids. There are also rumours that the creators are considering a new animated series if the comic proves successful.

If you’re reading this, thanks for sticking with it until the end. A quick note just for you: don’t get confused by the different looks—every cover is different. These are only concept artworks, and while the final design will keep the same vibe, it may look completely different.