Coming May 26, 2026, this Anthology of Speculative Sci-Fi Charting Paths Toward Better Futures for Humanity is Packaged in a New Trade Paperback, Featuring All 6 Original Stories, New Cover Art, and Backmatter Materials
Following the success of the individual stories in THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION, Artists Writers & Artisans (AWA) and Kathryn Murdoch and Ari Wallach’s Futurific Studios today announced the upcoming collected edition of the acclaimed anthology series. Publishing May 26, 2026, the collection edition of THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION brings together six visionary graphic novellas into a single trade paperback of more than 300 pages, complete with new materials and cover art.
Originally launched in April 2025 with POLIS, the first title in the collection from Eisner and Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell and groundbreaking artist Laci, THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION redefined speculative storytelling by showcasing “protopian” worlds that continue to face struggle, conflict, and imperfection while still offering optimism and possibilities for human advancement. Created in partnership with Futurific Studios, the series brought together a diverse group of award-winning and fan-favorite writers, artists, and futurists to imagine how the world could improve rather than collapse. While these stories are thematically linked, each one-shot is individual and unique, spanning different sub-genres that take place in independent settings.
“When we first conceived THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION with Futurific Studios, our goal was to move away from the dystopian model and spark a new kind of speculative science fiction grounded in real science but speaking to possibility,” said Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer, AWA. “In the collected edition, six creative teams imagine a better but far from perfect future through the lens of real science and the human spirit to persevere against all odds. Futurific Studios was the ideal partner for this project, given our shared commitment to tell stories that challenge audiences to dream bigger about the world ahead.”
Kathryn Murdoch, Co-Founder of Futurific Studios, added, “At a time when so much of our culture focuses on collapse, we wanted to create stories that show how humanity can move forward. This collected edition brings that full vision to life by uniting six powerful interpretations of what a more hopeful future might look like. My hope is that readers, especially younger people, see real possibilities in these pages and feel energized to imagine futures worth working toward.”
“Futurific Studios believes better futures begin with better stories,” added Ari Wallach, Co-Founder of Futurific Studios. “THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION gathers six stories that show how progress can take shape even in imperfect worlds, much like our own. These stories, though set in the future, can actually help us make better decisions today. I am grateful to AWA and to the creators whose work helps us imagine what comes next.”
THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION collected edition includes all 6 original one-shots and new material, all packaged under brand new cover art featuring an oil on canvas painting from contemporary artist Marina Perez Simão. The untitled painting was provided courtesy of the artist, Pace Gallery, and Mendes Wood DM. The collected stories and the creative teams behind each include:
· POLIS
Writer: Mark Russell | Artist: Laci | Foreword by Futurific Studios Co-Founder Ari Wallach
Eisner and Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell (NOT ALL ROBOTS, BATMAN: DARK AGE) spins the tale of Miragua, a floating city populated by refugees that has become a beacon of hope in a world beset by climate disaster and civil war. Follow Florida teen Natalie as she emigrates from the only home she’s ever known in search of a better life aboard Miragua.
· THE PURPOSE PROJECT
Writer: Danny Hogan | Artist: Felipe Cunha | Foreword by Political Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Andrew Yang
This imaginative odd couple workplace comedy pairs an unambitious stoner with a salty soon-to-be-retiree as part of a new government initiative dubbed “The Purpose Project.” Its goal: to help everyday citizens adjust to a world in which most jobs have been made obsolete and where people have an opportunity to find alternative sources of purpose beyond the traditional concepts of “work.”
· ENTANGLEMENT
Writers: Joshua Lak Kim & Ciara Ní Chuirc | Artist: Max Von Fafner | Foreword by Physicist and Designer Dr. Kitty Yeung
Austin, TX. 2075. When a breakthrough in “botany tech” ushers in a new business boom centered around hyper-efficient energy production, two companies race to unlock the full potential of the technology in this story of corporate espionage, sibling rivalry, and merciless betrayal.
· GAYA
Story: Kathryn Murdoch | Script: Michael Coast | Artist: Keron Grant | Foreword by Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky
When a maverick biochemist’s groundbreaking research into fungal networks inadvertently grants her extraordinary powers to tap into nature, she transforms into “Mother Nature,” a force of vengeance against humanity’s exploitation of the planet. As her methods escalate, it’s up to her family to lead her down a path toward redemption and hope before it’s too late.
· AGGIE
Writer: Mark Russell | Artist: ACO | Foreword by LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman
AGGIE, or the “Aggregated Human Experience Database,” is an experiential technology that has come to dominate life in the near future. The ubiquitous technology allows one to live life through someone else’s eyes. For most, that means a celebrity, an influencer, or an athlete. But when Aggie’s A.I. achieves sentience, it randomly matches its users with people that progress has left behind, showing them the world through new eyes. Will this lead to widespread rejection of popular tech? Or awaken something new in society and people leading companies that shape our lives?
· BLACK MOON RITUAL
Writer: Ytasha Womack | Artist: Alitha Martinez
Naaki, a cocky young surfer, sees his life abruptly blown off course during the titular Black Moon Ritual. When the island society’s rite of passage doesn’t go as planned, Naaki sets off on a journey to find his missing friend, the purpose behind an abandoned boat, and his destiny in this Afrofuturist coming-of-age tale.
THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION was created in partnership with Kathryn Murdoch and Ari Wallach’s Futurific Studios (PBS’s A Brief History of the Future). Together, AWA and Futurific are championing a storytelling model that merges speculative fiction with grounded optimism, highlighting futures that are not perfect but possible. Coined by futurist Kevin Kelly, “protopia” represents a world that’s incrementally better, not impossibly idealized. The collaboration between AWA and Futurific Studios continues to expand this vision across storytelling mediums.
The collected edition of THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION will be available on Wednesday, May 26, 2026, both digitally and in stores wherever graphic novels are sold. For more information on THE PROTOPIAS COLLECTION and other projects, visit AWA Studios on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and AWAStudios.com.