FIRST LOOK: ANY GIVEN SMILE #1 (IDW DARK)
The big game is coming up, but that’s not all that is on the mind of the starting quarterback Maximillian Dupree. After a string of mysterious deaths surrounding the bookkeeping and sports betting world. The only connection is they all died with a smile. Now, Dupree needs to not only navigate the big game but also navigate the craziness surrounding these deaths before it’s too late. The first issue of this new chapter in the Smile franchise from IDW Dark is set to rush its way into comic shops on September 23rd, 2026. Ahead of the Final Order Cutoff date of Monday August 17th, 2026, IDW Publishing gave us a copy for a SPOILER FREE first look review.
Any Given Smile #1 - Written By Stephanie Williams – Art By Pablo Collar – Colors By Tríona Farrell - Letters By Ariana Maher – Edited By Heather Antos - Published By IDW Publishing
Credit: IDW Dark
STORY OVERVIEW:
It’s 1995 and the rival league to the NFL, the AAL is close to having its championship game and the Sharks are going to be led by their backup quarterback Maximillian Dupree. The bookies and sports talk analysts are giving the Sharks the chance for an upset. However, there is something darker going on than messing with the point spread. As starting with a bookie named Eddie people in the sports betting world start dying mysteriously. The only thing they have in common is that they are found with smiles on their faces. Now the big game isn’t the only thing Dupree, and others have to worry about. It may be a game that will help you live on forever, but only if the smile doesn’t get you first.
WRITING:
This first issue of Any Given Smile puts us right back into the familiar world of the Smile franchise, but with a new and interesting twist. Stephanie Williams does an amazing job of introducing us to this new world, well still giving us the twists of the beloved franchise. Her choice of adding the sports element, in particular the world of American football adds a new and awesome wrinkle to the story. The tease of something more sinister planned by the “demon” that infects and possesses people with a smile is surely going to up the stakes for this chapter in the franchise. Every page sheds more light onto what is going on, and by the last page will surely have you hooked for the series.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this first issue is stunning and matches the vibe of the story perfectly. Pablo Collar captures Williams’ story and adds even more intrigue and horror to it. The settings transport the reader back to 1995, capturing this time period impeccably. When it comes to the horror scenes, they are unsettling and are sure to make even the most hardened horror fan squirm a bit. Couple the incredible line work with Tríona Farrell’s color choices and you have stunning art that draws your eyes in and makes you want more. I’m eager to see where this art team takes the series next.
Final Thoughts:
Any Given Smile #1 is an awesome first issue for this new chapter in the Smile franchise. This story will have you wanting the next issue as soon as you finish reading this first issue. If you are a horror fan this is a must get first issue and series! Make sure to rush down to your Local Comic Shop before Monday August 17th and order your copy of this thrilling first issue. While you are there, also make sure to add it to your Pull List so you don’t miss an issue of this series. If you don’t preorder this one, I promise that you will regret it on September 23rd.
FINAL GRADE: 9.6/10
Let me know your thoughts on Any Given Smile #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
