Skybound Entertainment has released the connecting variant cover images for Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera. Done by Anwita Citrya, they not only showcase Christine Daae’s emotional journey, but have a cool throwback feel while still modern. Citrya also mentions being a fan of the 1925 Lon Chaney version, which had been my big question. Technically, that’s not the one Universal Studios has rights to; it’s in public domain. It’s also the best version, so it was what I’d hoped Skybound would be using.
The one Universal does still have under copyright is the 1943 version starring Claude Rains. More scarred than deformed, Rains’ version just doesn’t have quite the same oomph. The covers seem to combine versions, though the final reveal on issue 4 leans more toward the 1943 version.
Minor quibble, though. This collaboration between Skybound and Universal has been terrific. Here’s my weird praise: even the book I liked the least was still good. (That would probably be Universal Monsters: Frankenstein, mostly because 10 Ton Press covered similar territory with Becoming Frankenstein a few years ago.)
From Skybound Entertainment:
Today Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, revealed the connecting variant cover lineup by Anwita Citriya (Creepshow, The Big Burn) for Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1, from the dream team of Tyler Boss (You’ll Do Bad Things), Martin Simmonds (Universal Monsters: Dracula, The Department of Truth). The first installment of this shocking new reimagining of Phantom of the Opera will hit comic book shops on February 25, 2026.
The all-new connecting variant covers by talented horror artist Anwita Citriya spans the entirety of the limited series; featuring our leading lady, Christine, the Phantom himself, and the ghastly mysteries behind the Paris Opera House curtain.
“I grew up watching The Phantom of the Opera, so receiving this offer felt truly surreal,” said Anwita Citriya. “It’s an incredible honor to illustrate the covers for such an iconic and much beloved 1925 film.”
A young soprano, Christine, finds her career in chaos after a series of violent crimes plagues the Paris Opera House. But the show must go on, and Christine will discover that no one – especially the mysterious voice whispering from the eaves – is what they seem. As an old friend returns to investigate these surprising attacks, Christine will discover her connection to the truth and the man known as… PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
In addition to the 1:10 incentive connecting variant cover by Anwita Citriya, Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 has a main cover by Martin Simmonds, an open to order variant and a 1:25 incentive “classic horror” cover by Joshua Middleton (Aquaman), a 1:50 incentive cover by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Lumberjanes), a 1:75 incentive cover by David Talaski (Batgirl), a 1:100 foil incentive cover by Baldemar Rivas (Unearth), a blank sketch cover, and a mask cover by Andrea Milana (Void Rivals) and Andres Juarez.
Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera is the sixth Universal Monsters series launch, following James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds’ Dracula (which netted Simmonds a BEST PAINTER/MULTIMEDIA ARTIST (INTERIOR ART) Eisner Award nomination), Ram V, Dan Watters, and Matthew Roberts’ Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!, Michael Walsh’s Frankenstein, Faith Erin Hick’s The Mummy, and James Tynion IV and DANI’s The Invisible Man.
Phantom of the Opera will be followed by an additional new Universal Monsters limited series pairing the biggest names in comics with pop culture’s most iconic monsters in the bestselling modern line of horror comics.
Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 (of 4) (Lunar Codes Coming Soon | SRP: $4.99, unless otherwise noted) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
A full list of the themed covers is below:
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Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 Cover C (1:10 Incentive) (Connecting) by Anwita Citriya (Lunar Code: 1225IM0286)
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Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #2 Cover C (1:10 Incentive) (Connecting) by Anwita Citriya (Lunar Code: 0126IM0433)
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Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #3 Cover C (1:10 Incentive) (Connecting) by Anwita Citriya
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Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #4 Cover C (1:10 Incentive) (Connecting) by Anwita Citriya
