Get ready to dive into a chilling new chapter of the Smile universe, because this prequel comic series might just reveal the darkest corners of a world you thought you knew. While horror fans are spoiled for choice these days, IDW Publishing’s IDW Dark line has carved out a special place for itself by blending original storytelling with spin-offs of iconic movie franchises—think Event Horizon: Dark Descent, which sent shivers down our spines. Now, IDW Dark is turning its attention to a more recent horror sensation: Smile. Smile: For the Camera is a fresh tale set in the twisted universe of The Exorcism at 1600 Penn and The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace, crafted by the brilliant minds of writer Hannah Rose May and artist Miriana Puglia. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just a rehash of the movies—it’s a standalone prequel that promises to explore new depths of terror while staying true to the franchise’s roots.
In a recent chat with IGN, May revealed that this project has been simmering for over a year, with its origins tracing back to NYCC 2024. “This project originated at NYCC 2024 when we were debuting The Exorcism at 1600 Penn,” May explained. “I was on a panel for the launch of IDW Dark, and they mentioned they were reading pitches for Smile. I’m a sucker for brilliant marketing, and Smile had one of the most genius campaigns that hooked me before I even bought a ticket. What Parker Finn has built with the Smile universe is going to terrify people for decades to come.”
But what makes Smile so compelling? According to May, it’s the blend of human drama and supernatural horror. “At their core, they’re dramas with a powerful supernatural hook,” she said. “Both Rose and Skye are grappling with trauma and guilt, forced to smile through their pain—something that resonates with almost everyone. And then the entity brings that pain to the surface in the most terrifying way.” Interestingly, May believes this concept translates remarkably well to comics. “There’s an inherent ‘show, don’t tell’ balance in comics that actually enhances the Smile world. While our toolkit is more limited than film, we’ve channeled the spirit of Parker’s filmmaking into our writing, art, colors, and letters to deliver an experience that will thrill fans of the franchise.”
And this is the part most people miss: Smile: For the Camera is set in 2005, deep within the cutthroat world of the fashion industry. Why this setting? May explains, “The early 2000s were pre-social media, pre-smartphones—a time when monoculture still existed. Culture was dictated by gatekeepers like TV networks and movie studios. I wanted to focus on an industry where smiling is essential, and if you’re lucky, that smile could turn you into a supermodel overnight. But the fashion industry is also filled with its own monsters, so we’re exploring this period while keeping our story distinct from Parker’s films.”
Meet Ivy, the new protagonist who’s a fish out of water in the modeling world. “Ivy is confident, intelligent, and a pragmatist,” May says. “She’s not chasing supermodel status—she just wants to pay off her student loans and start her life. Like Rose and Skye, she’s caring and compassionate, but unlike them, Ivy isn’t carrying trauma or guilt for the entity to feed on. It’s through our story that Ivy confronts a darkness that gives the entity the fuel it needs to survive.”
Now, here’s where it gets controversial: While the Smile movies deliberately keep the nature of the Smile Entity shrouded in mystery, the comic might just add a few unexpected twists to the mythos. “We wanted to be respectful to Parker’s world-building,” May notes. “We didn’t want to expand the mythos too much, but with each installment, we learn a little more. Parker and Paramount were generous enough to let us do a few things that I think fans will be excited to see. You’ll have to read to find out!”
Visually, Smile: For the Camera is a collaboration that shines. “Miriana brought her own style and tone to the book,” May says. “Comics are a collaborative medium, and what you envision doesn’t always match the artist’s style exactly, but that’s part of the magic. When those pages hit your inbox and you see how everything comes together, it’s truly special. Our goal was to create something visually unique while honoring the Smile films. I believe we’ve done that!”
Smile: For the Camera #1 drops on February 18, with a preorder deadline of January 12. Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy at your local comic shop. And while you’re at it, check out IGN’s best comic book of 2025 and our most anticipated comics of 2026.
But here’s the real question: Can a prequel truly stand on its own while adding depth to an existing universe? And what does Ivy’s trauma-free backstory mean for the Smile Entity’s survival? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
