TV Asahi Announces Collaboration Between NJPW and Comic Brand BAD IDEA, Special Issue Available At G1 Climax 36 Opener

By: Ian McCord

Ahead of the G1 Climax 36 Opener on July 11th, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s parent company TV Asahi has announced a new crossover project between NJPW and American comic brand BAD IDEA.

Founded in 2020, BAD IDEA prides itself on being an underground publisher that’s produced such works as CUL-DE-SAC, SAVE NOW, THE LOT, HANK HOWARD, and PIZZA DETECTIVE as well as others.

At the G1 Climax 36 Opener this Saturday at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, NJPW and BAD IDEA will release a special NJPW variant cover of PLANET DEATH #1. The sci-fi comic comes from the minds of John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad, New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti, and critically acclaimed artist Tomás Giorello.

There will be a very small run of this limited edition comic, with only 1000 copies available at the day of the G1 Climax 36 Opener.

Image Credit: BAD IDEA x NJPW

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi shared his thoughts in a press release, stating he is excited for the collaboration and how he looks forward to bringing the two fan bases together.

From Hiroshi Tanahashi:

“We are extremely excited to collaborate with BAD IDEA an innovative comic brand powered by world-class creators. This summer, the best wrestlers in the world will come to Chicago for G1 CLIMAX, the most grueling tournament in all of professional wrestling, to determine the Strongest of the Summer. Like American comics, G1 CLIMAX is driven by larger-than-life personalities, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. NJPWs edgy, hard-hitting spirit is a strong match for BAD IDEA’s fearless creative identity, and we look forward to bringing these two fan communities together.”

It was announced back on May 27th that CyberAgent and TV Asahi had become the new owners of NJPW. This collaboration with BAD IDEA is an example of the new leadership exploring creative and exciting crossover opportunities.