Rippaverse Publishing, the independent comic book powerhouse founded by Eric July, is teaming up with Hollywood actor Zachary Levi for a unique collaboration: RippaZine Collection Vol. 1. This anthology gathers the first five issues of RippaZine into a single volume — and adds a major surprise for fans with the debut of Tobias Thorne in a new story, Unpack That, created by Levi himself.
Available exclusively through Rippaverse.com, this direct-to-consumer campaign runs through November 21, 2025, at 11 p.m. CST. Fulfillment is scheduled for early 2026.
A New Entry Point Into the Rippaverse
The collection spans 88 pages and is being offered in both softcover and hardcover editions. For those who’ve missed earlier installments, this volume functions as a definitive entry point into the growing Rippaverse universe. Blending noir, sci-fi, thrillers, and action, it aims to showcase the range of talent and storytelling the brand has been building since its inception.
The cover for Rippazine – Rippaverse
Contributors to the anthology include Eric D. July, Zachary Levi, Carrow Brown, the Soska Sisters, and Andrew Rodriguez, with art by Bart Sears, Caanan White, Evan Scale, Sebastian Garcia, and Edu Souza.
Exclusive Perks and Collectibles
Beyond the book itself, Rippaverse is offering fans extras to sweeten the campaign.
A cover for Rippazine – Rippaverse
Limited-edition merchandise includes a T-shirt designed by Caanan White as well as posters and collectibles from prior releases. As with previous Rippaverse campaigns, these are designed to be exclusive and highly sought after by collectors.
Hollywood Star Joins the Fight
Levi, best known for Chuck, Disney’s Tangled, and DC’s Shazam, is not only an accomplished actor but also one of the few openly conservative voices in Hollywood. Over the last several years, he has spoken candidly about his political views and his faith.
Zachary Levi as Shazam in Shazam! (2019), Warner Bros. Pictures
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In recent interviews, Levi has admitted that these positions have come with consequences in the entertainment industry. He has claimed that some insiders have told him they would “prefer not to work with him” because of his views. While there’s no hard evidence of a systemic blacklist, Levi himself has been vocal about the career risks that come with breaking from Hollywood orthodoxy.
That’s what makes this collaboration with Rippaverse so meaningful. Eric July’s publishing house has built its reputation by defying mainstream comic book trends, and now it’s giving Levi the freedom to debut a brand-new story on his own terms. The story, Unpack That, introducing Tobias Thorne, is not just another comic — it’s a statement that creative voices once silenced in Hollywood can still find powerful outlets.
Nerd HQ Partnership
What sets RippaZine Collection Vol. 1 apart is its collaboration with Nerd HQ, a nonprofit founded by Levi. The group is dedicated to expanding mental health awareness and providing free therapy access.
Zachary Levi speaking at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con International, for “Shazam!”, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Levi’s contribution to Rippazine serves as both a creative debut and a charitable bridge between entertainment and advocacy. For fans, it represents a chance to support independent storytelling while also contributing to a mission that extends far beyond comics.
Why It Matters
For Rippaverse, this anthology marks another milestone in its ongoing effort to offer an alternative to mainstream comics. For Levi, it’s a chance to introduce his own character while continuing to chart a path outside the traditional studio system. And for fans, it’s both a collector’s milestone and a chance to back creators standing against Hollywood groupthink.
A screenshot from the trailer to the Saints and Sinners collection from The Rippaverse – Rippaverse
Pre-orders are live now at Rippaverse.com until November 21, 2025.
Will you pre-order Rippazine with Zachary Levi? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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I really respect Zachary Levi, since he was one of the very few actors brave enough to say that he supported Trump and I would definitely want to see what his story will be like. That being said as somebody who already has all 5 issues of the Rippazine I find it hard to justify buying this for a 4-page preview.