Year of the Black Rainbow [2026 Edition]

Rare Bird Books and Evil Ink Comics are proud to present the definitive new edition of Year of the Black Rainbow, the foundational novel of The Amory Wars, written by Claudio Sanchez and Peter David.

Featuring stunning new artwork by acclaimed illustrator Fadli Rabbini, this expanded edition returns readers to the beginning of the epic science-fiction saga that inspired Coheed and Cambria's expansive mythology. Long before the rise of the Keywork's greatest heroes and villains, Year of the Black Rainbow chronicles the events that set the fate of Heaven's Fence in motion—and forever changed the universe of The Amory Wars.

Across the seventy-eight planets of Heaven's Fence, the Keywork—the energy that binds and sustains all life—begins to fail. As political power hardens into tyranny and belief collides with ambition, a catastrophic struggle ignites that will reshape the universe forever.

When elite IRO-bots Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon uncover a secret operation siphoning energy from the Keywork itself, they are drawn into a violent confrontation with forces determined to control creation at any cost. Their discovery sets off a chain reaction of betrayals, revelations, and ancient powers capable of total annihilation, while exposing the true nature of the Mage hierarchy and signaling the rise of Wilhelm Ryan, the architect of Heaven's Fence's darkest future.

Co-written by Claudio Sanchez, creator of The Amory Wars, and legendary storyteller Peter David, Year of the Black Rainbow is a fierce blend of epic science fiction, mythic tragedy, political intrigue, and cosmic horror. It is the foundation upon which the entire saga stands—an origin story steeped in ambition, sacrifice, and the terrible cost of power.

This special edition is currently at the printer, with signed editions and preorder bundles expected to begin shipping in late July. Demand has been exceptionally strong, and signed inventory remains limited.

CLAUDIO SANCHEZ is the creator of The Amory Wars, the expansive science-fiction mythology that underpins the work of the multiplatinum band Coheed and Cambria. A songwriter, storyteller, and visual world-builder, Sanchez has developed a richly layered universe spanning albums, comics, and novels, blending progressive rock, epic science fiction, and emotional narrative. Year of the Black Rainbow marks the foundational novel of the saga, exploring the origins of Heaven's Fence and the forces that shape its fate.

PETER DAVID is an award-winning novelist and one of the most influential writers in modern science fiction and fantasy. He is the author of numerous acclaimed novels and series, including Tigerheart, Sir Apropos of Nothing, and multiple Star Trek novels, as well as a legendary run on The Incredible Hulk for Marvel Comics. Known for his sharp dialogue, moral complexity, and character-driven storytelling, David brings depth, momentum, and narrative rigor to Year of the Black Rainbow.

EARLY ACCESS PREORDER

#1 New Trade Paperback Edition

A newly typeset, definitive vintage-style paperback edition with new artwork, prepared for its return to wide release, with final artwork to be unveiled at a later date.

#2 Trade Hardcover Edition

A new trade hardcover presentation featuring:

—New artwork created specifically for this reissue

—Not available in stores

—Exclusive early access preorder opportunity for Book 2 of The Amory Wars, The Second Stage Turbine Blade

A collector’s keepsake for readers and longtime Amory Wars fans.

#3 Vinyl Audiobook Edition Narrated by Claudio Sanchez

A Rare Bird signature format featuring:

—2xLP abridged vinyl pressing narrated by Claudio Sanchez

—New exclusive sound design

—High-fidelity audio production

—Includes digital audiobook download

—Limited first-run pressing

—Exclusive early access preorder opportunity for The Second Stage Turbine Blade

A unique addition to the mythos behind the music.

#4 Limited Edition Hardcover + Vinyl Audiobook Bundle

The ultimate collector’s bundle, featuring:

—Limited edition hardcover

—2xLP vinyl audiobook narrated by Claudio Sanchez

—Not available in stores

—Exclusive early access preorder opportunity for The Second Stage Turbine Blade

The most limited and collectible version of the reissue.

ABOUT THE VARIANT EDITIONS

To celebrate the return of Year of the Black Rainbow to print, Rare Bird Books and Evil Ink Comics have commissioned stunning new artwork by Fadli Rabbini for a series of exclusive variant editions. Produced in limited quantities and available only while supplies last, these collector-focused editions mark the beginning of an expanding publishing partnership dedicated to bringing The Amory Wars universe to readers in definitive new formats.

PREORDER ACCESS

Early preorders are available directly through Rare Bird ahead of retail listing and distribution through Simon & Schuster. Quantities of signed and bundled editions are extremely limited, and limited edition variants are exclusively available through Rare Bird.

ANTICIPATED RELEASE DATE

Summer 2026

ABOUT THE RARE BIRD x EVIL INK PARTNERSHIP

This new multi-book collaboration brings together Rare Bird’s specialty in elevated, design-driven publishing with Evil Ink’s innovative storytelling across music, comics, and speculative fiction. The partnership reintroduces cornerstone works from The Amory Wars while developing new titles that expand the universe for longtime fans and new readers alike. Additional titles in the collaboration will be announced in the coming months.

* Release and ship dates are subject to change without notice