Whether you're a gamer, TV watcher, or reader, there's plenty to look forward to when it comes to The Witcher next year. In addition to the new game and TV season, as well as what will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated update on the next Witcher novel, fans should also look forward to the May 25, 2027, release of The Witcher Compact Edition: The Bear and the Butterfly and The Ballad of Two Wolves.
Published by Dark Horse Comics, this compact edition will be an impressive 240-page trade paperback collecting two complete Witcher stories: The Witcher: The Bear and the Butterfly #1–4 and The Witcher: The Ballad of Two Wolves #1–4. These two separate stories will see the return of some of the franchise's favorite characters, including Geralt himself and everyone's favorite bard, Dandelion, AKA Jaskier.
Priced at just $9.99, this collection is the perfect introduction for new readers who have yet to experience the epicness of The Witcher's comic legacy. It's also perfect for longtime readers who followed the original releases and are looking to collect both stories together in one compact edition.
Everything You Need To Know About The Witcher's 2027 Graphic Return
Main Cover for The Witcher Compact Edition: The Bear and the Butterfly and The Ballad of Two Wolves TP (2027)
As previously mentioned, The Witcher Compact Edition will collect two separate stories. The first, The Bear and the Butterfly, is a four-issue series written by Simon Spurrier (John Constantine: Hellblazer), with art by Stephen Green (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1957–Forgotten Lives). Originally published in 2025, the story brings Geralt back to the franchise's golden era: traveling across the Continent and hunting monsters.
The official synopsis for the first issue reads: “Geralt travels to a remote town where a vampire is rumored to be killing the townspeople. The bounty has amassed all manner of monster hunters—and among them is another witcher, from the school of the Bear, a fierce competitor for the reward.” In addition to The Bear and the Butterfly, the Compact Edition also collects all four issues of The Witcher: The Ballad of Two Wolves.
Originally published in 2022, The Ballad of Two Wolves, by writer Bartosz Sztybor and artist Miki Montllo, sees Geralt and Dandelion reunite for an adventure “inspired by a classic fable or even two.” Hint, hint: if you're in the mood for a twisted Little Red Riding Hood story set in the Witcher universe, you'll love this one. This story also delivers an epic return to the beloved Geralt and Jaskier dynamic that grabbed the fandom by the throat and hasn't let go. Readers can find the official synopsis below:
Hailed as the greatest monster slayer--the infamous witcher Geralt is beckoned to the town of Grimmwald. When a strange occurrence stirs murmurs of a werewolf on the prowl, rumors spread about the peculiar arrival of three sisters. With a grand mystery and a monster to kill, Dandelion may just find the inspiration he needs to write the perfect ballad.
2027 has an incredible lineup of releases in store for Witcher fans. Let us know in the comments which upcoming Witcher release you're most excited for!
The Witcher Compact Edition: The Bear and the Butterfly and The Ballad of Two Wolves TP from Dark Horse Comics will be available on May 25, 2027.
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