Ready Player One Officially Returns With New 2-Part Series, Details Here

Ernest Cline’s New York Times best-selling novels, Ready Player One and Ready Player Two, are known as the ultimate love letter to geek culture wrapped in an epic sci-fi adventure. The 2018 live-action adaptation of the first book only cemented this legacy, and now the franchise is expanding with two highly anticipated new releases that fans won’t want to miss.

While fans eagerly await Ready Player Two to follow the first book and secure its own live-action adaptation, both novels are set to receive graphic novel adaptations before the second live-action film arrives, and excitement is already building.

Thanks to an Entertainment Weekly exclusive, we now know that Ten Speed Graphic’s adaptation of Cline’s 2011 flagship novel, Ready Player One: The Graphic Novel, will release as a Target-exclusive hardcover on October 6, 2026, with a wider trade release scheduled for March 2, 2027, available wherever books are sold. Ready Player Two: The Graphic Novel, based on Cline’s 2020 sequel, is expected to follow in 2028.

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Everything You Need to Know About Ready Player One’s New Graphic Novels

Ernest Cline Praises Ten Speed Graphic’s Ready Player One Adaptation

When it comes to bringing the world of OASIS back to life in this new format, DC Comics veteran Scott Peterson and award-winning illustrator Meredith Laxton will be spearheading the project. Peterson is best known for his work on Batman: Gotham Adventures (1998–2003) and co-writing 2000s Batgirl series, while Laxton is widely recognized for their work on Wait Till Helen Comes (2022).

In short, the graphic novel adaptations of Ready Player One and Ready Player Two are in more than capable hands. For fans worried about whether the adaptations will capture the heart, soul, and tone of Cline’s work, there’s no need for concern, as Cline has worked closely with the team at Ten Speed Graphic.

Cline himself has even offered reassurance, stating that the “adaptation captures the heart, humor, and high-stakes fun of Wade’s journey in ways that even longtime fans will find surprising.” Fans interested in his full thoughts on the graphic novel adaptation and his experience working with Peterson and Laxton can read his statement below:

“It’s been an absolute joy working with the team at Ten Speed Graphic, and I couldn’t be more excited to see Ready Player One take on a whole new life as a graphic novel. From the very beginning, this story has been the thrill of stepping into another world, and Meredith Laxton’s stunning artwork adds a whole new dimension to the adventure.”

“This adaptation captures the heart, humor, and high-stakes fun of Wade’s journey in ways that even longtime fans will find surprising. I also think it will allow new readers to experience the magic of Ready Player One for the first time. I can’t wait for fans — both new and old — to see the world of OASIS come alive in a bold new way.”

Based on this statement, it’s clear that the graphic novel adaptations of Ready Player One and Ready Player Two will more than meet fan expectations when it comes to the world and tone of the franchise, while also serving as a fantastic entry point for those not yet ready to commit to Cline’s duology. So the only question now is: Are you Ready Player One for this next epic chapter in the franchise?

Ready Player One: The Graphic Novel will be available at TARGET on October 6, 2026, with a wider trade release scheduled for March 2, 2027.

Ready Player Two: The Graphic Novel is expected to be released in 2028.