Mad Science Division: The Cold Open — Dan Watters and Brian Level Get Weird

Dan Watters and Brian Level launch a new local comic shop exclusive series. Mad Science Division: The Cold Open #1 promises a chaotic blend of intellect and insanity from two creators who know how to make you turn the page.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a writer who loves structure meets an artist who loves to break it. Dan Watters is a storyteller who thrives on the edge of chaos, known for his sharp dialogue and high-stakes premises. Brian Level brings a visual flair that is equal parts polished and unhinged. When you put those two energies together in Mad Science Division: The Cold Open, you get a debut that feels like a fever dream you didn't want to wake up from.

This is a Local Comic Shop Day exclusive launching from Ignition Press, and it sets the stage for a story that sounds delightfully unpredictable. The title itself suggests a beginning that might be a mistake, or a discovery that changes everything. While the specifics of the plot are wrapped in mystery, the vibe is clear: this is a place where brains meet madness, and the rules of reality are merely suggestions.

What makes this issue a must-have is the synergy on the creative team. Watters has a knack for grounding the bizarre in emotional reality, making the wild stuff feel earned. Level’s artwork is the perfect vessel for that tonal whiplash, offering visuals that are as striking as they are strange. If you love comics that don't take themselves too seriously but still demand your full attention, this is the book to start with.

Keep an eye out for the variant covers as well, since L.C.S.D. releases often see the variants moving quickly. It’s a small shop release, which gives it that special collector's allure, but more importantly, it’s a fun, self-contained entry point into a world that promises to be as entertaining as it is bizarre. Trust me on this one — you’re going to want to see where the cold open leads.