Image Comics and Ghost Machine’s Rook: Exodus will return this fall with a new six-issue story arc beginning October 1. The fantasy sci-fi series from Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok has been one of the publisher’s standout titles, and the upcoming storyline introduces both a dangerous new villain and deeper exploration of the Wardens who inhabit the world of Exodus.

The arc begins in Rook: Exodus #7, as Rook and Dire Wolf set out to save Dire Wolf’s father, Bloodhound, who may hold the key to preventing the collapse of Exodus. Bloodhound, however, has been driven to madness by the influence of his mask, leaving him a threat as much as an ally. Complicating matters further is Stag, a mysterious new character first hinted at earlier in the series, who is now hunting Bloodhound with lethal intent.

Geoff Johns has teased appearances by additional Wardens introduced in the first arc, including Matterhorn, the Warden of Goats, and Arachnid, the Warden of Spiders. The new storyline aims to expand both the mythology and the visual scope of the series.

The launch issue will feature multiple variant covers, including a six-part connected cover by Malaysian artist Kael Ngu that spans the entire arc. Readers can also catch up with Rook: Exodus, Volume One, now available in trade paperback, with a deluxe hardcover edition forthcoming.

Rook: Exodus #7 arrives in comic shops October 1.