DC Comics and HBO Max are marking San Diego Comic-Con with a limited-edition comic book tied to "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," the new "Big Bang Theory" spinoff set in a comic book shop. The tie-in, revealed exclusively by Variety, features cover art from DC president and chief creative officer Jim Lee and colourist Alex Sinclair, and will be given away free to fans attending the convention as a promotional companion to the show's premiere.

The comic, adapting the series' first episode, will be distributed from 23 July, the same day the show launches on HBO Max, through to the end of Comic-Con on 26 July, with handouts at the Hall H panel, the HBO Max fan experience and the DC booth, before it appears online via DC's website from 29 July. It was adapted by Ivan Cohen from a teleplay by series creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady, with art by Tom Derenick and colours by Hi-Hi. Alongside the comic, LA design firm Acronym is building an immersive "Stuart's Interdimensional Comic Center" pop-up at San Diego's Sparks Gallery, recreating six universes from season one for fans to explore via an LED tunnel experience opening 23 July.