In 2013, change is coming to the world of Red Circle/Archie's "New Crusaders." But one face that will continue to contribute to the young superhero team is artist Ben Bates.

Archie offered CBR an exclusive first look at the original series artist's variant cover for "New Crusaders: Dark Tomorrow" #1 -the May-shipping continuation of the digital-to-print series. With a new #1 under its belt and both regular and variant covers by artist Phil Jimenez, the now day-and-date monthly comic is following on the heels of the shocking events that wrapped the "Rise of the Heroes" era with a new story foretelling grim tidings for the teen heroes.

Check out both Bates and Jimenez's covers, and see the full solicitation information is below.

(From L to R) EXCLUSIVE variant cover by Ben Bates and covers by Phil Jimenez

NEW CRUSADERS: DARK TOMORROW #1

"Second Strike": The New Crusaders are back! Picking up directly where 2012's "Rise of the Heroes" left off, "Dark Tomorrow" will follow the team of young legacy heroes as they struggle with the shocking death of their teammate, living as super hero celebrities, and returning to - HIGH SCHOOL?! The teens are at their lowest after the nightmare in the prison riot, but there's no rest as a new threat attacks Impact City. With Shield away, can the New Crusaders pull themselves together and avert catastrophe? Featuring a stunning new cover and variant by comics legend Phil Jimenez!

Script: Ian Flynn

Art: Alitha Martinez, Rick Bryant, John Workman, and Steve Downer

Cover by Phil Jimenez and Steve Downer

50/50 Variant cover: Phil Jimenez and Steve Downer

Open-order Variant cover: Ben Bates

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 5/1

32-page, full color comic

$2.99 US.