When The Blood Has Dried, New Creative TMNT Team, 2000 AD, Hound, Afterlife Inc & Nottingham
When The Blood Has Dried, New Creative TMNT Team, 2000 AD, Hound, Afterlife Inc & Nottingham
News, upcoming releases and more
The latest round-up of news, previews and releases from across comics from Mad Cave Studios, IDW Publishing, Rebellion and Big Punch Studios.
Mad Cave Studios has announced their upcoming teen series - When The Blood Has Dried.
A moody western accented with high fantasy swords and sorcery in this all-new tale from Mad Cave Studios
When the Blood Has Dried, Redemption Awaits.
Mad Cave Studios is excited to announce WHEN THE BLOOD HAS DRIED, the forthcoming Teen+ Fantasy/Action Drama series written by Irish creator Gary Moloney (Down Below, Fractured Realm) with art by fan-favorite illustrator and RPG creator Daniel Romero Ulloa, and letters by Becca Carey; featuring cover A by celebrated Canadian artist Marco Rudy, with cover B by renowned creator Declan Shalvey (Deadpool).
Years ago, a stranger came to Carraig an Bhun, a little town on the edge of the Southern Territories. The locals eventually came to see this “blow-in,” Meabh of Cklonia, as one of their own. Now, Meabh has taken over as proprietor of The Lough Inn, finding a semblance of peace after a lifetime of adventuring… however, the proposed opening of a branch of the Adventurers’ Guild risks dragging her past into the present. What would the townsfolk do if they discovered their beloved barkeep was once part of a ruthless band of rogue sell-swords masquerading as noble heroes?
“This is a story that has been in the works in one shape or another for quite some time and I couldn't be happier to be bringing When The Blood Has Dried to Mad Cave Studios later this year,” said Gary Moloney. “It's a book about learning to live with the regret of a life of violence when forgiveness and redemption aren't on the table. I've always been an avid reader of the epic fantasy genre but for this book, I wanted to view epic fantasy through the lens of the spaghetti western and demythologise its archetypal heroes. I also strived to give a uniquely Irish spin on a genre that has a tendency to co-opt the language, folklore, and culture of Ireland as setting dressing. Perhaps more than anything else, I was delighted to be able to work again with Daniel, who was one of my earliest collaborators back in my self-publishing days, on a comic that draws on our shared love of grimdark fantasy and slow-burn, character-led stories.”
“Working on this comic has been a dream come true, in which I've poured all my concerns, wishes, and will; I haven't held anything back,” said Daniel Romero Ulloa. “Within the pages are each and every one of my life experiences that I could convey, from the calm of the most ordinary villager to the deepest pain of the main characters. I bet my soul that anyone who reads this story will leave with a piece of it, and that's all I want.”
“I’m a huge fan of the fantasy genre, and in When The Blood Has Dried, Gary has managed to find new ways to look at familiar tropes and upend expectations,” said Mad Cave editor, James Emmett. “In this series, we follow ex-adventurer Meabh as she comes face-to-face with the past she thought she could escape and one that left her at death’s door. The world is brought to wonderful life by interior artist Daniel Romero with letters by Becca Carey and covers by Marco Rudy. I can’t wait for readers to see the beautiful and brutal world that these creators have crafted.”
For fans of Red Sonja and Old Man Logan, When The Blood Has Dried #1 drops April 3rd in your favorite LCS and on digital readers.
With news on what is happening as we progress towards issue #150 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, IDW Publishing has announced what we can expect afterwards. I’m looking forward to seeing what Jason Aaron has in store, and I am glad to see more of the TMNT in the future.
Officially announced by ComicBook.com, the comics starring the Heroes in a Half Shell are heading in a compelling new direction that’s inspired by their roots, and Eisner Award-winning writer Jason Aaron (Batman: Off-World, Scalped) is leading the way in the upcoming relaunch of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (TMNT) comics from IDW Publishing.
Forty years ago, innovative creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird introduced the four mutant brothers – Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo – in a gritty and action-packed comic series. Now, acclaimed author Aaron – a veteran of the comic industry with more than two decades of writing under his belt including Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and Thor: God of Thunder – presents a new ongoing series that strives to captivate readers with a tone similar to the classic and beloved TMNT comics.
Aaron’s approach to TMNT, while inspired by what has come before, will also present a raw vision for the iconic franchise’s comics that is also completely fresh and stunning for both longtime shellheads and brand-new readers.
“Launching a new TMNT comic series in the midst of the characters’ 40th anniversary is clearly one of those dream jobs of all comic book dream jobs,” said Aaron. “Especially for me, a kid who first fell in love with the Turtles all those years ago because of that original Mirage Studios series, buying those groundbreaking issues fresh off the rack, comics that kicked you in the face with their action-packed grit and gloriously raw attitude. I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to get to add to that esteemed legacy of comic book face-kicking, especially as part of an amazing IDW run that has expanded the world and timeline of the Turtles in such daring and exciting ways. In terms of what’s to come, the kid in me wants you to know that you can expect some good old-fashioned grit, a sprinkle of dark, new attitude and all the bone-cracking action that four mutated ninja brothers can possibly handle.”
“Working with Jason Aaron has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, so that in itself is a treat. Even better, though, is getting to go on an expedition with him to explore a fictional world that he hasn't worked in before. And of course, he has not disappointed," stated Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich. "From the very first conversations, it was clear that he brought a real passion to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the sort of excitement you can only get from a true fan. He's a master of his craft, and each new script has only gotten me more excited for the rest of the world to see what he's coming up with."
Co-Publisher Mark Doyle is confident that fans of the beloved franchise are in for a real treat with Aaron's story and the talented artists who will bring the script to life. "Jason is one of the best storytellers in comics and he just gets the Turtles. Add to that the amazing artists he's working with and you have the recipe for some great TMNT comics that we cannot wait to bring to fans!"
Aaron will make his TMNT writing debut in the oversized TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: ALPHA #1 issue this June with a 10-page prelude story. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1 will go on sale this July. More information about the relaunch – including additional creators on the series – will be revealed next week on IGN.
The Galaxy's Greatest Gateway Comic concludes, as The Best of 2000 AD Volume 6 is available now for pre-order! This is the final volume of our huge series which celebrates the whole of 2000 AD. You can start reading this series with any volume - they all stand completely alone, giving readers the chance to pick whichever entry-point into our world that they want.
Every Best of 2000 AD contains a mix of modern classics and gems from the vault. In each edition you’ll find an explosive new Judge Dredd adventure, fresh essays by prominent popular culture writers, a graphic novel-length feature presentation by global legends and a vintage Dredd case.
In this volume: Judge Dredd makes a Tempus Fugitive of literature’s most famous time-travel enthusiast; tremble as Robbie Morrison and Henry Flint deliver galaxy-wide carnage at the hands of the retribution of a dead race, Shakara The Avenger; during a long, hot summer something rots at the heart of a council estate in John Smith and Edmund Bagwell’s Cradlegrave; Dredd sends his cadets into the Cursed Earth to face The Hotdog Run; The government agents of Ice Station Delta find their problems snowball when they tangle with Shako, the only bear on the CIA death list!
Boasting brand new covers from an all-star line-up of artists including Star Wars concept designer Ian McQue and Eisner-award winner Anand Radhakrishnan (Blue in Green) with designer Tom Muller (X-Men), Best of 2000 AD is the essential gateway into the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic!
The Best of 2000 AD Volume 6 is available for pre-order now, with by a full release into stores on 4th June 2024!
Hound is a new horror graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios, and they have released a trailer for it.
Get an exciting first-look at the Mad Cave Studios historical OGN, HOUND, co-written by Sam Romesburg (Children of the Grave, Rock & Roll Hell) and Sam Freeman (Basic Instinct), with art by Rodrigo Vázquez (Swip Tip Kapiti Kaluse).
During World War I, a young soldier is assigned to one of the most deadly areas along the western front. However, he finds the greatest threat to his life lies not with the enemy, but with a cult formed by his own men.
Found nestled and protected within a den of wolves, the journal of Private Barrow, a fresh young soldier drafted into Britain’s royal army during the height of World War I, meticulously and explicitly recounts the events that lead to his death. However, where most men are sent to the trenches, Barrow was sent to a place known only to him as the “gas quarter” — a patch along the western front known for incessant mustard gas attacks. Our story and the journal both begin with Barrow’s introduction to the unit occupying the quarter — a group referred to by the top brass as “The Hounds,” a nickname earned by the appearance of their long-snouted gas masks. Immediately, Barrow is shaken by the sight of them and is soon pulled into a hell that can only come from the savage horror of war.
Hound drops Feb. 20, 2024 and is now available for preorder on the Mad Cave Studios website, and your LCS!
Following the release of the awesome Book of Life and Book of Death, Afterlife Inc is returning with volume seven. This series holds a special place for me, and it’s well worth checking out.
Afterlife Inc. Volume 7 features the amazing pencils/inks of Raffaele Ricciardi, whose name you may recognise from the stunning covers to Volumes 4-6 AND the incredible illustration at the start of the Book of Death. Raffa's work so far is, frankly, absolutely humbling to behold. Thanks to his talent, I know that Afterlife Inc. is in safe hands.
On colouring duties we have superstar JP Jordan, whose skills have graced more books than I could reliably name here. Most recently, JP has been absolutely knocked it out of the park with his work on independent comic sensation The Berg. I can't wait to share JP's work soon. It's an honour to have him involved.
Finally, Mad Cave Studios has been busy recently! this is the announcement of the third volume of Nottingham - taking the Robin Hood myth and turning it on its head!
All great adventures must come to a close, but not without one final draw…
This spring, Mad Cave Studios brings the thrilling final arc of the 2019 Talent Search winning series NOTTINGHAM, the medieval noir from David Hazan (Death Drop) and Shane Connery Volk (Tales from the Cave), with colors by Luca Romano and Ringo Award-nominated letterer Justin Birch!
The Changing of the Guard. Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham, returns home to find a city he barely recognizes. With the Merry Men in charge and Robin and the King closing in, blood, panic, and treachery flow in equal measure.
“From the 2019 Mad Cave talent search to the present, David Hazan and Shane Connery Volk have poured blood, sweat, and ink into numerous panels of the Nottingham franchise,” said Mad Cave Studios editor, Chas! Pangburn. “With Luca Romano and Justin Birch in tow, these Merry Men are closing out their tale with a quiver full of action, twists, and new revelations. In the indie world, it can be hard for a series to make it to a single volume, so we're beyond proud of this team for telling their complete story in a way that will appease both first-time readers and longtime fans. This is the beginning of the end!”
“This is it! Volume 3!” said David Hazan. “It's incredibly gratifying to be able to do this once again and I'm thankful to all the fans who took a chance on what was our first book. This is the culmination of all of our work on this series over the last 4 years, so get ready for more of our Sheriff, and more of your favorites, but...as always...don't get too attached, because in The Final Tithe, Nottingham will burn and heads will roll!”
“It's bittersweet knowing this is the end, but if you're gonna go out - go out with a bang!” said Shane Connery Volk. “Nottingham Vol. 3 is the Sheriff's worst day on the job yet. Time to burn the whole thing down!”
“Ah, poor Ev – A life in servitude to others,” said Luca Romano. “Beaten and beater, over and over. Is it guilt that brought you back to the usurped lion's den, even though you had a once in a lifetime chance to walk away with a clean slate? Is it duty? A misplaced sense of honor? No matter now, the Lion is back, and all you'll find for certain in the streets of Nottingham are misery and death.”
Nottingham #11, the first chapter of the five-part, monthly The Last Tithe story arc, hits shelves April 10th. Covers A and B by Shane Connery Volk and Luca Romano.
