In his latest series from AfterShock Comics, Steve Orlando explores the question of what if the world’s greatest superhero wasn’t quite as invincible as he seemed, in the pages of Project Patron.
Orlando, fresh from work run DC Comics icons such as Wonder Woman and Justice League of America, along with his creator-owned work such as Commanders in Crisis, has said that this new series is the combining two iconic storytelling modes, Curt Swan’s Superman and Mobile Suit Gundam, but also a deconstruction of the classic 1990s storyline The Death of Superman, rebuilding it into a conspiracy theory that asks questions about the nature of heroism.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Orlando said about the project:
“This is an action thriller for the present moment, where nothing is what it seems, so much we feel is real is artificial, and altruism is often greed in a well-designed mask. We want to think heroes like the Patron are real, but as with most myths ancient and modern, there’s nothing but men and women behind the wonder. And that might be scary, but it should be empowering. We make the heroes happen.”
Working with Orlando on the project is Patrick Piazzalunga, who Orlando added:
“His designs subvert expectations and give everything a lived-in, organic, rough-tech feel that sells the true emotional and physical toll of piloting the Patron Reploid. It’s perfect, and Patrick is the heart of this book.”
Project Patron written by Steve Orlando with artwork by Patrick Piazzalunga and covers by David Talaksi and Aaron Lopresti releases from AfterShock Comics on April 7, 2021.