Image announces Monarch, a new series from Killadelphia writer Rodney Barnes, former Immortal Hulk artist Alex Lins, and Luis NCT on colors. Issue #1 goes on sale February 8, 2023 with a cover from Lins, along with a variant cover from Jason Shawn Alexander. The series blends high octane science-fiction with gritty realism, as a man is forced to deal with gangs in Compton as aliens invade the city.
“I’ve always loved films like Attack the Block and War of the Worlds, so I decided to put them together to see what would happen. The result? Monarch,” said Barnes.
Monarch also expands the line-up of comics from Barnes’s Zombie Love Studios, which is dedicated to bringing sophisticated horror to comics. The studio’s previous works include series like Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens from Image.
Lins added: “I picked up Killadelphia as a fan without knowing who Rodney was at the time. It was so captivating, I finished it in a single sitting and wanted more. Just like Killadelphia, Monarch has this great concept with a perfect rhythm and flow. But what really struck me is that whatever genre the book he tackles—be it horror or sci-fi—Rodney will make it all relatable, however far you fancy yourself to be from the reality of these characters at first. And this is what I look for in a comic and what I love to help bring to life—this has been my favorite part with Monarch, as I prefer to draw a story with people in it that are completely three dimensional, rather than ‘concept placeholders.’”
Image provided a synopsis along with a first look at issue #1:
Growing up in the city of Compton is tough enough as it is… but as Travon has learned all too well, growing up as an orphan in the city of Compton with gang members hunting you down every day is even tougher. But all of that is about to change because today is the day that aliens make first contact with Earth…and it only spells doom for life as we know it!
Death, devastation, and mayhem… Can a single teenage boy rise to the challenge to protect his surrogate family & friends…or will he die trying?
Monarch #1 will launch a new tale of love, triumph, disaster, and defeat and will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 8:
Monarch #1 Cover A by Lins – Diamond Code DEC220126
Monarch #1 Cover B by Jason Shawn Alexander – Diamond Code DEC220127
Monarch will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.