Today, AIPT can exclusively reveal a new series from Dark Horse Comics and Michael Avon Oeming: William of Newbury, a four-issue series beginning in May 2024. Set in an anthropomorphic universe, the titular character is a Racoon fighting against evil wherever it rears its ugly head, and not even the Church itself can stop him! If you’ve been reading AIPT over the years, you know Oeming is known for his incredible characters, art, and stories with depth.
“William of Newbury wrote the first history of England,” said Oeming. “Which included accounts of the undead rising from graves and demons flying in the air. I love weird history and William personified it. Come and have some spooky fun with me; Newbury is a safe place to be scared!”
So what’s William of Newbury about?
William of Newbury is a tale suitable for all ages, fit for lovers of history, the supernatural and, of course, anthropomorphic folklore. William is a neurotic raccoon monk, fearful of the earthly world, but confident and unwavering in the face of true evil. He fights the dead to restore the peace, but his brother is intent on stopping him, fearing for his very soul! With untold darkness threatening the quaint and cute, yet deadly, town of Newbury, William will have to negotiate with thieves, evade his brother and the church, and battle with the undead and evil spirits!
The tale is loosely based on real events in 12th-century England during what was known as “The Anarchy,” a time when the country was beset with plague, civil war, and demons. Fans can purchase William of Newbury #1 in comic shops on May 29, 2024.
Check out the cover by Oeming below.
MILWAUKIE, Ore., (January 16, 2024)— From the co-creator of the Eisner Award-winning Powers, comes a brand-new anthropomorphic supernatural series where supernatural evils must be fought at all costs! Dark Horse Comics and Michael Avon Oeming (The Victories, Blue Book) present William of Newbury, a four-issue series beginning in May 2024.
William of Newbury is a tale suitable for all ages, fit for lovers of history, the supernatural and, of course, anthropomorphic folklore. William is a neurotic raccoon monk, fearful of the earthly world, but confident and unwavering in the face of true evil. He fights the dead to restore the peace, but his brother is intent on stopping him, fearing for his very soul! With untold darkness threatening the quaint and cute, yet deadly, town of Newbury, William will have to negotiate with thieves, evade his brother and the church, and battle with the undead and evil spirits!
“William of Newbury wrote the first history of England,” said Oeming. “Which included accounts of the undead rising from graves and demons flying in the air. I love weird history and William personified it. Come and have some spooky fun with me; Newbury is a safe place to be scared!”
Loosely based on real events in 12th century England during what was known as “The Anarchy,” a time where the country was beset with plague, civil war and demons, William of Newbury #1 (of 4) arrives in comic shops May 29, 2024. Pre-order at your local comic shop, bookstore, Amazon or Barnes and Noble for $4.99.
Praise for William of Newbury:
“I became a fan of Michael Oeming’s work from the first time I read Powers, and Willam of Newbury just makes me appreciate his work even more with his beautiful storytelling, artwork, and research into creating such a unique world and characters. If you are not already an Oeming fan this will make you one!”—Stan Sakai
“Historical sources? A Raccoon who turns unsettled spirits? Threading the needle with a bit of Elis Peters’ strong minded monk Cadfael and a blessing of medieval ghost hunting, Mike Oeming has woven more wonderful fibers into the rich tapestry of talking animal stories with his William of Newburgh.”—David Petersen
“It’s kinda like the Exorcist meets the Secret of Nimh meets The Name of the Rose. So, of course I’m in.”—Eric Powell
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