Dark Horse Comics has revealed a new four-issue series by Rich Douek (Drive Like Hell) and Gavin Smith, Nicholas Burgdort, and Justin Birch called Heartpiercer. Due out in comic shops on May 15th, the dark fantasy tale is about a fight against world-ending doom after the last unicorn dies at the hands of one who thought she was saving the world.
“Fantasy is the first genre I fell in love with as a reader,” admits writer Rich Douek. “And my earliest work in comics is deeply rooted in it. In a lot of ways, Heartpiercer is a return to my roots as a writer; an epic, dark fantasy about love, vengeance, and coming to terms with the sins of your past. I can’t wait for readers to see the world we’ve built.”
So what’s Heartpiercer about?
Atala thought she was saving the world from monsters, but hunting great supernatural beasts brought doom instead. Tricked into killing the last unicorn, betrayed by her lord and left for dead, Atala awakens in a dark world overrun by nightmares. Broken and ashamed, now Atala seeks revenge, and rises to save the world from darkness.
“Heartpiercer is the type of comic I’ve wanted to make for a long time,” adds artist Gavin Smith. “Being able to dive into the world of horror and fantasy and really let loose with these characters has been wild… and we’re just scratching the surface of what Rich and I are capable of doing with this world.”
MILWAUKIE, Ore., (January 24, 2023)—Presenting a new dark fantasy tale, writer Rich Douek (Drive Like Hell, Gutter Magic), artists Gavin Smith (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dead Legends) and Nicholas Burgdorf (Of Bitter Souls), letterer Justin Birch (Dead Mall, Sea of Sorrows), and Dark Horse Comics invite readers to the immersive and dark world of Heartpiercer. Join the fight against world-ending doom after the last unicorn dies at the hands of one who thought she was saving the world.
“Fantasy is the first genre I fell in love with as a reader,” admits writer Rich Douek. “And my earliest work in comics is deeply rooted in it. In a lot of ways, Heartpiercer is a return to my roots as a writer; an epic, dark fantasy about love, vengeance, and coming to terms with the sins of your past. I can’t wait for readers to see the world we’ve built.”
“Heartpiercer is the type of comic I’ve wanted to make for a long time,” adds artist Gavin Smith. “Being able to dive into the world of horror and fantasy and really let loose with these characters has been wild… and we’re just scratching the surface of what Rich and I are capable of doing with this world.”
Atala thought she was saving the world from monsters, but hunting great supernatural beasts brought doom instead. Tricked into killing the last unicorn, betrayed by her lord and left for dead, Atala awakens in a dark world overrun by nightmares. Broken and ashamed, now Atala seeks revenge, and rises to save the world from darkness.
Heartpiercer #1 (of 4) arrives in comic shops May 15, 2024. Pre-order now for $3.99 wherever you get your comics.
Praise for Drive Like Hell:
“Rich Douek…has crafted a thrilling plot that is both engaging and suspenseful. Another aspect that stands out in Drive Like Hell #1 is the pacing. The story moves quickly, never letting readers get bored or lose interest. Each scene flows seamlessly into the next, building towards a climax that will leave readers wanting more.”—Capes and Tights
“Douek’s words drive the story forward and make the reader eager to turn the page and see what happens next. The characters are believable and well-suited to the story, while the stakes and antagonists are compelling. Overall, it’s a crazy, bizarre and awesome story fitting of the title.”—AIPT
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