The fantasy world of Asunda is heading to the big screen, and this weekend, fans can dive into its origins in a major way.
Ahead of Emerald City Comic Con at the Seattle Convention Center, AIPT can exclusively reveal the full first issue of The Untamed, the graphic novel that recently made headlines after The Hollywood Reporter announced its film adaptation in development with EGOT winner Viola Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions.
The reveal arrives just as Stranger Comics prepares a packed weekend of exclusives and programming at Emerald City Comic Con, where the publisher will be stationed at Summit Booth #25001.
A revenge tale that launched a universe
Created by Stranger Comics founder Sebastian A. Jones, The Untamed: A Sinner’s Prayer introduced readers to one of the most pivotal stories in the world of Asunda. The graphic novel follows a mysterious gunslinger known only as the Stranger, who returns to the outlaw town of Oasis after making a dark bargain.
He has seven days to collect the souls of the seven people responsible for the murder of his wife and child. If he fails, there will be consequences far worse than death.
Along the way, he encounters Niobe, a young orphan whose presence begins to shift his path from vengeance toward something more complicated. Niobe would later grow into the central figure of the wider Asunda saga, making her first appearance in The Untamed before starring in titles like Niobe: She Is Life.
The character quickly gained attention when Niobe: She Is Life became the first nationally distributed comic with a Black female writer, actress Amandla Stenberg, a Black female artist Ashley A. Woods, and a Black female lead.
Since then, the Asunda universe has expanded through multiple books, including Niobe: She Tribe, which Jones co-created with actress Thuso Mbedu.
The Untamed heads to Hollywood
Interest in the series surged again recently after The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that The Untamed is in development as a feature film.
The project will be produced by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon through JuVee Productions, alongside Simon Swart and Andrew Cosby of Homeworld Entertainment. Jones will write the screenplay and direct.
Set in the brutal frontier town of Oasis, the story blends fantasy, western influences, and emotional drama. Jones describes the story as a revenge tale wrapped inside a larger question about redemption.
“Would you damn your family to save the world? That is the question the Untamed asks. But it’s really about second chances. What would we do to show our loved ones that we can be better – and what would we do to save them?”
Jones has often described the tone as drawing inspiration from Spaghetti Westerns and Kurosawa epics, set within a fantasy landscape that is both beautiful and dangerous.
Emerald City Comic Con exclusives
Stranger Comics is celebrating the growing excitement around Asunda with a full lineup of exclusives at Emerald City Comic Con this weekend.
Fans visiting Summit Booth #25001 will find several limited convention releases, including:
- Four exclusive variants of Tales of Asunda Volume 3: The Untamed – Wishing Well #1
- Two Jaycen Wise exclusive trade editions
- A special limited edition art print
The publisher will also host a panel featuring Sebastian A. Jones on Thursday at 1:30 PM in Room 342 titled “How to Take Your Idea From Concept to Creation.”
During the session, Jones will discuss the journey of building the Niobe and Asunda franchises, including how the comics evolved into film and television opportunities. Attendees will also hear advice for aspiring creators and have a chance to win free books.
Enter the world of Asunda
Stranger Comics’ publishing line centers on Asunda, an interconnected fantasy universe rooted in Afro-fantasy themes while exploring emotional and mythic storytelling that resonates across cultures.
At the center of that world stands Niobe Ayutami, a heroine born half tribal elf and half human. She is the heir to two rival nations and caught between cosmic forces that view her as their champion.
With The Untamed now headed to film and new comics arriving at Emerald City Comic Con, the franchise continues to expand.
For readers curious where it all began, the full first issue offers the perfect starting point.
Scroll down to read the exclusive first issue of The Untamed.
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