Dark Horse Comics has announced new four-part series The Adventures of Lumen N., a new steampunk adventure set at the turn of the 20th century written by James Robinson (Starman, Los Monstruos), penciled by Phil Hester (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, The Wretch), inked by Marc Deering (Black Panther, Hunt.Kill.Repeat) colored by Bill Crabtree, and lettered by Jim Campbell. Issue #1 will be available in September 2025 and will feature main cover art by Hester and variant covers by Mark Buckingham, Duncan Fegredo, Max Fiumara, and Dan Brereton.
The year is 1901 and our heroine Lumen is a precocious 13-year-old with many questions about her life. Why has her father been gone for years? Why must she learn so many languages and fighting techniques and what’s with all the lessons in seafaring? Then an attack on her home by a horde of steampunk assassins delivers the first glimmer of an answer, when Lumen’s savior reveals himself as her grandfather, the legendary Captain Nemo, one of the greatest characters in Victorian science-fiction literature. A brand-new world of steampunk adventure and thrills is about to open up for Lumen as she connects with the grandfather she never knew while together they take on a cabal of evil masterminds, intent on world domination.
“I am utterly thrilled to join forces with Phil, Marc and Bill in bringing The Adventures of Lumen N. to life,” said Robinson. “It’s an idea I’ve had for a long time, and I’m grateful for the talents of these wonderful creators in helping me bring her to life. Lumen’s story is a rollercoaster of steam-punk excitement as she evolves from a young, slightly unsure girl into a two-fisted adventuress, and I know you’ll enjoy the ride.”
Hester added, “I’ve been wanting to work with James for what seems like a lifetime, especially on a book like Lumen N. Not since my time working on Batman: The Animated Series have I contributed to a project that, while clearly all-ages, is well-made enough to appeal to even the most sophisticated audience. James, Marc, Bill & Jim are all at the top of their games, brining a book unlike any other to the market. Fun, scary, smart, light, thrilling, historical, and witty, each page turn plunges you into a different genre and mood. Lumen N is a book meant to be shared, and I hope you will let us share it with you.”
And Deering said, “I am incredibly lucky to be teamed with 3 of comics greatest, James, Phil and Bill, on such an awesome book. I’ve been having the time of my life working on Lumen N. I can’t wait to do more.”
The Adventures of Lumen N. #1 (of 4) releases in stores on September 3, 2025. It is now available to pre-order from your local comic shop for $4.99.
