As announced this summer at San Diego Comic-Con, Invader Comics are bringing their beloved stable of titles to Lunar Distribution via the Massive Indies programme starting in October. To celebrate this renewed commitment to comic shops and retailers, Invader is launching with Jimmie Robinson’s ARTillery #1, which will be the first title to arrive in stores on October 8. It will soon be followed by the collected edition of their hit horror series, Animals, and the over-sized one-shot, Death’s Immortal Hunter, which is described as Hellblazer meets Highlander by way of Something Is Killing The Children.
“It’s been a difficult year for all of us, especially our friends working hard in the trenches of comics retail,” says Invader Comics editor-in-chief, Michael Perkins. “In finding a new home with Lunar Distribution, we’re renewing our commitment to support and encourage those key partners with a wave of fresh titles designed to appeal to a new and diverse audience. After overcoming the distribution hurdles that have challenged so many, we knew Jimmie Robinson’s ARTillery was the right book to launch with as it addresses another major issue facing our industry: the growing threat of AI!”
All human art and creativity comes from an ancient power source, amplified by magical gateways all over the world, but now a sentient AI is closing the gateways in order to control all of the world’s creative arts. As humanity loses the ability to create art, the last gateway brings the Mona Lisa to life so she can form a team of artists to steal the gateway of creativity back from the AI. Three artists are given magical abilities that transform their art into weapons: a graffiti artist, a film FX artist, and a comic book artist. Together they plan an elaborate heist to save the last gateway of creativity. Imagine Now You See Me by way of The Matrix and you’re on the right track.
Veteran writer/artist Jimmie Robinson is no stranger to comic book fans with the runaway success of titles like Bomb Queen, The Empty and Five Weapons for Image Comics. He comes to Invader Comics with a renewed passion for the medium as he enters the next phase in his career, tackling one of the most important issues facing comic creators today. Seemingly a fun, high-stakes heist story on the surface, ARTillery questions the role of art and creativity when it becomes a commodity rather than a calling.
“As an award-winning 30-year comics professional, I’m glad to have this series published by Invader Comics because they’re passionate about seeking new titles and new directions in the comic industry,” says creator Jimmie Robinson. “ARTillery was four years in the making, and it was important to take on the issue of AI in the world of art because it affects all of us. Invader allowed me the freedom to tell my story, which is the key to standing out on the shelf in today’s crowded marketplace.”
“We were immediately drawn to the story and the larger things Jimmie was trying to say with ARTillery,” adds Perkins. “As publishers whose prime directive is to find, nurture and encourage talent, as well as tell important stories, this series spoke to us on a fundamental level. We may not have all the answers just yet, but if we keep asking the right questions then we’ll get there.”
Take a look at preview pages from the book below:
Jimmie Robinson’s ARTillery #1 arrives in stores on Wednesday, October 8, while the Animals: Outbreak TPB (Lunar Code: 0925MP0813) and Death’s Immortal Hunter #1 (Lunar Code: 0925MP0826) are coming up for FOC (Final Order Cut-off) on Monday, September 29. If you’re looking to check out any of these titles then you need to let your local comic shop retailer know today! Join the Invasion and hop on board with these incredible offerings which are finally making their debut at retail through Lunar Distribution.
