Michael Schwartz and Ismael Hernandez’s Breakout Hit ARMORED is Now a Hardcover Graphic Novel

Featuring An All-New Cover by Francesco Tomaselli And a Cover Gallery with Art by Jae Lee, David Mack, Becky Cloonan, Trevor Henderson, Matthew Therrien, Adam Riches, and Jeff Dickson.

Michael Schwartz’s comic book writing debut, ARMORED, is a spooky, supernatural story about an orphan who stumbles across a mystical suit of armor haunted by the ghost who wore it centuries ago. The charming and captivating comic, which features art by Ismael Hernandez, was praised by the likes of Dan Aykroyd and R. L. Stine. ARMORED emerged as one of 2024’s surprise hits, with multiple issues selling out at distribution and earning spots on “Best of the Year” lists, including Comic Book Couples Counseling and We Have Issues. Now, Clover Press is publishing a deluxe hardcover edition of ARMORED, featuring an all-new cover by Francesco Tomaselli, a cover gallery with art by superstars Becky Cloonan, Jeff Dickson, Trevor Henderson, Jae Lee, David Mack, Adam Riches, and Matthew Therrien, and behind-the-scenes content. This hardcover, which is lettered by Ferran Delgado and edited by Eisner-winner Chris Stevens, brings together the entire first volume of the breakout indie series, plus a 10-page bonus story originally featured in the rare half-issue from Wizards the Podcast Guide to Comics. 

“Armored was my debut comic, and the response has been nothing short of amazing,” said writer Michael Schwartz. “It’s been a bit of a sleeper hit, slowly building momentum as more readers discover it. The Kickstarter gives new readers a perfect jumping-on point, and also offers current fans a special preview of issue 6.”

Kickstarter backers will have access to a range of new exclusives, including:

• An exclusive dust jacket featuring the stunning Armored artwork by David Mack 
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• A collectible trading card set
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• Art prints by Jae Lee, David Mack, and Francesco Tomaselli
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• An exclusive Preview Comic (Issue 6) for the next story arc, featuring a cover by Jeff Dickson

Meet orphaned teen Andy, whose parents mysteriously vanished years before he was adopted at the outset of our story. When Andy starts at a new school out in the countryside, he accidentally discovers a haunted suit of armor and its ghostly keeper, Sir William. When Andy is attacked by the same mysterious creature that killed his adoptive parents’ biological son, Sir William and the suit help Andy defeat the monster — but the monster was conjured by someone, and they’ll stop at nothing to gain control of the armor. 

Sir William must train Andy to use the armor properly — not just to defeat the other creatures being summoned by the mysterious antagonist, but also to defeat an even more dangerous other-worldly being prophesied to return to Earth and take the suit of armor for its own kind. As he faces off against more and more horrifying monsters, Andy will need to learn to look within himself to find the strength to overcome his own demons in order to save the Earth. But this mystery may be bigger than just Andy and his suit…

Here’s what people are saying about ARMORED:

"It has all the elements of a great supernatural story that will transport readers. Totally recommended." -- Lotusland Comics

“Best Surprise Comic Book of 2024.”—COMIC BOOK COUPLES COUNSELING

“Michael Schwartz writes a fear-packed, suspenseful, youthful adventure with a twist that entices us to continue reading more to come.”—Dan Aykroyd Actor/Writer/Director (Ghostbusters, Blues Brothers, Nothing But Trouble) 

“A joy to read.”—AIPT Comics

“Intricate, mythology-laden lore.. There's much to recommend Armored, including fantastic artwork by Ismael Hernández, and a story that feels at once familiar and entirely new.”—CBR

“Spooky.”—IGN

“The interior art is outstanding… A proper ghost story.”—THE LETTER HACK

“A fun read and a great new twist on old-fashioned horror. I have only one question: What happens next?” —R. L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and Fear Street

“Best Indie Comic Book of 2024.”—We Have Issues

To contribute to the campaign, head to the Kickstarter. For updates, follow Clover Press on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can subscribe to the Clover Press newsletter here.