AHOY Comics Launches its Debut Kickstarter For THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE from Mark Russell and Russ Braun
Featuring Righteous Variant Covers by Mark Russell, Russ Braun, and Matt Bors
And A Slew of Unforgettable Campaign-Exclusive Extras
Since 2018, Syracuse-based indie publisher AHOY Comics has made its reputation on witty satires, acclaimed creators, and a commitment to bold and risk-taking storytelling. Now the funnybook publisher behind The Toxic Avenger, Second Coming, Justice Warriors, The Wrong Earth and more is launching its debut Kickstarter for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE, a satirical science fiction drama from writer Mark Russell (SECOND COMING) and artist Russ Braun (The Boys). THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE will be the first of AHOY’s new AHOY Select line, their pop-up imprint for direct to consumer releases. The inaugural campaign from the publisher that asks its readers to Expect More will offer exclusive campaign-only covers, unique AHOY goodies, and more tantalizing perks yet to be announced. Sign up here to be notified when the campaign goes live.
“THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE is about why people join cults, assign meaning to mysteries, and find comfort in their own persecution,” said writer Mark Russell. “I feel like we can all either relate to these characters or see someone we know in them. We’re all looking for our Forgotten Divine.”
Meet Rodney Coleman, an unhoused veteran whose sleep is haunted by dreams of a faraway planet. (At least, he thinks they’re dreams.) Soon Coleman connects with others plagued by dreams of the same world and finds himself at the head of a UFO cult. The group's shared effort to understand their visions is heartfelt at first—but over time it descends into unreality, conspiracy, paranoia, violence, and conceivably… revelation.
“THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE is a challenging story, both to read and to draw,” said artist Russ Braun. “The subtleties involved in the storytelling required a lot of thought; the slow evolution, ramp up, and ultimate impact is a testament to Mark's writing. Visually, we got to put some stuff out there that hasn't been seen before and that's always a blast for me. We took some risks, but I think AHOY, Mark, and I are known for that and it definitely paid off.”
The campaign includes a slew of unique tiers and exclusive extras that only the “Expect More-igans” at AHOY could dream up, including a paperback edition signed by writer Mark Russell; exclusive hardcover editions featuring variant covers by Russ Braun, Matt Bors, and Mark Russell; enamel pins featuring AHOY fan-favorite characters; prints; bathrobes; hour-long Zoom calls with Mark Russell, Russ Braun, and Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer; and (most crucially) a virtual lock of Tom Peyer’s hair. More extras and add-ons will be announced during the campaign.
"Mark thinks deeply, and his ideas are often challenging and original. But for me it's his command of character that really puts his stories over the top,” said Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer. “He's interested in people—and you can say the same about Russ. You won't see better 'acting' in a comic; the emotions he portrays are nuanced and completely on-target. If we read stories to be less alone, Mark and Russ consistently crush the assignment."
Not convinced yet? Well, tough cookie, we asked one of the world's funniest men to read the book, and he said this entirely of his own free will…
“Russell and company have produced yet another poignant, hilarious, and so-true-it-stings look at the times we’re living in — and what might be in store. I never miss a Mark Russell book, ever.
—Patton Oswalt (Minor Threats)
Visit the campaign for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE here: https://www.kickstarter.com/
For more updates on AHOY Comics, visit them on X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram.
Comments
Post a Comment