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Iconic comic book anthology Heavy Metal is coming back
The classic sci-fi comic book series that originally debuted in 1977 is coming back 18 months after its untimely end
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18 months after disappearing from the stands seemingly for the final time, a piece of comic book history is about to make an unexpected comeback, much to the surprise — and excitement — of longtime fans… and anyone else who enjoys classic sci-fi anthology comic books. Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else: say hello to the reborn Heavy Metal.
The anthology series — which originally debuted in 1977 as a U.S. edition of the European anthology Métal Hurlant from none other than National Lampoon — is known for bringing groundbreaking creators such as Möbius, Philippe Druillet, and Alejandro Jodorowsky to American audiences, while also publishing work by talent including Milo Manara, H.R. Giger, Richard Corben, Guido Crepax, Simon Bisley, and Arthur Suydam during its initial run. That run, which officially ended in April 2023 when new publisher Massive Publishing canceled the title after just one issue, saw the magazine run through multiple owners - including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman, who owned and edited and title from 1992 through 2014 - while becoming part of mainstream counter-culture; there were even two separate animated movies released based on stories that had appeared in the series.
The new team behind the revival of the series is led by chief executive officer Marshall Lees, who’s backed by editor-in-chief Frank Forte, executive editor Dave Kelly, and editorial manager Chris Thompson.
“I have always been a huge fan of Heavy Metal and the way it influenced art and culture and exposed incredible creators to the world,” Lees said in a statement from the publisher. “The new team and I stepped in after quite a tumultuous period, so we’ve been working quietly behind the scenes to make things right and pave a way for the magazine’s return to its original boundary-pushing roots. Following that we have a host of exciting new plans for the brand that we hope fans will be really interested in.”
Work on the first issue is already underway, with plans to make the issue available for pre-order via Kickstarter in early November with a primary cover from acclaimed fantasy illustrator Greg Hildebrandt and a number of limited edition variant covers and collectibles available for backers. More information will be available in the coming weeks, according to the team; those interested can already sign up for updates.
Oh, and those curious what the “exciting new plans for the brand” might entail? The team has already come up with a motto that might thrill the faithful: “We’re here to make Heavy Metal heavy again.”
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