It took a while, but we can finally pull back the curtain on a project that, in many ways, sparked the creation of Evileye Books.
Downcast is an original graphic novel series created, written and art directed by the multi-talented, Bernie Gonzalez. If Bernie's name rings a bell, it's because he's already hard at work on a crime noir series for Evileye Books, The Hard Easy. The sequential art is by Andrew Huerta, which some of you may know from his work on the Underworld comic last year.
Downcast: Crown of Ashes is book one of a four-part series, and will debut in late 2011.
Here's the official synopsis:
Taking place in a post-apocalyptic netherworld, Downcast’s sweeping narrative focuses on Sinner—a battle-weary immortal bent on living out his unending existence on the outskirts of civilization.
That is until he is offered a deal by a devil known only as Vermillion—a deal promising Sinner the closest thing to heaven he can possibly attain: the soldier’s paradise of Elysian.
In return, Sinner must find and kill Persephone, Vermillion’s former lover and queen.
If he can survive a horde of hellish creatures and withstand Persephone’s unearthly powers, Sinner can end his eternal torment and secure his only chance at salvation.
Featuring fast-paced action, gothic horror, and apocalyptic folklore, Sinner’s epic journey begins in Downcast: Crown of Ashes, an original graphic novel in the vein of Gladiator and Lord of the Rings.
Patience Has Its Benefits
We've been sitting on this announcement since late 2004.
That's not a typo.
Bernie is one of those rare talents whose vision is so complete, there are backstories to backstories and every panel and dialogue is carefully choreographed and replete with meaning. And like every artist's artist, Andrew has breathed life into every line he has set down in this 140-plus page epic. In our hurried society, with nearly non-existant attention spans, it's a miracle creators like Bernie and Andrew can exist at all, let alone comics. As you'll see by the teaser pages below, the wait has been worth it.
You can check out more preview artwork at the Evileye blog.
