We’ve been ginormous fans of AHOY Comics for quite some time, as the publisher is one of the stand-outs in the comic book industry that takes big risks in storytelling and social commentary, producing whip-sharp satire such as Second Coming, The Toxic Avenger, Justice Warriors, and so many more titles. Creators from Mark Russell to Matt Bors to Richard Pace and a magnificent menagerie of storytellers have made the publisher shine in just under a decade’s time.

That’s why we’re so excited for AHOY Comics’ first crowdfunding endeavor, coming soon to Kickstarter. From the creative minds of writer Mark Russell (Second Coming) and artist Russ Braun (The Boys), The Forgotten Divine is the focus of this debut campaign, which looks to offer the type of satire and biting reflection on society that we’ve come to expect from the team and AHOY Comics. Focusing on an unhoused veteran plagued by dreams of a far-flung planet, The Forgotten Divine looks to show the slippery slope that starts at good intentions and shared experience to cult-like behavior and paranoia.

Hooked? We certainly are! That’s why we’re jazzed to share TWO exclusives from the Kickstarter. First up is this press-exclusive first look at a variant cover by the phenomenal Matt Bors for the graphic novel. Gaze on its gorgeous glory!

 

Matt Bors variant cover for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE

 

And that’s not all! We have some exclusive news about the Kickstarter tiers in BOLD in the full press release below:

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)

We are so here for it! Be sure to check out the Kickstarter page to notified at the launch of AHOY Comics’ first crowdfunding campaign!