Kicking off a groundbreaking slate of upcoming original graphic novels and media projects, Humanoids is announcing a three-book deal with Eisner Nominated writer/artist Ibrahim Moustafa. Humanoids, the Los Angeles-based publisher of some of the world’s most iconic and groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy graphic novels, will publish Moustafa’s graphic novel COUNT, a bold, science-fiction adaptation of the classic story The Count of Monte Cristo on March 16, 2021. The publisher will announce details of the other two books at a later date.
“Ibrahim Moustafa’s COUNT is phenomenal,” said Humanoids Publisher Mark Waid. “Ibrahim has taken a classic text and brought a modern sensibility to it, with widescreen storytelling and clever reinvention. This book is a signpost for the kind of graphic novels that we’ll be publishing in the months and years to come.”
COUNT follows the adventures of one Redxan Samud. Framed for treason and wrongfully imprisoned at the hands of a jealous and corrupt magistrate, Redxan Samud escapes his breathtaking hover-prison with only one thing on his mind: revenge. Samud sets out to dismantle the lives of those who have wronged him, disguised as a Man of Status with a newfound fortune at his disposal and his Automaton Retainer Unit (Aru) by his side. But as collateral damage accumulates, Samud is caught between using his new fortune for the good of the people or to pursue the revenge he so desperately desires.
“Humanoids has always been at the forefront of publishing beautifully produced, imaginative graphic novels,” said Ibrahim Moustafa. “I’m incredibly honored to have COUNT added to that pantheon, and grateful for a long-term commitment to publish more of the kinds of stories I’d like to tell.”
“With everything going on in the publishing world right now, we felt that it was important to let the creative community know that Humanoids is open for business and looking for transgressive, thought-provoking graphic novels,” said Waid. “And that’s just the beginning. It’s too early to do much more than tease our 2021 slate next year, but it’s thrilling to see so many creative voices joining Humanoids.”
Timed to Comic-Con@Home, Humanoids is announcing the all new Humanoise Podcast, hosted by Publisher Mark Waid and former Paste Magazine Comics editor Sean Edgar and featuring creative luminaries inspired by the publisher’s legacy, including Deadpool and Terminator: Dark Fate director Tim Miller, The Colour Out of Space director Richard Stanley, and I Am Mother director Grant Sputore. Other guests include comic icons such as Brian Michael Bendis and Matt Fraction, who join up-and-coming voices like Helen Mullane for an endless dive into trailblazing sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. The podcast will debut in July.
“Come for the sweeping, beautifully-drawn tale of vengeance and rebellion, stay for the really cool robot.”—Jody Houser (writer, Star Wars, Doctor Who)
“Ibrahim Moustafa is doing what many comic creators can only dream of. Writing, drawing, and creating a personal vision that no one can duplicate. In COUNT he pulls a real Edmond Dantés, disappearing for a while, only to emerge as a master of the craft.”—Nick Dragotta (storyteller, East of West)
“Ibrahim Moustafa’s COUNT is an absolutely stunning OGN, establishing him as a high caliber writer/artist well worthy of Humanoids’ rich pedigree. I cannot wait to see where he goes from here.”—Joseph Keatinge (writer, Ringside, Shutter)
“COUNT makes it extremely clear that Moustafa is one of the brightest talents in comics today.”—Nick Barber (artist, Ringside, Sony Animation)
“COUNT is an impressive book, instantly immersive with great design and sharp storytelling. Ibrahim brings a special life to this story with skilled gestures and fantastic expressions, a combination that is not seen often enough in comics. COUNT is Ibrahim’s best work to date, and that’s saying something as a longtime fan.”—Justin Greenwood (artist, Stumptown, The Fuse)
“Even when people are quietly talking, there’s a breathless quality to COUNT that pulls you along the whole way through and never runs out of steam. From bloodied fists to impossible swords, Moustafa pulls from countless genres and ideas and somehow frankensteins them all together into a swashbuckling adventure that evokes the best of what made you love comics in the first place.”—Christopher Sebela (writer, Crowded, High Crimes).
For more updates on Humanoids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For the COUNT book trailer, visit here. For the COUNT website, visit here.
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