Arris Quinones, the host of YouTube channel Variant Comics, is working alongside co-writer Frank Barbiere (“Avengers World,” Destiny 2), artist Ruarí Coleman (“Cloak and Dagger,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”), colorist Lauren Affe (“Buzzkill,” “The Ghostfleet”), letterer Taylor Esposito, and designer Dylan Todd on the comiXology Original series “Astonishing Times.” The five-issue miniseries puts a 21st-century spin on street-perspective superhero stories like “Marvels,” and follows Noah Sans, a reporter for The Sentinel, as he chronicles the decaying relevance of superheroes in a world that has moved past them.
The book takes place 15 years after ‘the Cataclysm,’ a superhero crisis that seems to have been forgotten, with Noah seeking to change that cultural memory by reminding people of how heroes inspired them. He becomes embroiled in the investigation of a murder that puts him on a collision course with the hero he has idolized for years. As Noah confronts the secret history of his idol, he’s left knowing the world can’t be the same again.
“We wanted to create a project that catered to our passion for the genre and ‘Astonishing Times’ is our love letter to the medium of comics and a celebration of superheroes old and new,” said Barbiere. “Together, we hope to inspire a new generation of fans young and old and remind us all that heroes are everywhere.”
“It’s no secret that I love superhero stories,” said Quinones. “In fact, I co-created a whole YouTube channel dedicated to them. ‘Astonishing Times’ focuses on the superhero’s ability to inspire good acts and takes a look at the importance of journalism in spreading goodwill and positivity.”
“Astonishing Times” #1 releases July 27 with a cover by Ruarí Coleman. It will be available for free to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited, and Prime Reading users.
