AfterShock has revealed “Dark Ark: Instinct” will be their Free Comic Book Day offering in May. Series writer Cullen Bunn (“Unholy Grail,” “Witchhammer”) will be joined by guest artist Jesús Hervás (“Tomorrow,” “Penny Dreadful”) on the issue, with Juancho Velez on colors and Dave Sharpe on letters, and a cover by regular “Dark Ark” artist Juan Doe. The original “Dark Ark” series and its continuation, “Dark Ark: After the Flood,” tells the story of the sorcerer Shrae, who builds an ark to save all of the mystical beasts and creatures of the world before the Creator sends an apocalyptic flood. “Dark Ark: Instinct” is a 32-page, one-shot story set in the early days of the ark’s voyage.
Writer Cullen Bunn says that “Dark Ark: Instinct” is meant to be standalone story that introduces readers to the world of “Dark Ark.” AfterShock’s Editor-in-Chief, Mike Marts, says “‘Dark Ark: Instinct’ is our gift to the fans who’ve made ‘Dark Ark’ and ‘Dark Ark: After the Flood’ two of our most popular and talked-about titles over the past few years. Fans of the series and new readers alike are in for a treat with this free, special edition single issue from AfterShock and one of the most sought-after storytellers in the industry.”
The original “Dark Ark” series ran for fifteen issues that are collected in three trade paperbacks. “Dark Ark: After the Flood” picks up where “Dark Ark” ends and is currently on its second issue. “Dark Ark: Instinct” will be available for free from comic book retailers on the annual Free Comic Book Day event on Saturday May 2, 2020.
Press release:
AfterShock Comics Announces A Brand New One-Shot from the World of DARK ARK on Free Comic Book Day 2020
DARK ARK: INSTINCT from Creator Cullen Bunn
Debuts on Saturday, May 2nd
Los Angeles, CA (December 19, 2019) – AfterShock Comics, the industry’s fastest growing independent publishing company, announces the release of an all-new one-shot from the critically-acclaimed world of DARK ARK, written by title creator Cullen Bunn (UNHOLY GRAIL, BROTHERS DRACUL, WITCH HAMMER, Deadpool, Venom) and illustrated by Jesus Hervas (Penny Dreadful, Lucas Stand) with cover by Juan Doe (ANIMOSITY: THE RISE, AMERICAN MONSTER, WORLD READER).
Debuting on Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) in May 2020, DARK ARK: INSTINCT is an extension of the sinister DARK ARK world, in which evil powers have commanded the sorcerer Shrae to build an ark and save all monsters and mythical creatures after the Creator moved to destroy the world by way of flood.
“DARK ARK: INSTINCT is our gift to the fans who’ve made DARK ARK and DARK ARK: AFTER THE FLOOD two of our most popular and talked-about titles over the past few years,” said Mike Marts, AfterShock’s Editor-in-Chief. “Fans of the series and new readers alike are in for a treat with this free, special edition, single issue from AfterShock and one of the most sought-after storytellers in the industry.”
“This is a standalone DARK ARK story, something readers who have never read the series can pickup and enjoy,” said Cullen Bunn. “It’s set in the early days of the DARK ARK’S voyage, and I think it gives readers a great idea about the types of stories they can expect from the main book.”
As in years past, AfterShock will support the release of its FCBD title with targeted promotional support designed to reach out to readers and direct them to their local comic shops. This will include an online advertising campaign featuring links to stores that include DARK ARK: INSTINCT among their FCBD offerings.
