AfterShock Comics have announced “Join the Future,” a new comic book series from writer Zack Kaplan (“Eclipse,” “The Lost City Explorers”) and artist Piotr Kowalski (“Terminal Hero,” “Bloodborne”) coming next March. The comic series is set in the future, when a small town is confronted with the demands of a rival city intent on reshaping the landscape and livelihood of their borough. As the entire town’s way of life is threatened, a young girl named Clementine Libbey embarks on a quest to defend her values against the domination of the urban metropolis. Joining Kaplan and Kowalski are colorist Brad Simpson and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
In the press release, Kaplan was asked how “Join the Future” differs from his previous AfterShock title, “The Lost City Explorers.” For Kaplan, “‘The Lost City Explorers’ was edgy and modern, about young adults going on a contained subterranean adventure of mystery and exploration. While both are helmed by young adult female protagonists, ‘Join the Future’ is a grand, epic western set against a futuristic backdrop that imagines a grounded view of America as a small-town life faces its final collapse.” He continues, “In many ways, ‘Join the Future’ is both more ambitious and more heartfelt.”
Kaplan also said that Kowalski’s illustrations, paired with his colorist collaborator Brad Simpson, was fundamental to nailing the tone of the comic book. He said, “When you create an epic western in the future, simultaneously grounded and grand, that explores futuristic designs and classic western vistas and atmospheres, you need the perfect team. Piotr Kowalski, the artist, and Brad Simpson, the colorist, have become a powerful duo in the comics industry… The artwork is majestic, heartfelt and jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou is a rockstar letterer and a noteworthy addition to the team.”
“Join the Future” #1 will be available March 4, 2020 for $4.99. Following AfterShock’s recent publishing initiative, the first issue will include bonus material and will drop to $3.99 for all subsequent issues.
