Red Rising: Sons of Ares out now from Dynamite Entertainment

By John Freeman on May 12, 2017

Red Rising: Sons of Ares 1 – Cover A by Toby Cypress

On sale now from Dynamite Entertainment is a great-looking title penned by British author Rik Hoskin alongside the author of the books the series is based on, Pierce Brown – Red Rising: Sons of Ares.

With art by Eli Powell (Yakuza Demon Killers, The 13th Artifact) the in-continuity series is inspired by the best-selling YA series Red Rising and offers a story of love and loss and rage.

In the future, when mankind has spread across the stars, the hierarchy of man is dictated by the colour of one’s caste. The Golds rule all, but what will happen when one falls for a lowly Red? See how a forbidden love will set the course of events for the future and lead to the formation of the formidable Sons of Ares.

Rik is also writer of Heroes of Skyrealm and Brandon Sanderson’s White Sand.

“It’s always enjoyable working with talented people like Pierce — and everyone else on this book,” he says of the new series. “Working with talented people drives everyone involved to do better.

“The most difficult aspect has been trying to stay as faithful to Pierce’s Red Rising world as I can while introducing it to a new audience, because it’s a rich world with its own language, quirks and culture. Pierce has made that easy by being intrinsically involved right from the start — this is very much a collaboration.

“The most enjoyable aspect has been working with editor Kevin Ketner, who’s driving everyone to do their best … and then better it! Seeing the artwork coming through is always a thrill and we have such a talented team of artist, colourist and an amazing letterer.”

• Red Rising: Sons of Ares #1 is on sale now in all good comic shops | Buy it online from Forbidden Planet (using this link helps support downthetubes)

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.