In a savage post apocalyptic world where the gun has been replaced with the sword, the bullet replaced by the fist, RIVALS is a brutal, action-packed martial arts comic for old school comic book fans.
Soon launching on the crowdfunding platform Zoop, following up on its one-shot comic Kickstarter success in 2021, RIVALS is the brainchild of Yorkshire-based artist Paul Gerrard, known for his work designing characters for films such as Evil Dead Rise, TMNT, Indiana Jones 5, Dungeons & Dragons and Hellboy, with a script from comic book writer Mike Clarke (The Android’s Graveyard, Storm, Planet Eaters).
The story revolves around the character Sago Astar, a fight trainer and guard to the leader of Jaan City, Sword Dorn Haath. Although it is a fortified emporium and the one true stronghold on planet Alter, Jaan City is under constant threat from the leaders of the planet’s other six large cities, including the Gokin – a bio-mechanical and weapon-fused race, The Dark Mizus and the Iron Head Clan, amongst many other horrors.
A new action-packed and epic saga to rival all others, Paul also tells us that, alongside the comic, Druid Pictures are set to develop a TV series, RIVALS: The Loyalty of Sago Astar, starring Gary Daniels (The Expendables, Fist of the North Star), with Hollywood heavyweight Kirk Shaw (The Hurt Locker) attached as Executive Producer and Kimberly Quigley set to produce.
Paul and writer/Director Mike Clarke spent over four years developing the world of RIVALS, and are keen to bring their creations to life in comics, and on the screen.
“We’re so excited to be working with Kimberly at Druid Pictures,” Paul says. “RIVALS is huge, and it needed a huge producer to develop it.”
“It’s amazing to have Druid Pictures get behind our project,” adds Mike Clarke. “After the success of the one-shot comic, we knew we were developing something original and authentic, and Druid Pictures recognises this.”
The creative team are also thrilled Gary Daniels is attached to the planned TV show.
“When creating the world of RIVALS, I based the character of Sago on Gary Daniels, and it is an absolute honour to now officially announce his attachment to the live action show and the graphic novel series ’ said Paul.
The RIVALS TV series is in the early stages of production, with an estimated budget of $30 million and more details will be announced soon, but in the man time, savour the stunning pages Paul has shared from the upcoming comic book series – and sign up on Zoop for launch news of the crowdfunder!
Prepare for war and adventure, for it is coming in droves…
• Sign up here to get news of RIVALS launch on Zoop
• Check out finalimpactcomics.com for more of Paul’s work as an artist and illustrator
• Follow Paul on Art Station | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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.
Categories: British Comics, Comic Previews, Comics, Creating Comics, Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Television