Yes, we did a bit of a double take too when we heard this, but it’s true. Two of the most iconic names in the world of graphic novels – writer Warren Ellis and artist Michael Allred – have been brought together for the first time by Bacardi rum to create The Spirit of Bacardí, a graphic novel that tells the stories behind the brand and the company’s origins in Cuba.
For more than 150 years Bacardi has been a brand with incredible stories to tell. Since their earliest days in Cuba, the Bacardí family has boldly faced and overcome earthquakes, fire, revolution, prohibition, and exile.
The Spirit of Bacardí will focus on Emilio Bacardí – son of Bacardí creator Don Facundo Bacardí Massó – and his tireless work for Cuban independence from Spain in the late 1800s. Emilio Bacardí was repeatedly imprisoned and exiled for his belief in an independent Cuba, but persevered, eventually becoming the first freely-elected Mayor of Santiago de Cuba.
“Storytelling requires great characters, and in Emilio Bacardí we have exactly that,” says Warren.”Emilio was a patriot, passionate about his homeland of Cuba. My focus was to bring his drive and determination to life.”
“Working on this project gave me the chance to bring to life a time and a place I’ve never worked with before – Cuba in the late nineteenth century,” said Michael.
This project follows the launch of “Bacardí – Untameable Since 1862,” a new global campaign that inspires consumers to embrace life and live boldly to showcase their own “Irrepressible Spirit.”
• The Spirit of Bacardí will be available as a digital download from bacardi.com/spiritofbacardi on 6th August 2014
• Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATnzOIJxJIE&feature=youtu.be
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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: Digital Comics, downthetubes Comics News, Featured News
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