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It's any professional's dream...you work hard, pay your dues, come up with a great
idea, then BAM! You're a comics success story! The legend continues in April with the launch of the Lady Pendragon
ongoing series from Image Comics. The new series will be broken into
story arcs with an overall story line that weaves each arc together.
The first six issue story arc is titled Lady Pendragon: Dragonblade and
introduces several new supporting characters. "The reception to the Lady Pendragon mini-series has been overwhelmingly
positive and I’m overjoyed at the prospect of doing more with the
character," says Lady Pendragon writer/creator Matt Hawkins. "I
couldn’t have done it without the support of the retail community, so I
can’t thank enough all the comic shop owners who helped promote the
book. I’ll keep my end of the bargain by putting the book out on time
and maintaining the production values seen in the mini-series." Lady Pendragon: Dragonblade #1 will be inaugurated with three covers in
the direct market. The main cover is by John Stinsman with a painted 1
in 4 variant cover by Joe Jusko and a super-rare Jae (Inhumans) Lee
glow-in-the-dark, card stock retail incentive cover. "Image Central is proud to assist Matt Hawkins in self-publishing as
exciting a book as Lady Pendragon," says Image Comics Executive
Director, Larry Marder. "I'm the person who first introduced Matt to
current ideas regarding the ways that magic and science may intersect.
Those ideas permeate Lady Pendragon. Plus, I'm a huge fan of all forms
of Arthurian Romance, so, needless to say, I have great enthusiasm for
the type of story that Matt is telling." "The initial sales on the Lady Pendragon mini-series were strong and
sell-through and reorder activity exceeded all of our expectations to
the point that there were not enough copies to fulfill retailer
demand," says Image Comics Director of Sales Bob Matson. "Retailers
have really responded to the top notch stories, artwork, gorgeous covers
and the absolutely key factor of on time shipping. Look at Lady
Pendragon to be one of the strongest new titles in ’99." The first issue’s solicitation copy reads as follows:
The legend continues with an all-new adventure that launches the ongoing
series! When Jennifer Drake pulled the sword from the stone, magic
returned to the earth in the present day. In the aftermath of this
apocalyptic event, many mythical creatures and horrors from beyond the
pale have awoken to reclaim their lost legacy. Merlin begins to train
Jennifer to control the power that comes with the heritage of the
Pendragon, but she soon discovers that his agenda does not match her
own. On the timeless Isle of Avalon, Guinevere uncovers the truth behind
the birth of Jennifer Drake and prepares for her most daring adventure
yet. What is the Spear of Destiny and what is its connection to
Excalibur and the other swords of power? What is the real mission of
the Priestess from the future? What does the rise of the Fourth Reich
have to do with anything? Find out in the ongoing saga of Lady
Pendragon! "I’ve done a ton of new research on the theories that were first
expounded in the Lady Pendragon mini-series," continues Hawkins.
"Morris Berman’s theory of magic and electromagnetism being generated
from the same energy and its relationship to King Arthur and Excalibur
was the basis for the subplot of magic returning to the earth in the
mini-series. I’ve uncovered some amazing new theories about history and
time and their relationship to science and magic. I’ll be expanding on
all of these in the story and in the appendix as the series unfolds." Lady Pendragon will also be featured in a special two part story with
Brigid the Protector in Lady Pendragon/More than Mortal in May and More
than Mortal/Lady Pendragon in June. "Huh? It’s an unknown property that lacks name-value creators. So how
the hell did Lady Pendragon hit "Top 100" at all? Try Matthew Hawkins,
the book’s creator and a veteran comic marketer. Well before Lady
Pendragon premiered, Hawkins marshaled an armada of Lady Pendragon
action figures, variant covers and exclusive deals. He scheduled an
extensive tour through dozens of stores with portfolio reviews for fans.
If enthusiasm and shrewd marketing leads to sales, other publishers
could learn a bit from Lady Pendragon." The launch of Lady Pendragon: Dragonblade #1 will be supported with
extensive advertising and promotion in Wizard, Comic Shop News and
Comic’s Buyer’s Guide. A large promotional poster will be shipped to
each comic book retailer with 20,000 slated as giveaways at conventions
and store signings throughout the winter and spring. A Merlin action
figure, a Lady Pendragon mini-bust, T-shirts, a Celtic Cross, a special
life-size Lady Pendragon Excalibur sword and several other specialty
merchandise items will be released during the first story arc to
compliment the sales of the book. Swords clash this Spring as Lady Pendragon and Brigid the Protector from
More Than Mortal meet in a special two issue story arc launching from
Image Comics in May ’99. The creative joint venture between More than
Mortal writers Sharon and Matthew Scott and Lady Pendragon
creator/writer Matt Hawkins seems almost destined. "More than Mortal is a fabulous book and one of the few series that has
a story line that naturally crosses into Lady Pendragon’s world," says
Lady Pendragon writer/creator Matt Hawkins. "The story takes place
within the continuity of both series and will have lasting ramifications
in both series." "Since the beginning, we've had a lot of interest from other creators in
teaming up," adds Sharon Scott, writer/creator for More Than Mortal.
"However, we felt is was paramount to clearly establish our characters
and story line first. I feel like we have now reached that goal. The premise
behind Lady Pendragon is fantastic, and I think we have some exciting
new surprises planned for the readers in this project." The two cross-over books ship in May and June of ’99 respectively and
both will be $2.50. A special T-shirt, posters and a host of other
licensed materials will be made available during the heavy promotional
campaign. Veteran penciler Dan Norton (X-Men, WildCats, Black Ops) has signed on
to pencil Image and Liar Comics joint production of Lady Pendragon/More
Than Mortal. Norton joins the creative teaming of writers Sharon Scott
and Matt Hawkins and inker Jag for the two issue collaborative effort
slated for a May, June release. "Out of a long list of artists Dan was at the top," says More than
Mortal writer/creator Sharon Scott. "We were all very excited when he
agreed to do it. The story has a much lighter theme than normal issues
of More than Mortal and Lady Pendragon and Dan’s story really brings
that sense of fun to life." "I’ve watched Dan’s work for quite a while now," says Lady Pendragon
creator/writer Matt Hawkins. "He’s an incredible talent and I’m glad
we’re finally able to work together on this project. He’s turned in the
first batch of pages already and they are awesome." Solicitation for Lady Pendragon/More than Mortal #1: The battle of the 6th century is on! Image and Liar Comics unite to
bring to life the tale of two great warriors who will meet one another
on the battlefield of an age-old feud: Britain v. Ireland, Pendragon v.
Protector. Guinevere has come to the Emerald Isle, seeking guidance
from her only remaining friend in the Catholic Church--Saint Patrick.
Soon after her arrival, she uncovers an Irish plot to murder her aging
friend. Caring little for Pendragon’s plight, Brigid takes up arms
against Patrick, an English-born priest who seeks to turn the
Protector’s people against their ancient traditions. Witness the
tension as Ireland's Protector clashes swords with England's Leading
Lady, as worlds collide and threaten to change history as we know it. The two cross-over books ship in May and June of ’99 respectively and
both will be $2.50. A special T-shirt, posters and a host of other
licensed materials will be made available during the heavy promotional
campaign. Secrets and origins revealed! A mysterious woman garbed in a darker version of
the mantle of the Pendragon has watched from the shadows as Jennifer Drake pulled
the sword from the stone and became the Pendragon. Who is she and what is her
connection to both Jennifer Drake and Guinevere? Find out in a tale that spans
thirty centuries and features all of the characters from the past and present
storylines and more! As an added bonus, Lady Pendragon #0 will be chock full of
sketches, behind-the-scene information and a special first look at the upcoming
Lady Pendragon ongoing series that launches next month! Lady Pendragon Wizard World Chicago Comicon Preview
by Matt Hawkins, John Stinsman and Karl Altstaetter The legend continues with an all-new adventure that launches the ongoing series!
When Jennifer Drake pulled the sword from the stone, magic returned to the earth in
present day. In the aftermath of this apocalyptic event, many mythical creatures
and horrors from beyond the pale have awoken to reclaim their lost legacy.
Merlin begins to train Jennifer to control the power that comes with the heritage
of the Pendragon, but she soon discovers that his agenda does not match her own.
On the timeless Isle of Avalon, Guinevere uncovers the truth behind the birth of
Jennifer Drake and prepares for her most daring adventure yet. What is the Spear
of Destiny and what is its connection to Excalibur and the other swords of power?
What is the real mission of the Priestess from the future? What does the rise of
the Fourth Reich have to do with anything? Find out in the ongoing saga of Lady
Pendragon! Get medieval with the inaugural image of Lady Pendragon! 100% cotton, the Lady
Pendragon T-shirt is black with the Lady Pendragon logo on the front and this high
quality image on the back. Available in large and extra-large. HOBBY MARKET EXCLUSIVE! Straight from the pages of the comic book comes the Lady
Pendragon action figure. Immaculately painted and incredibly detailed, this 6 1/2"
action figure is being exclusively offered to the direct market! This figure comes
with multiple accessories including the fabled Excalibur sword, the spear of Destiny
and a battle-damaged Templar shield in a brightly illustrated blister package that will
leap off the shelves! Each case of six (6) figures contains one paint variation that is
actually taken from the continuity of the comic book (no ridiculous paint variations).
The ongoing series continues! Jennifer Drake is finally confronted by the woman
wearing the dark mantle of the Pendragon. Morgana unites the sword Draconis with
a malevolent entity of the Dark Arts—with cataclysmic results! Dragons and other
magical beasts return to wreak havoc on earth. Merlin has to choose between
conscience and destiny as the history of Atlantis rises to force his hand.
On Avalon, Guinevere realizes the implications of sending Excalibur forward in
time and must break her sacred vows. All that and the rise of the 4th Reich in the
continuing saga of Lady Pendragon. The battle of the 6th century is on! Image and Liar Comics unite to
bring to life the tale of two great warriors who will meet one another
on the battlefield of an age-old feud.
Recent News
Lady Pendragon strikes again with ongoing series,
Image Pendragon series expands to monthly series
Lady Pendragon clashes swords with More Than Mortal,
Historic heroines team up in special two part story
Dan Norton to illustrate Lady Pendragon/More Than Mortal X-Over
Upcoming releases
Such is the life of Matt Hawkins, whose Lady Pendragon title from Image Comics will
go monthly this April. Hawkins spent several years working alongside Rob Liefeld at
Awesome Comics as both editor and marketing coordinator before hitting on the idea
behind Lady Pendragon--a modern take on the King Artur mythos with Queen Guienvere
as the heroine
After a 1996 one-shot, Hawkins put out a 1998 mini-series that virtually guaranteed
Guinevere's exploits would go monthly.
"The response to it was great," Hawkins said. "The plan has been for an ongoing series
all along, but it was great to get the confirmation."
Lady Pendragon #1 will begin a series of six-issue story arcs, the first to be
titled "Dragonblade" and drawn by John Stinsman. It will pick up on events from the
mini-series, wherein Excalibur's return to Earth wiped out the electromagnetic field.
"There was essentially an Armageddon without nuclear war," he said. "The ongoing series
will deal with what happens next."
Lady Pendragon strikes again with ongoing series,
Image Pendragon series expands to monthly series
Lady Pendragon clashes swords with More Than Mortal,
Historic heroines team up in special two part story
Dan Norton to illustrate Lady
Pendragon/More Than Mortal X-Over
Upcoming releases
LADY PENDRAGON #0
An Image Comic
(S) Matt Hawkins (A) John Stinsman, Ron Adrian and Andy Park C) Brett Evans
FC……………32 pp……………………$2.50
The first appearance of the new Lady Pendragon debuted in this special preview
edition at Wizard’s Chicago convention last summer. A special inside look at
the development of the story line with artwork by series artist John Stinsman and
Deity artist Karl Altstaetter. With an extremely limited original print run of
5,500 copies, there are very few copies remaining—allocations may occur.
B&W…(flip book format w/color covers)……………….$4.95
LADY PENDRAGON: DRAGON BLADE #1
An Image Comic
(S) Matt Hawkins (A) John Stinsman C) Brett Evans
**Joe Jusko painted variant cover (25%)
FC……………32 pp……………………$2.50
LADY PENDRAGON BLACK T-SHIRT
by John Stinsman
LADY PENDRAGON ACTION FIGURE
MSRP $14.95
LADY PENDRAGON DRAGON BLADE #2
An Image Comic
(S) Matt Hawkins (A) John Stinsman C) Brett Evans
**Brandon Peterson variant cover (1 in 4)
FC……………32 pp……………………$2.50
Lady Pendragon/More Than Mortal #1
Retail Price: $2.50
Written by: Sharon Scott/Matt Hawkins
Penciled by: Dan Norton
Format: 32 pages, full color
**1 in 4 variant cover by David Finch
Britain v. Ireland.
Pendragon v. Protector.
Guinevere has come to the Emerald Isle, seeking guidance from her only
remaining friend in the Catholic Church--Saint Patrick. Soon after her
arrival, she uncovers an Irish plot to murder her aging friend. Caring
little for Pendragon’s plight, Brigid takes up arms against Patrick, an
English-born priest who seeks to turn the Protector’s people against
their ancient traditions. Witness the tension as Ireland's Protector
clashes swords with England's Leading Lady, as worlds collide and
threaten to change history as we know it.