Author Ales Kot and penciller Adam Gorham are entering the Valiant Universe with a four issue mini-series entitled Dead Drop. The story features Archer, X-O Manowar, and more of the Valiant stable of characters. In keeping with the unexpected tone of Kot’s work, each issue follows a different character as they explore a contagion deep within the black market of New York City. The contagion is also set to have alien origins. CBR broke the news along with the first covers and interview with Kot on the tale.
“When I looked at the characters and clicked with the right ones, I did more research. I had some familiarity with the Valiant Universe,” said Kot. “I rarely read superhero comics these days. That’s not a diss — they just don’t resonate with me. So the challenge here is, how do I make a superhero comic that would resonate with me? “Secret Avengers” is a good example of me figuring that out. I want Dead Drop to be another.”
Among the characters already mentioned, some supporting cast members from the greater Valiant Universe like Detective Cujedo (Quantum and Woody) and Neville Alcot (Unity) are also included.
“Yes. I want to tell everyone who already reads Valiant comics to come in and take the ride. Then I want to steer the ride somewhere unusual and new. The strategy is calculated, but not cold.”
Those following Secret Avengers by the author have grown accustomed to the style that Kot has been writing, featuring action and Twin Peaks-style black humor. When asked what tone he would be incorporating in the series with it being either silly or dramatic, the author had this to say:
Both. And more.
With any luck it will feature the same brand of hard espionage and bloodthirsty robots that fall in love with their adversaries.
DEAD DROP #1 (of 4)
Written by ALES KOT
Art by ADAM GORHAM
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN
Cover B by ADAM GORHAM
Cover C by JUAN JOSE RYP
Cover D by BRIAN LEVEL
$3.99 US | T+ | 32 pgs. | On sale MAY 2015
Dead Drop is Dropping in May, (Sorry for that pun!)
