The Indonesian comics scene is spotlighted in Beyondtopia Legends, a three issue deluxe anthology series coming from Bryan Valenza (Marvel, Image,…), Henry Barajas (HELM GREYCASTLE, LA VOZ DE M.A.Y.O.: TATA RAMBO, BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS) and Fabrice Sapolsky’s Fairsquare Publishing line this November.
The series reimagines a variety of Indonesian folklore,, heroes and legends with stories illustrated by a variety of Indonesian artists, showcasing the talent available in the growing comics market. Artists include Sami Basri (HARLEY QUINN, GREEN LANTERN), Garrie Gastonny (ODYSSEY) and more.
The line-up
- Bandits of Batavia features Black Bull, an immortal bandit fighting to retrieve stolen sacred artifacts.
- Ommatidium is set in a dystopian future where ghosts can be scientifically explained. It stars a team dealing with paranormal activities with pretty unusual methods…
- Prince of Apes depicts a world where an outbreak changed everything. After losing her boyfriend, Yuxi meets Hyang-Ji and his spirit companion, Prabhu, the Ape Prince, a supernatural being determined to save the world from the horrors it created.
- Witch Agent Galica: A case of missing children, terror everywhere: London seems to be demons’ favorite playground. But Galica stands up and is determined to find who’s behind all this.
- Peligrosa: Some would say: “What ‘s up, Danger?” We say… ¿Qué pasa peligrosa? And, boy, the young Latine vigilante IS dangerous. She patrols the streets, saving kids from both ICE and mobsters.
The series was the brainchild of Valenza, who says “I’ve had this whole universe in me for so long. All the pieces finally came together to create an amazing series: my Indonesian background, my personal and professional relationship with Henry, a group of fantastic artists and a publisher that understands our vision. After all these years, I almost have to pinch myself that Beyondtopia Legends has become a reality and it’s only the beginning!”
Barajas was brought on to flesh out the stories, and added that he was thrilled to be working with Valenza and “his amazing crew of artists based in Indonesia, who are some of the best of the best in the industry.”
Sapolsky’s FairSquare Comics imprint has been around since 2019 with the goal to “give more exposure to diverse voices and more generally under-represented creators of the world; an objective emphasized in our company’s mantra: “Comics from the rest of us”. Of Beyondtopia, Sapolsky says “I’ve known Bryan and Henry for some time now. They’re, obviously, both insanely talented. When Henry told me about this project, I immediately knew FairSquare Comics was the perfect home for it. We have so much in common. And ever since we’ve signed our agreement, we’ve been working closely with Bryan and Henry to bring their vision to stores. Beyondtopia Legends is an important project for FairSquare Comics as it takes our Direct Market program to the next level.”
BEYONDTOPIA LEGENDS#1 will debut at NYCC ‘22 with the first issue showcasing exclusive covers by Stephen Segovia, Philip Tan & Karen S. Darboe. Valenza and Barajas will be attending alongside the FairSquare Comics team in Artist Alley.
Ordering info:
BEYONDTOPIA LEGENDS #1(OF 3). IN STORES NOVEMBER 2nd, 2022
Size: 6.625×10.2”. 60 PAGES. FULL COLOR. SQUARE BOUND. DELUXE EDITION. MATURE READERS
SEP221587 BEYONDTOPIA LEGENDS #1 CVR A SEGOVIA
SEP221588 BEYONDTOPIA LEGENDS #1 CVR B TAN
SEP221589 BEYONDTOPIA LEGENDS #1 CVR C DARBOE
COVER D_ STEPHEN SEGOVIA #LIMITED EDITION CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE#…$30
(Only available at New York Comic Con, Baltimore Comic Con and on the FairSquare Comics Webstore, while supplies last).
