Daniel Freedman and CROM, the writer and artist behind the fantasy graphic novel Raiders, are reuniting for a new book from Dark Horse Comics. The publisher has announced Birdking Volume 1, the first in a series of fantasy graphic novels, set to debut later this year. The series follows a young magic user as she searches for safe haven after leaving her homeland.

Here’s how Dark Horse describes Birdking Volume 1:

Bianca, teenage apprentice to an infamous arcane blacksmith, is forced to flee her homeland and seek out Atlas, a fabled land of light ruled by “the clean god.” She is joined by a mysterious guardian spirit known only as the “BirdKing”. Together they will have to overcome dozens of enemies to reach Atlas and along the way, unravel the mystery of the BirdKing and their ancestral connection.

Dark Horse released Freedman & CROM’s Raiders, the first collaboration for the duo, in 2020. In a statement announcing their new project, the creators expressed their enthusiasm at working together again to bring Birdking to life:

“Birdking has been living in my head for years, invading my thoughts and waiting for the right story that would bring him to life in the only way a wraith of his caliber deserves. Fire, magic, undead champions, necromancers, skulls and fat swords, this book has it all. I can’t imagine a better playground to lark about in. I’m loving it.” —CROM

“When CROM came to me after Raiders with the Birdking, the entire epic unfolded in such an organic way I did not believe it. Our collaboration has never been stronger and while we have thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring this vast and distinct fantasy world, we cannot wait for readers to gain access and bask in the glory that is Birdking.” —Daniel Freedman

The 160-page Birdking Volume 1 will arrive in stores with a cover price of $19.99 on Tuesday, September 13th, 2022.

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