David M. Booher and Drew Zucker are bringing their acclaimed all-ages fantasy series Canto to Dark Horse in summer 2024. The former IDW-published series will make its Dark Horse debut in the form of bonus-packed hardcover editions – with plans for a potential expansion of the world of Canto also on the horizon. Dark Horse has solicited Canto Volume 1: If I Only Had a Heart for June 2024, and Canto Volume 2: The Hollow Men for July 2024.
According to the Dark Horse press release:
“Dark Horse Comics is joining forces with Eisner- and GLAAD Award-nominated writer David M. Booher, along with artist Drew Zucker, to present the world of Canto to a new audience. The creative team includes colorist Vittorio Astone and letterer Andworld Design, who together present a fantastical modern fairytale. Available for pre-order now, Canto Volume 1: If I Only Had a Heart and Canto Volume 2: The Hollow Men invite readers to experience the series from the beginning, now in beautiful hardcover collections including extensive cover galleries, sketchbook and process sections. The new volumes will also feature brand new cover art by Zucker with future volumes to come. And there’s more–Dark Horse Comics and the Canto creators are preparing to announce expansions of the Canto story throughout this partnership in addition to collecting previously published materials, including the conclusion of the “Shrouded Man Saga”: A Place Like Home.
Canto features the adventures of a small clockwork hero in a fantastical world inspired by the movies Wizard of Oz, Labyrinth, and Dark Crystal. It was originally published by IDW, starting as a miniseries in 2019. Two subsequent miniseries and short tales followed which were collected across four volumes. The final collection Tales of the Unnamed World – short stories bridging events of the second and third volume – was published by IDW in January 2023.
Writer and cocreator David M. Booher said about the move,
“I fell in love with Canto the moment I saw Drew’s character design. To see his story come to life in Dark Horse’s beautifully designed hardcover editions truly is a dream come true. We’ve said all along that Canto’s quest is meant for all ages, so with these editions coming to schools, libraries, and bookstores, now everyone can join his thrilling adventure. And I’m happy to say his story isn’t done yet!”
Series artist and co-creator Drew Zucker added,
“I’ve lived with this character for over a decade, before I even knew what his name was. For Canto to excel to the heights he has, is completely surreal. In partnering with Dark Horse, we’re entering one of the most exciting times for the character. I can’t wait for even more readers to join Canto on his adventures and fall in love with him the way David and I have.”
The new hardcover editions will come in at 6.625” x 10.1875”, and be priced at $29.99 each. Vol 1: If I Only Had a Heart will be 184 pages and release in bookstores June 4, 2024 and comic shops June 5, 2024. The 160-page second volume, The Hollow Men, will be in bookstores July 2, 2024 and comic shops July 3, 2024.
