Space Battleship Yamato creator Leiji Matsumoto has collaborated with French artist Jerome Alquie on a sci-fi new series titled Space Pirate Captain Harlock, and comics publisher Ablaze has released a sneak peak of the variant covers for Issue 2.

The series will debut with its first issue in print and digitally on June 9, 2021. Ablaze plans on releasing each 32-page installment in full color, with variant covers created by renowned comics artists. The second issue will feature five variant covers, with art by Mirka Andolfo, Junggeun Yoon, Andie Tong, Philippe Barnes, and Jerome Alquie. 

Space Pirate Captain Harlock Issue 2 Variant Mirka Andolfo
Issue 2 variant by Mirka Andolfo, courtesy of Ablaze Publishing.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock cover variant Junggeun Yoon
Issue 2 cover variant by Junggeun Yoon, courtesy of Ablaze Publishing.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock Issue 2 variant by Andie Tong
Issue variant by Andie Tong, courtesy of Ablaze Publishing.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock variant Philippe Briones
Issue 2 variant by Philippe Briones, courtesy of Ablaze Publishing.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock Issue 2 variant by Jerome Alquie
Issue 2 cover by Jerome Alquie, courtesy of Ablaze.

In Issue 2, Captain Harlock and his crew decide to take on the task of protecting Earth from impending invasion. The space pirates investigate a threat implanted on Earth that will make a Mazon takeover more likely. Will they confront the threat and eliminate it before mankind comes under siege?

Matsumoto is well known for his dramatic, interwoven space operas. The character of Captain Harlock first appeared in Matsumoto’s 1977 manga series of the same name. Captain Harlock went on to make appearances in anime and several film adaptations. The present series will depict a brand new story arc set within the same timeline as the original manga.

Issue 1 is available for pre-order now. Space Pirate Captain Harlock #2 goes on sale July 7th and will be available for preorders on April 23rd.