Dark Horse Comics is set to re-issue a pair of graphic novels featuring the work of Dark Horse founder Mike Richardson. The Beat can exclusively reveal that the original graphic novel The Atomic Legion, written by Richardson and illustrated by Bruce Zick, as well as 47 Ronin, an adaptation of an 18th century Japanese historical incident illustrated by Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai, will both receive softcover editions next summer.

The Atomic Legion follows a group of forgotten superheroes who are called into action once again by a young boy after one of their own is kidnapped by an old foe. The original hardcover edition of The Atomic Legion was first released back in 2014. 47 Ronin, meanwhile, was originally presented as a five-issue miniseries adapting a Japanese historical event from the 18th century in which a group of 47 samurai avenged the death of their master. A hardcover collection of 47 Ronin was also released in 2014.

Richardson founded Dark Horse Comics in 1986, and has written dozens of comics for the publisher, from licensed properties including Star Wars, Alien, and Indiana Jones, to creator-owned work like The Atomic Legion, 47 Ronin, and Best Wishes with artist Paul Chadwick. He is also the founder and president of the retail store Thing From Another World, as well as the president of Dark Horse Entertainment, the publisher’s film development arm.

Check out the cover art for the two new editions, as well as official descriptions of both books from Dark Horse, below. The softcover edition of The Atomic Legion will be released in comic stores on July 22nd, 2020, with a bookstore release date of August 4th. The softcover collection of 47 Ronin will arrive in comic shops on August 12th, 2020, and follow in bookstores on 25th.

MILWAUKIE, Ore., (December 10, 2019)—Join us in celebrating two of Dark Horse Comics Founder Mike Richardson’s (Father’s Day, Star Wars: Crimson Empire) classic tales, The Atomic Legion and 47 Ronin—now available in paperback!      

Everyone deserves a second chance! In The Atomic Legion, illustrated by Bruce Zick (Dark Horse Presents, Thor), the heroes of yesterday, once hailed as saviors, have been rejected and forgotten by the public and have hidden out in a secret fortress near the North Pole for decades. But when the Professor—a mysterious scientist who built the fortress—is kidnapped by an evil rival, a young boy rallies the monsters, robots, and caped wonders to once again become the heroes of the Atomic Legion!

Travel back to feudal Japan with this faithful adaptation of 47 Ronin! Illustrated by decorated cartoonist, Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), the tale of these samurai and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master is the story of Japan. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of his vassals on their years-long path of vengeance! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Includes bonus art and behind-the-scenes historical extras!

The Atomic Legion trade paperback goes on sale in comic shops July 22, 2020 and in bookstores August 4, 2020, and the 47 Ronin trade paperback will hit comic shops August 12, 2020 and bookstores August 25, 2020. Both are available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and TFAW, and at your local comic shop. Both will retail for $19.99.