In Ancestral Recall, Ahoy Comics takes readers to a world where some of the most important black figures of all time become superpowers to a man in search of his missing wife.
The new supernatural series comes from Jordan Clark (Aquaman, Star Wars Adventures) and artist Atagun İlhan (Poison Ivy) and follows Melvin Warring, an abstract painter who gains superpowers, connecting him directly to history. The Beat has an exclusive look at Khary Randolph’s cover B for Ancestral Recall #1.
Black History: For painter Melvin Waring, it’s an actual super power! When Melvin’s wife mysteriously disappears, he must call on the most important Black figures of all time to help him in his search. A gripping new saga from two Milestone Initiative members: writer Jordan Clark (Aquaman, Star Wars Adventures) and artist Atagun Ilhan (Poison Ivy, Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet).
Speaking on the upcoming series, Clark shared how important it was to celebrate black history through storytelling in the real world.
“As Black history is literally being erased all around us, ANCESTRAL RECALL feels like an urgent call to not just preserve it but celebrate the links between our past present and future,” said writer Jordan Clark. “Melvin’s journey takes readers through time and space and introduces them to figures who are rarely seen in history books such as Jean-Louis Michel, the greatest swordsman of the 17th century and Cheryl Linn Glass, the first Black woman race car driver. The series is my love letter to those who paved the way and hopefully an affirmation for us here in the now.”
“ANCESTRAL RECALL is one part Everything Everywhere All At Once and one part Don Quixote,” said series editor Sarah Litt. “And it’s two parts funny. Jordan and Atagun have created a surreal, mystical, charming powerhouse of a comic that will make you laugh, cry, travel through time, and reckon with the power of Black history in each stunning panel.”
Ancestral Recall #1, the first issue in the five-issue series, will be published on August 6, 2025
