As Free Comics Book Day nears, here’s the first look at Deicidium, the new SF epic from Ram V, Evan Cagle and Anand Radhakrishnam. First word of this project was announced exclusively on the Beat back in January, but now the title and more details can be revealed.
Set in a future world ruled by a consortium of Theocracies and Corporations, Deicidium covers the return of the old gods – fired, wind, volcanoes, jaguars – and their clash with the new powers in a swirling battle of control versus freedom. The creators signed a groundbreaking six-figure book deal with new French publisher Morgen for worldwide rights to publish the series, and a deal with Image Comics to publish it in English Language territories.
As befits a series with global scope, frequent co-collaborators V, Cagle, and RK are aiming for a global look for the series – which will be in black and white – mixing comic books, Euro bandes dessinées, and Manga/manhwa. The series will be published around the world simultaneously.
“Deicidium is a story borne out of my obsession with world mythologies and a desire to distinguish between the innocent power of stories and the power exercised by turning them into dogma,” said V. “Since that early thought, Deicidium has grown into an expansive world full of characters and conflicts that I’m having a great time exploring. And it is also a culmination of all of my ever changing influences over the years. Fantasy, sci-fi, philosophy, mythology, kinetic action and shonen-manga character dynamics—there’s a little bit of everything to be found in here and I cannot wait for readers to discover it.”
“I see every story as a chance to explore new artistic territory, and the world of Deicidium really demands a commitment to that approach to visual storytelling,” said Cagle. “The mix of competing cultures and religious influences, the globe-trotting tours of the ways people live in this future world, the character designs, the tech—all of it serves as a summon to dig deep into style and technique in order to create a unique visual language. My hope is that the art of Deicidium feels somehow both ancient and novel, just like the narrative to which it’s wed.”
“Deicidium will be my first foray into science fiction,” said RK. “We are also trying a different format this time around—black and white art with a slower release schedule. This gives Evan and me time to explore media and dive into the image-making process. I also plan to draw larger than usual and I personally look forward to drawing traditionally and spending time engaging with the art.”
Readers will get their first taste of Deicidium with a Free Comic Book Day preview….and here’s the first preview of the preview. I believe the technical term for this is “wow.”
Deicidium Volume 1 will be published globally in late 2026.
