Romantasy – a tasty blend of high fantasy and romance (der) is the hottest genre in the publishing world. And comics are beginning to catch on a bit.
Helen of Wyndhorn by Tom King and Bilquis Evely is far from a traditional romantasy – so far it’s big on monsters, and romance is lacking. Ok, maybe it’s a tribute to the pulps – whatever it is, it’s a lot of fun. The first issue was a hit and has sold out at the distributor level, so a second printing is on the way, Dark Horse tells us.
The second printing will feature a black and white variant of Evely’s cover, showing off all the beautiful details.
The Helen of the titles is Helen Cole who returns to Wyndhorn House, home of her late father, C.K. Cole, a famed pulp writer who created the popular warrior character Othan. But things are Not As They Seem.
The Beat’s review crew enjoyed the book, writing, “King feels right at home with the problematic tradition of the Gothic that this issue spends the majority of its time within. He’s able to utilize the right degree of melancholy and uncertainty that the mode revels in.”
“This is the kind of book that lives by word of mouth and hand sales. Seeing it sold out means a ton of comic store workers and fans worked hard to spread the word. I’m forever grateful.” said King in a statement. “After working on this book for so long in complete silence, receiving so much enthusiasm from store owners and readers is like a warm embrace, and I couldn’t even conceive all this love yet! Thank you, everyone.”
The second printing of Helen of Wyndhorn #1 with Black and White variant cover will be available in stores on May 1, 2024.
Helen of Wyndhorn #1 is still available (although selling out fast) with colors by Matheus Lopes and letters by Clayton Cowles, and covers by Evely and Lopes, Tula Lotay, Elsa Charretier, Massimo Carnevale, Clay Mann, and Greg Smallwood. Issue #2 arrives on April 17, 2024 for $4.99.
