An original graphic novel by Dave McKeanRaptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel, will be published in July 2021 by Dark Horse Comics.

Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel
Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel

McKean’s resume includes work on The Sandman as well as Black Dog: The Dreams of Paul Nash. Even those somehow unfamiliar with his work in comics may recognize his art from the covers of albums by musicians like Alice Cooper, Tori Amos, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Raptor follows two storylines. In one, Arthur, an nineteenth century writer in Wales, mourns his late wife whilst dabbling in the supernatural in the hopes that he might commune with her again. In the other, Sokol wanders a feudal landscape hunting monsters for those who can afford to pay the cost for his bounties. Judging by the description released by Dark Horse, both stories will veer into liminal spaces that blur the line between death and life, lies and reality.

The 128-page graphic novel will be available in two versions. The trade paperback edition will have a suggested retail price of $29.99. There will also be an oversized hardcover edition of Raptor, which will feature a tip-in illustration signed by McKean and carry a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Raptor will be available at your local comic shop on July 7th, 2021, and at bookstores on July 20th, 2021, and you can read the official press release from Dark Horse below. Will you be undertaking a quest to pick up Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel next summer? Let The Beat know in the comment section. 

DAVE MCKEAN’S ‘RAPTOR’ TO BE PUBLISHED AT DARK HORSE

The Legendary Artist Brings His First Creator-Owned Character to Dark Horse Comics

MILWAUKIE, Ore. (November 19, 2020)From award-winning, critically acclaimed artist and writer Dave McKean (Black Dog, The Sandman) comes his first creator-owned character in a stunning visual tour-de-force graphic novel, Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel.

 

Raptor flickers between two worlds and two conflicted souls: Sokol wanders a feudal fantastical landscape hunting monsters for those that can pay, and Arthur, a writer of supernatural tales in 19th Century Wales, mourning the passing of his young wife and dabbling in the supernatural in the vain hope of seeing her again. They both exist in the twilight between truth and lies, life and death, reality and the imagination.

 

Also available is a deluxe, oversized hardcover limited edition of Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel, with an exclusive signed tip-in illustration that is a perfect addition to any fan’s Dave McKean collection.

Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel and Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel Limited Edition will be in comic shops on July 7, 2021 and in bookstores on July 20, 2021. They are available for pre-order on AMAZONBARNES & NOBLE, and AT YOUR LOCAL COMIC SHOP and bookstoreRaptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel is a 128-page trade paperback that will retail for $29.99. The oversized, hardcover Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel Limited Edition will retail for $99.99.

 

Praise for Dave McKean’s Cages:

 

“One of the most important works of comic art in the last decade.”–The Comics Journal

 

“It is compulsively readable, with a lyrical tone that moves the reader through the rougher, more elusive passages as it strives at the very edge of the form’s limitation.”–Comic Foundry Magazine

“The finest comic being created today. Get it and see what heights narrative graphic art can achieve.”–The Fine Print

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