Ignition Press has announced Roots of Madness, a cosmic horror series by writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia), artist Letizia Cadonici (House of Slaughter), colorist Alessandro Santoro, and letterers AndWorld Design. Inspired by the life of the late 19th century cosmetician Madame C.J. Walker, the book follows a young Black woman who uncovers a dark family secret in 1905. It will mark Williams’s first creator-owned comic, and will debut during San Diego Comic-Con International at the Ignition Press Room, a boutique pop-up located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter District.
At the turn of the 20th century, a young Black woman named Etta Knight picks up the tradition of her late mother for creating special medicines using natural ingredients and secrets passed down from generation to generation. Her mother has passed on a book of recipes and formulas, but it’s also full of strange symbols and dark musings that she doesn’t quite understand…
Jamie S. Rich, Ignition’s editor-in-chief, says, “When I reached out to Stephanie to discuss doing a book with us, I was curious what she wouldcome back with. As I hoped, she returned with something that only she could do. Roots of Madness immediately grabbed us. From its foundation in fact, to the specificity of its themes, the story has the fire of truth behind that makes great horror. It’s not just scary for what happens, but how it comments on our humanity, using the problems of the past to highlight our failures in the present. With Letizia and Alessandro on board, you know all the frights will come through in the most evocative ways.”
Williams describes the premise as being personal, saying, “After spending years pursuing security and stability, I left my ‘stable career’ [as a research scientist] to transform the survival lessons my family taught me into creative dreams. Roots of Madness emerged from this blend of survival and ambition. Etta Knight embodies this transformation: a brilliant 1905 chemist who takes her ancestors’ healing knowledge — and pushes it beyond what they ever imagined.” Cadonici adds, “I’m just so proud and happy to be part of this comic. I feel so connected to Etta, I believe she is a stunning character, and when I first read the script I rememberI thought that I’ve never read about someone like her before.”
As well as a sneak peek of the comic, fans who visit the Ignition Press Room (located on 643 G Street) during SDCC will be able to purchase exclusive Roots of Madness merchandise, including an art print, canvas tote bag, and two types of scented hair gloss (created in collaboration with Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab), all featuring the cover for the first issue by Juliet Nneka. As previously announced, Williams will be present for free (currently unscheduled) signings. In the meantime, expect more announcements from Ignition in the run-up to SDCC, and their first titles, Murder Podcast and The Voyeur (both starting in September.)
