Day 2 of Dynamite’s big SDCC 2022 announcements is off to a fantastic start. Take a look at what the publisher is teasing today.
The Garbage Pail Kids’ Origins Revealed! By Adam F. Goldberg & A Powerhouse Creative Brain Trust
It’s been nearly 40 years since the world was introduced to the iconic Garbage Pail Kids. The colorful cast of characters has appeared on trading cards and other media such as comic books for decades and are known for gross, horrific, or bizarre appearances, abilities, or situations. The backstories of these unique kids have never been revealed, however. Thanks to Dynamite, Garbage Pail Kids: Origins is coming your way.
The team behind the new series includes Adam F. Goldberg, Hans Rodionoff, and Jeff Zapata. Read details below:
“Chronicled in the style of a sprawling superhero epic, not only will the curtain be drawn back on the origins of these unique “heroes,” but there’s one crazy surprise at the crux of this story. Adam Bomb and his allies were instrumental in the outcome of World War II and the fate of humanity itself! Other key fan-faves featuring include Roy Bot, Brainy Janie, Snooty Sam, and more!
Issue one kicks off with Adam Bomb’s early days as an unassuming, flat-footed soda jerk. Then thanks to an unfortunate radiation leak, he transforms into the All-American superhero he’s known as to GPK fans around the world. He will need to assemble a team of other “enhanced” garbage kids to take down the axis of evil with Nasty Nick at the helm. Readers can expect to catch up with some of the biggest stars of the GPK world, as well as keep their eyes out for some cult favorites thanks to the devoted creative team’s passion for the property.”
Dynamite explains how the book’s concept came about:
“Much of the initial genesis of the origins concept goes back to ideas and illustrations from artist Jeff Zapata. He’s worked in the comics and trading card business for over 25 years, including nearly half that time as an editor, art director, and artist on the Garbage Pail Kids and other Topps franchises. His drawings hinting at these origins ideas went viral among the fanbase, spreading like wildfire, and leading to this project finally coming to life. For this series, Zapata is handling art direction, contributing art, and assisted in developing the story. He’s joined by Chris Meeks on the artwork throughout the series.
He’s joined by a powerful pair of experienced, top-notch writers in Adam F. Goldberg and Hans Rodionoff. Goldberg, also known for his producing in film and television, is the eponymous man behind the hit The Goldbergs show now on to its 10th season. He’s also worked on How to Train Your Dragon, Monsters vs. Aliens, the all-new Muppets series, and prior contributions to GPK. Rodionoff is known for his historical fiction account of H.P. Lovecraft for Vertigo, Lost Boys, and collaborations with Goldberg on Muppets and a new Damage Control series for Marvel.”
“One of the most vivid memories of my childhood is walking into my second-grade class to find everyone gathered around a binder. And in that binder — Garbage Pail Kids,” shared Goldberg. “As the class clown, I was immediately hooked by the gallows humor and gross-out gags.”
“This idea has been a personal pet project of mine for years,” said Zapata. “This project is the perfect package of talent collaborating to fulfill a common vision to do something wild and different with a classic brand.”
“I think what’s exciting for me is that this book will hopefully entertain the diehard fans, but also might be the first GPK book that people who aren’t already fans of the universe will pick up and it will open their minds to the wonderfully weird world of the Garbage Pail Kids,” said Rodionoff.
“Adam F. Goldberg, Hans Rodionoff, Jeff Zapata, and the whole rest of the creative team on this project are so darn talented,” said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. “They truly know, understand, and appreciate these characters so much, and are perfect to bring this origin story to life. In 40 years that tale has never been told before, and we’re excited at Dynamite to be the company to do it!”
In the style of the original trading cards having A and B variations, the first issue features variant covers by artists Ray Lago, Tom Bunk, Jeff Zapata, and a presentation of one of the classic trading card images.
Topps, the creators and publishers of the Garbage Pail Kids since 1985, has seen a resurgence of interest in this fabled franchise via new card releases and an expansive licensing program encompassing many product categories, including toys and games, apparel, books, and collectibles in addition to a long history of self-created and licensed, entertainment-based card offerings.
Garbage Pail Kids: Origins #1 can be pre-ordered at your favorite comic shop in August. The issue is set to release in October and will also be available through digital platforms like Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more.
Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt Returns! Van Lente & Lau Take on Martial Arts Millionaire
The Lightning Vessel of the Awakened is back! Writer Fred Van Lente (DIE!namite, Archer & Armstrong) and artist Jonathan Lau (Vampirella Strikes) join forces for a retelling of Peter Cannon’s origin and how he became the Living Thunderbolt. Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt: Destroyer of Death is set to release this November.
Read details below:
“In the twenty-first century, the world is awash in would-be messiahs, crazed conspiracists, and apocalypse cults. One man strikes through the fog of deception with an awakened mind and lightning fists…. Cannon discovers the last surviving member of an order of mystics who has come to New York City to hunt the renegade master that destroyed his teachers and his parents. Now the Hidden One has enmeshed himself in the city’s elite and has marked Peter for death. Unfortunately for his enemies, though, Peter is the fabled lightning vessel of the awakened, whose strike collapses time and defies even death itself…he is the living thunderbolt!”
“Peter Cannon is one of the most influential heroes of all time, inspiring not just Watchmen’s Ozymandias and other kung-fu heroes like Iron Fist,” said writer Van Lente. “Jonathan and I have stripped Peter down to his essentials for some gritty martial arts action: A young man descends from his mountain retreat to use his newfound skills to save the world that may not want to be saved. Philosophy and fisticuffs abound!”
Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt was the creation of writer, artist, and New York City Police officer Peter Morisi and was published originally by Charlton Comics in 1966 as part of editor Dick Giordano’s “Action Heroes” superhero line. It was considered a thoughtful superhero comic with some of the first respectful invocations of Eastern Mysticism to appear in American pop culture. Dynamite began publishing the character in 2012 with a 10-issues series co-written by Steve Darnall and Alex Ross and drawn by Lau.
“Peter Cannon is one of the most important characters in comics history thanks to creator Pete Morisi,” said Barrucci. “His roots and history run deep in the industry from being a part of the Charlton line from Dick Giordano, being the pivotal character that Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons used as the model for Ozymandias in Watchmen, to Dynamite’s relaunch of the character. Fred Van Lente has reinvigorated Peter with a love and appreciation that audiences will love, and we couldn’t be prouder to have Jonathan back drawing this incredible adventure.”
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #1 will be available for preorder in September and is slated for release in November.
Discover Santa’s Secret Society in Heartfelt Journey Young Readers Book Coming for the Holidays
Dynamite and Curiosity Ink Media Books’ partnership is offering young readers a holiday book this year. Santa’s Secret Society is the first title in The Adventures of Herbert Henry from the pairing.
The prose story by best-selling children’s author Amber Stewart (Little by Little, Rabbit Ears), complemented by illustrations from Sònia Albert, introduces readers to Herbert Henry.
The publisher explains:
“It’s the heartfelt kickoff to the series, with future entries to come. He’s a young boy and sadly, right before Christmas his father has lost his job. Even worse, his holiday cheer has been lost in turn. Determined to save the season for himself and his family, young Herbert sets out on a hopeful journey north to hand-deliver his letter to Santa Claus and get his help.
Along his quest, Herbert will meet a handful of colorful friends and learn of his own power to help others. From busy elves to a stranded snow bear, the friendships and lessons learned along the way could be the key to everyone’s merry Christmas. The whole he’s joined by his only slightly helpful yet adorable dog.
When he finally gets to the House of Claus, Herbert is surprised to find himself surrounded by chaos. Christmas is in jeopardy not only for his own family but for the whole wide world. With his industriousness and the cast of characters befriended along the way, Herbert will be able to help Christmas for all.”
“I am so happy that Herbert Henry, wild and curious as he is, continues his journey into the hearts and minds of child readers in this lovely book,” shared Stewart. “I hope that anyone picking it up will enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it and it becomes a Christmas favorite among families.”
Santa’s Secret Society is a 5.5 by 8.25 inches paperback book at 122 pages, perfectly crafted by the whole creative, editorial, and publishing team as an ideal holiday gift for all young readers.
“I’m so proud to be releasing a new children’s book with Curiosity Ink,” said Barrucci. “At Dynamite, we continue to grow our publishing line, and we’re extremely proud to add this young readers book to the lineup. Most importantly, the book is heartwarming and fun for readers and full of valuable lessons and themes. We think kids are really going to enjoy it, and parents will be grateful to have it as an option.”
Stay tuned for more Dynamite later today!
