When you hear noir you probably picture crime dramas from the ‘40s and ‘50s, characterized by deep shadows, dramatic lighting, and twists and turns to keep you enthralled from beginning to end. This week in the Small Press Spotlight, two different publishers embrace the noir vibe for a few of their upcoming books. Keep reading for more!
First up is Mad Cave Studios’ Nottingham #1, which offers a dark twist on the legend of Robin Hood. Written by David Hazan, art is by Shane Connery Volk. Colors are from Luca Romano and letters are by Joamette Gil.
Synopsis: In this twisted medieval noir, the Sheriff of Nottingham hunts a serial killer with a penchant for tax collectors. The Sheriff’s investigation makes him the target of England’s most nefarious power-brokers. That’s to say nothing of the Merry Men, terrorists lurking amongst the trees of Sherwood, led by an enigma known only as “Hood.” Publication Date: March 03, 2021.
Check out the publisher’s Nottingham Giveaway, with a chance to win a poster, the five single issues, a Nottingham Vol.1 trade, and a digital issue each month.
For FairSquare Comics, Noir Is the New Black. Set to release later this month, writers include Brandon Thomas, Gary Phillips, Greg Burnham, Brandon Easton, Melody Cooper, Tyrone Finch, MD Marie, Hannibal Tabu, Greg A. Elysee, Dorphise Jean, Vlad Alexis, Mikhail Hardy, Roxxy Haze, Nick Allen, and TC Harris. Look for art by MD Bright, Marcus Williams, Don Walker, Eder Messias, N. Steven Harris, Christelle “TeeNa” Roche, David Brame, Karen S. Darboe, Guile, Todd Harris, Dietrich Smith, Mikhail Hardy, Mervyn McKoy, Pat Masioni, Eli Johnson, and Bryan Tillman. Deron Bennett rounds out the team with letters.
The publisher is also offering One-Hit Wonder Trade Paperback, featuring words by Fabrice Sapolsky and art by Ariel Olivetti, Stephen Thompson, Ivan Fiorelli, Dennis Calero, and Joe Suitor. Additional art is brought to you by Leila Leiz, Elsa Charretier, Jean-Marie Minguez, Anthony Dugenest, Isaac Goodhart, Sedat Oezgen, Tom Lyle, Leo Sapolsky, Stéphane Roux, Little Gingko, Louis & Lamirand, and Sapolsky, and the cover is from Olivetti. Check out special guests on the book Terrell “Carnage The Executioner” Woods and Ryan Leslie.
Sapolsky has two more books from the publisher. First up is Lady-Bird, a webcomic running on INKR since mid-January, co-written by Dawn J.Starr and with art and colors by Daniele Sappupo. The second one is Intertwined Vol.1, which currently has a March release date. Joining Sapolsky is Fred Pham Chuong. Additional art comes from Roland Boschi, Olivier Coipel, Gerald Parel, Mateus Santolouco, Geoffo, Jon Lankry, and Danica Brine. Colors are from Veronica R. Lopez.
