Noted author Margaret Atwood—a veritable scribbling savant, having written sci-fi novels, non-fiction, children’s books and even poetry—is now joining the world of comic book storytelling with her first ever original graphic novel from Dark Horse Comics, Angel Catbird. Told in a series of three all-ages graphic novels, Angel Catbird is about a superhero who gets his powers from two different animal species. The first installment of the series is set to be drawn by illustrator Johnnie Christmas, best known for his work on comics like Pisces and Sheltered at Image Comics, as well as publishers like Oni Press and Black Mask Studios.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Ms. Atwood explained how this new hero came to be: “Due to some spilled genetic Super-Splicer, our hero got tangled up with both a cat and an owl; hence his fur and feathers, and his identity problems.” Sounds like a superhero in the classic Stan Lee mold if there ever was one.
In a statement from Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, he said “Margaret Atwood has created a bold and unforgettable new character, paying homage to both classic pulp heroes and traditional comic book origin stories. We’re proud to bring Margaret’s Angel Catbird here to Dark Horse, since it is exactly the kind of creator-owned graphic novel we are committed to publishing.” Editor Daniel Chabon adds “it’s a strange mix of Will Eisner’s The Spirit, Grant Morrison and Chas Truog’s Animal Man, and Ryan North and Erica Henderson’s Squirrel Girl.”Â
And as if Canadian-born Atwood wasn’t busy enough as it is, she’s also a well known environmentalist and animal rights activist. So naturally, she’s using the Angel Catbird series in an effort to raise awareness for Keep Cats Safe and Save Bird Lives, a program led by Nature Canada, which is the oldest conservation charity in the country.
Each volume of the trilogy will be priced at $10.99 and in full color. The first volume is set to hit in the fall of 2016.
Are you going to check the series out? Let us know in the comments below.
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HT: The Los Angeles Times
IMAGE: Dark Horse Comics
