Very recently, Nerdist’s science editor/host of Because Science Kyle Hill and I engaged in an hourlong discussion about the complicated and paradox-infused time travel mechanics of the animated series Samurai Jack. It’s true–we did that. There were diagrams, and pictorial evidence. This is the power of Genndy Tartakovsky’s show, which recently wrapped up its 10-episode revival/finale. We’re going to miss Samurai Jack on our TV screens, but that doesn’t mean we’ll have to miss Jack himself. IDW is bringing back (back to the past, that is) Jack in his most universe-hopping adventure yet.
The return, courtesy of writer Fabian Rangel Jr. (‘Namwolf) and artist Warwick Johnson Cadwell (Tank Girl), takes the form of a series titled “Quantum Jack.” The story will, as the name would indicate, toss Jack into a Quantum Leap-esque time-hopping situation, but with alternate realities instead of timelines. After getting zapped by an experimental Quantum Ray, Jack is sent hurtling into one alternate reality after another, his memories erased but his spirit intact. If you’ve ever wondered what Jack would be like as the leader of a ruthless biker gang of bounty hunters, you’ll finally have your answer.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be working on new Samurai Jack comics,” Rangel Jr. said. “Samurai Jack is a huge influence on my storytelling… I think fans of the show will dig what Warwick and I have been cooking up!”
Cadwell added, “Samurai Jack has been an inspiration and constant source of encouragement for me since I first saw it, in terms of art, narrative, and just plain enjoyment.” In addition to Cadwell’s indelible art style (which you can see in the above cover), the debut issue will also have variant covers by the likes of artists Michael Avon Oeming, Alexis Zirritt, and Samurai Jack creator Genndy Tartakovsky. Check out Oeming’s variant cover below.
The series will begin (or continue, since there was a long-running Samurai Jack comic previously) in September. Let us know your thoughts on more (and way different) adventures with the samurai named Jack in the comments below!
Images: Cartoon Network/IDW
Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. He’s written the animation retrospectives Batman: Reanimated, X-Men: Reanimated, Cowboy Rebop, and Samurai reJacked. Follow him on Twitter!
