The mastermind behind Marvel Studios has joined forces with seasoned comic book creators to bring Ekos to life, reintroducing a hero first seen two decades ago. This new universe is poised to make a significant impact and could emerge as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited comic projects. Ekos aims to evolve into its own cinematic universe, and Screen Rant is thrilled to unveil an exclusive preview of the cover art for the forthcoming graphic novel’s individual issues.
David Maisel, the visionary founder of Marvel Studios, played a crucial role in financing and producing the media giant. He was instrumental in launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has enjoyed extraordinary success since Marvel Films rebranded with a fresh perspective. Although Maisel has since departed from the company, his passion for comic books continues to drive his latest venture.
A sneak peek of Ekos was showcased at San Diego Comic Con 2024, starting with Ekos Vol. 1, a graphic novel. This release is set to pave the way for what is envisioned to be a multimedia project and a new cinematic universe.
Ekos Could Usher in the Next Major Cinematic Universe
Volume 1 Graphic Novel is Merely the Beginning of Marvel Studios’ Founder’s Ambitious Plan
Ekos Vol. 1 boasts a creative team featuring J.T. Krul, Alex Konat, Peter Steigerwald, Mark Roslan, and Josh Reed. The narrative draws inspiration from the works of Geoff Johns and Michael Turner. The project is gearing up for its Kickstarter campaign, which will highlight cover art by renowned artists. Screen Rant offers an exclusive glimpse of Joe Quesada’s cover, showcased above. Other contributing artists include Alex Ross, J. Scott Campbell, Francis Manapul, David Mack, Joe Benitiz, Siya Oum, Jerome Opeña, Khary Randolph, and Kendrick Lim. The synopsis reads as follows:
Ekos introduces a new star, Grell, who embarks on a quest to explore the world of Ekos. Throughout his journey, Grell encounters several beloved characters from Michael Turner’s legacy, such as superstars Aspen (Fathom) and Grace (Soulfire), who unite with Grell on a shared mission. This marks the inaugural collaboration of these characters within the same universe.
Ekos is poised to launch a multimedia cinematic universe encompassing films and television series. This initiative results from a collaboration between Mythos Studios and Aspen Comics, bringing together a host of Aspen Comics’ characters who will interact for the first time. The project reunites creators who contributed to the original stories that inspired this new universal shift, including Krul (Soulfire), Konat (Fathom), and Steigerwald, who worked on both series. The graphic novel is slated for a November release, offering fans the option to acquire it in individual issues.
Aspen Comics Embarks on an Exciting New Chapter with Kickstarter Campaign
The project reunites creators from the original stories that sparked this latest universal transformation, including Krul (Soulfire), Konat (Fathom), and Steigerwald, who contributed to both series.
Ekos was initially teased back in 2003, but the full comic series did not materialize until much later, following the passing of Michael Turner. Now, the concepts and characters are poised for a comeback, but with a fresh vision. A new narrative awaits the hero, likely influenced by the crossover potential within the upcoming comics’ universe, thanks to the inclusion of additional Aspen Comics’ characters. This ambitious project is set to inaugurate a new era for Aspen, with Joe Quesada’s cover being one of many stunning options available for supporters of this forthcoming venture.
Comic enthusiasts can back Ekos Vol. 1 on Kickstarter starting September 17th.
Source: Aspen Comics