Boom! Studios has announced that Cullen Bunn (Bone Parish, Harrow Country) is returning to one of his most popular creations, teaming with artist Jesús Hervás (Lucas Stand, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser) for a new ongoing series of The Empty Man. Check out a first look preview here…
Debuting in 2014, The Empty Man captivated readers as Bunn and Eisner Award-nominated artist Vanesa R. Del Rey (Redlands) introduced their unflinching look at a dystopic version of the world we know, where a terrifying disease has taken on almost deific connotations. The cause is unknown, and the symptoms include fits of rage, hideous hallucinations, suicidal dementia, followed by death, or a near lifeless, “empty” state of catatonia. As cults rose nationwide, the FBI and CDC entered a joint investigation of the Empty Man, hoping to piece together clues to stop the cults and uncover a cure.
Now, THE EMPTY MAN #1 brings reads back to a nation still in the grips of the terrible Empty Man pandemic. Government quarantines are mandatory, so for Melissa Kerry, one of the afflicted, the next step should be to isolate her—but those who enter the system are never seen again. Melissa’s family won’t let that happen. All they have to do is care for her, keep her worsening condition a secret—and they’ll do anything, trust anyone, to keep her safe.
“Why am I writing this book now? I guess I could say the Empty Man made me do it,” said Cullen Bunn. “The original run of The Empty Man came out during a time of great uncertainty and fear in my life. The story, with its air of surreal dread and horror, seemed to mirror a lot of what was going on in my head. It’s only fitting, then, that we return to The Empty Man now, during another strange and uncertain time in my life. Maybe unease and unpredictability and restlessness are part of the sorcery that calls The Empty Man into existence. I always knew it would come back. The story is so much larger and stranger than the tale that’s already been told. If you haven’t read the original limited series, don’t despair. The new book sets everything up for you. There’s a new mystery to be solved and new horrors to be revealed. And, for those of you who have read the original series, there will be plenty of connective tissue to grab onto. The world of The Empty Man is only getting weirder as the influence of this terrifying unseen force continues to spread.”
“The horror genre has always been one of my favorites, first as a reader and spectator and later as an artist, so I’m excited to join The Empty Man family. Not only is this the kind of story I enjoy personally, but I get the opportunity to work with Cullen Bunn, who’s created such a hypnotic and disturbing series.” said Jesús Hervás. “Drawing terror is always fun because it has its own codes and allows you to explore very experimental, creative ways. Vanesa really did an amazing job in the first series, so joining the party to continue in her artistic footsteps is an exciting challenge. The look of this book is inspired by a number of diverse sources, from Goya to HR Giger, and I’m excited for fans to check it out!”
The Empty Man #1 will go on sale in November 2018.
