Originally published in 2009 by DC and part of a wave of 21st century superhero deconstruction, 2022 is time for The Mighty. Thanks to Image Comics, the property is back in the hands of its creators and will soon be back in comics shops.
Peter J. Tomasi, Keith Champagne, Chris Samnee, and Peter Snejberg collaborated on this 12-issue series centered on the hero Alpha-One. The world loves him, but as Gabriel Cole discovers, it helps not to know him.
And it might not be a good thing if he knows you.
When the series first came out, it attracted the attention of Paramount. The studio had planned for a 2015 release, but as often happens in Hollywood, things fell apart. Yet it’s a terrific story ripe for adaptation — complete in one graphic novel, though in the press release below there are hints that another story could be told. A franchise could happen, but if done right, it’s okay if it’s just one powerful film.
But first, you’ve got to read the graphic novel.
From Image Comics:
Beloved superhero story The Mighty by Peter J. Tomasi (Superman, Batman and Robin, Blood Tree, Light Brigade, The Bridge), Keith Champagne (The Switch, Daybreak!, Frank N. Stein), Chris Samnee (Fire Power By Kirkman & Samnee, Daredevil), and Peter Snejbjerg (B.P.R.D.) finds a new publishing home at Image Comics with a new edition landing on shelves this September.
This new edition of The Mighty will feature new cover art by Dave Johnson, collect all twelve issues of the acclaimed series, include three rare eight-page stories, and showcase a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes sketches and scripts.”Some books simply never get a chance to find an audience in such a crowded marketplace, and The Mighty, in my opinion, was one of those books, so we’re really excited that Image has stepped up to produce this new edition,” said Tomasi. “A lot of heart and care went into its production, and readers will be able to eyeball the wonderful artwork and color by Chris Samnee, Peter Snejbjerg, John Kalisz, and, of course, the amazing new cover by Dave Johnson.”
cover art by Dave Johnson, courtesy of Image Comics
As the world’s only superhero, Alpha One is a symbol of hope for all mankind…but at what price? While the population is inspired from a distance by their savior, police captain Gabriel Cole gets close enough to discover the mystery behind Alpha One’s public origin—and that his twisted plans to create a utopia are more dangerous than anyone could’ve dreamed!
Champagne added: “I’ve always felt The Mighty was a bit ahead of its time and it remains firmly in place on the Mount Rushmore of projects I’m most proud of. Working with my great friend, Peter Tomasi, to build this world and tell a story about these characters; to see Peter Snejberg bring that world to life visually, then have my mind blown even further by Chris Samnee when he picked up the artistic reins, with the chef’s kiss of Rob Leigh, John Kalisz and Dave Johnson… as a writer, it doesn’t get much more satisfying. I’m grateful to Image for collecting this book in its MIGHTIEST edition and for introducing this thriller to a whole new audience. Maybe Peter and I will finally tell the next story set in this world; all the clues are there as to what the future holds for Gabriel Cole and Alpha-One, but no one will ever see it coming.”
The Mighty trade paperback (ISBN: 978-1534324282, Diamond Code JUL220125) will be available on Wednesday, September 28 and in bookstores on Tuesday, October 4. It can be pre-ordered at your local comic book shop or independent bookstore or via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Indigo.
In addition to running Fanboy Planet, Derek has contributed stories to Arcana Comics (The Greatest American Hero) and Monsterverse Comics (Bela Lugosi's Tales from the Grave). He has performed with ComedySportz, City Lights Theater Company and Silicon Valley Shakespeare, though relocated to Hollywood to... work in an office? If you ever played Eric's Ultimate Solitaire on the Macintosh, it was Derek's voice as The Weasel that urged you to play longer. You can buy his book "I Was Flesh Gordon" on the Amazon link at the right. Email him at [email protected].
