Space sci-fi comic Free Planet marks a hugely successful launch at Image Comics by selling out completely on its day of release, and being rushed back to print.
In what has so far been an outstanding year for Image Comics, the publisher has another hit on its hands in Free Planet, written by Aubrey Sitterson (No One Left To Fight) and artist Jed Dougherty (Savage Hearts, Worlds’ Finest). Issue #1 of the space opera sold out completely at the distributor level— on its day of release, not least. It has since been fast-tracked back to print.
The series was poised for a big release from the outset, receiving praise from many of the biggest names in comics. For instance, Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible) called it: “A masterclass in rich, intricate world building that is equal parts Dune, Claremont, and Saga while being wholly original.”
The official synopsis for Free Planet reads:
The first completely free planet in human history has won its independence. In Free Planet, readers follow a group of revolutionary heroes who must defend the planet’s unique energy source from a pair of hostile intergalactic powers while determining what complete freedom actually entails.
“I am so incredibly grateful to comic shop retailers for getting behind such a unique book, unlike anything else on the racks,” said Sitterson. “Free Planet is the Shape of Comics to Come and readers will want to be in on our geopolitical space opera from the very first issue.”
Dougherty added: “My heartfelt thanks go to the retailers, comics pros and early reviewers who have helped spread the word about Free Planet. Your enthusiasm for rich, post-revolutionary sci-fi has been invaluable in getting our comic where it’s meant to be: In readers’ hands.”
The Free Planet #1 second printing arrives in stores June 4. You can buy the debut issue on Kindle here.
