Orson Welles: Warrior of the Worlds is a graphic novel series with the premise that Orson Welles’s legendary War of the Worlds radio broadcast was not a prank: an alien invasion really happened. After Welles’s first interaction with aliens, he joins an organization that defends Earth from extraterrestrial threats and lives a double life as a film director by day, alien-hunter by night.

The structure of the story is inspired by Citizen Kane. When Welles dies, he leaves Paula, a lifelong friend, and filmmaking collaborator, a clue that leads her to search for answers to many mysteries Welles left behind. Paula quickly finds herself in over her head, as the irresistible lure of adventure, puts her on a path that leads to secret government agencies, laser guns, and powerful alien technology.

Film lovers will find several easter eggs and Welles aficionados will notice thematic parallels between our alien-hunting warrior and the maverick film director.

Orson Welles: Warrior of the Worlds is by writer Milton Lawson, artist Erik Whalen, and being published by Scout Comics.