Massive Publishing has announced The Disavowed, a new “mature reader” series from the mind of Josh Blaylock that deconstructs the ‘80s retro phenomena with a brutal twist. The series, described by early reviewers as G.I. Joe meets The Boys, features interior artwork from artist Pop Mhan. This new five-issue comic series follows the rise and fall of a 1980s military super team formed to stop an esoteric terrorist cult and its re-emergence in the present day.

The series will include an impressive list of guest cover artists, including Michael Golden, Tim Seeley, Dave Johnson, Steve Kurth, and Adam Riches– some of whom will be familiar to longtime fans of Devil’s Due Studios and their licensed retro titles from the early aughts (G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Voltron, Micronauts). Attendees at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) can get an exclusive “Weaponized Nostalgia” Ashcan before the series launches on Backerkit this fall. Check out and follow the pre-launch campaign page here!

This polarizing title celebrates and satirizes nostalgic icons of the past while holding nothing sacred in its depiction of the decades-long, action-packed, bloody war between these two rival factions. By pushing the envelope with these story archetypes, Blaylock has created something completely new in The Disavowed. 

From within the panels of The Disavowed, The United Five–The worst kept government secret of the 1980s and the subject of rampant ’90s internet lore, the U-Five was formed to stop the esoteric cult-turned-terrorist organization, Komodo, which claimed to harness knowledge from another realm that could threaten the world. In 1989, United Five’s mission was accomplished (at least for a while), but not before many, including Curtis Howzer (Codename: Dane [The Great]), gave their lives. Now, Curtis’ son Matthew Howzer is determined to uncover the truth about his father’s death and the United Five organization. His obsession leads him to pursue a military career that unveils the true story behind the conspiracy theories, uncovering a story that was far more fantastical, debauched, and brutal than anyone could have believed. 

Now, after decades of rumors and conspiracy theories, the United Five have returned. Their purpose is to stop its former members, who are no longer the beloved heroes of yesteryear and are referred to as The Disavowed.

The SDCC Exclusive limited edition ashcan preview of The Disavowed will be available at San Diego Comic Con at the Massive Publishing and Devil’s Due booth #2300, while supplies last.