Some of the biggest names in horror will make cameo appearances in True Believers, a gripping and grisly new comic book mini-series co-written by bestselling Bram Stoker Award-winner Stephen Graham Jones and Denver Post bestselling writer Joshua Viola, featuring artwork by Ben Matsuya. The three-issue series, which delves into the world of cosplay and fan conventions, is set at the Colorado Festival of Horror. A Kickstarter campaign for the second issue features lettering by Jeremiah Lambert and variant covers by a slew of exciting artists soon to be revealed.
In True Believers #2, a year has passed since the harrowing events of issue 1, which introduced readers to the bone-chilling slasher character, Killr™. Now a mysterious new figure emerges, adopting the enigmatic Killr™ persona—but is it just another obsessive fan or a new threat on the horizon? Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of suspense and humor with a fresh ensemble of characters. With new mysteries, hilarious gags, and an extra dose of blood, issue 2 promises a thrilling ride for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
Experience the world of horror fandom like never before with True Believers, a gripping and grisly new comic book mini-series co-written by bestselling Bram Stoker Award-winner Stephen Graham Jones and Denver Post bestselling writer Joshua Viola, with interior artwork by Ben Matsuya. The three-issue series, which delves into the world of cosplay and fan conventions, is set at the Colorado Festival of Horror. True Believers#1is available on Kickstarter, along with a True Believers CD/Digital soundtrack powered by the USA-based record label FiXT, featuring Celldweller, Essenger, Circle of Dust, Cantervice, Young Medicine, Scandroid, PYLOT, and The All Things, as well as a True Believers latex mask from Oktober Studios.
True Believerswas co-created and co-written by bestselling writer Stephen Graham Jones, whose most recent comic, Earthdivers, is set to become a TV series through 20th Century Television and whose most recent novel, The Only Good Indians, is a New York Times bestseller.
Some seek out fan conventions for community. For safety. For understanding. There are those who believe they reveal their true selves by becoming a cherished character, but sometimes obsessions turn dark. The first issue of True Believers introduces a new bone-chilling slasher character, Killr™, who offers a sinister and unforgettable take on fandom. In the world of meta horror, Killr™ emerges as the embodiment of evil within the slasher genre, born from a cult-favorite short film that inspires a trilogy. Amid the franchise’s rising popularity, devoted fans fervently embrace Killr™, celebrating the character with enthusiastic cosplay. At the Colorado Festival of Horror, fanatics Rip and Kit—proudly labeling themselves as “true believers”—embark on a profound journey of self-discovery under Kit’s guidance. However, the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, prompting them to question the ramifications of idolizing such malevolence. This gripping meta horror tale delves into the intricate interplay of identity, horror, and obsession, challenging the very essence of their connection with the enigmatic entity they revere. The Kickstarter edition features the first 24-page story in the three-issue series.
True Believers features interior art by comic book artist Ben Matsuya (Jupiter Jet, Midnight Massacre). The series includes haunting variant covers by fan favorite horror comic artists, such as:
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina artist Robert Hack;
Monster Train artist Aaron Lovett;
Goosebumps artist Clara Meath;
Elvira artist Juan Samu;
American Horror Story artist Xander Smith
Everyone who backs at a physical level will receive a copy of the first issue. Other tiers include variant covers; signed books by Stephen Graham Jones, Joshua Viola, and Ben Matsuya; signed prints; patches designed by AJ Nazzaro (Hearthstone, Overwatch); latex masks; an opportunity to become a character in Issue 2; a 2024 Colorado Festival of Horror 3-Day Pass for 2; and a CD/ digital soundtrack for True Believers.
The official True Believers soundtrack, titled “Kit’s Playlist,” is woven into the comic’s narrative, providing a glimpse into one of our character’s musical tastes during their cosplaying escapades. Every track featured on this playlist exudes dark themes that seamlessly align with the story’s tone, creating a hauntingly immersive experience for listeners. Among these seven captivating tunes are covers that enhance the eerie atmosphere, such as PYLOT’s remix of Scandroid’s rendition of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller,” Celldweller’s rendition of “Cry Little Sister,” originally a theme from The Lost Boys film by Gerard McMahon, the spine-chilling “Halloween Theme,” a cover of John Carpenter’s timeless Halloween theme, and Young Medicine’s haunting take on “Somebody’s Watching Me,” a popular 1984 track by Rockwell featuring Michael Jackson. Each song gracefully embraces the essence of the slasher genre, amplifying the Halloween season’s allure to mesmerize and captivate listeners.
The soundtrack for True Believersfeatures:
Celldweller/Circle of Dust/Scandroid (the prolific musician Klayton, known for intricately designed soundscapes and a blend of musical styles, has been featured in movies, games, and TV shows);
Essenger (a musician on the cutting edge of electronic music, blending an array of influences for a sound that pays tribute to modern alt rock, EDM, and synthwave);
PYLOT (by blending elements of synthwave and cyberpunk with finesse and attention to detail, PYLOT creates mesmerizing and immersive soundscapes that are filled with beautiful synth melodies and energizing rhythms);
Cantervice (an American concept-based electronic rock project centered around dystopian futures);
Young Medicine (synthwave rockers inspired by diverse genres resulting in a carefully constructed music identity that defies simple categorization);
The All Things (a three-piece rock outfit from New York)
Experience the world of horror fandom like never before with True Believers, a gripping and grisly new comic book mini-series co-written by bestselling Bram Stoker Award-winner Stephen Graham Jones and Denver Post bestselling writer Joshua Viola, with interior artwork by Ben Matsuya. The three-issue series, which delves into the world of cosplay and fan conventions, is set at the Colorado Festival of Horror. A full-color, four-page ashcan preview of True Believers #1will be available exclusively at this year’s festival, which is based in Denver, CO, and runs from Friday, September 15th to Sunday, September 17th. The first completed True Believersissue will be available on Kickstarter, along with a True Believers CD/Digital soundtrack powered by the USA-based record label FiXT, featuring Celldweller, Essenger, Circle of Dust, Cantervice, Young Medicine, Scandroid, PYLOT, and The All Things, as well as a True Believerslatex mask from Oktober Studios. Fans can follow the project’s pre-launch page to get an email when the campaign launches.
We have an exclusive look at that latex mask! Check out the photos below and the video above of what you’ll be able to get!
True Believerswas co-created and co-written by bestselling writer Stephen Graham Jones, whose most recent comic, Earthdivers, is set to become a TV series through 20th Century Television and whose most recent novel, The Only Good Indians, is a New York Times bestseller.
Some seek out fan conventions for community. For safety. For understanding. There are those who believe they reveal their true selves by becoming a cherished character, but sometimes obsessions turn dark. The first issue of True Believers introduces a new bone-chilling slasher character, Killr™, who offers a sinister and unforgettable take on fandom. In the world of meta horror, Killr™ emerges as the embodiment of evil within the slasher genre, born from a cult-favorite short film that inspires a trilogy. Amid the franchise’s rising popularity, devoted fans fervently embrace Killr™, celebrating the character with enthusiastic cosplay. At the Colorado Festival of Horror, fanatics Rip and Kit—proudly labeling themselves as “true believers”—embark on a profound journey of self-discovery under Kit’s guidance. However, the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, prompting them to question the ramifications of idolizing such malevolence. This gripping meta horror tale delves into the intricate interplay of identity, horror, and obsession, challenging the very essence of their connection with the enigmatic entity they revere. The Kickstarter edition features the first 24-page story in the three-issue series.
True Believers features interior art by comic book artist Ben Matsuya (Jupiter Jet, Midnight Massacre). The series includes haunting variant covers by fan favorite horror comic artists, such as:
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina artist Robert Hack;
Monster Train artist Aaron Lovett;
Goosebumps artist Clara Meath;
Elvira artist Juan Samu;
American Horror Story artist Xander Smith
Everyone who backs at a physical level will receive a copy of the first issue. Other tiers include variant covers; signed books by Stephen Graham Jones, Joshua Viola, and Ben Matsuya; signed prints; patches designed by AJ Nazzaro (Hearthstone, Overwatch); latex masks; an opportunity to become a character in Issue 2; a 2024 Colorado Festival of Horror 3-Day Pass for 2; and a CD/ digital soundtrack for True Believers.
The official True Believers soundtrack, titled “Kit’s Playlist,” is woven into the comic’s narrative, providing a glimpse into one of our character’s musical tastes during their cosplaying escapades. Every track featured on this playlist exudes dark themes that seamlessly align with the story’s tone, creating a hauntingly immersive experience for listeners. Among these seven captivating tunes are covers that enhance the eerie atmosphere, such as PYLOT’s remix of Scandroid’s rendition of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller,” Celldweller’s rendition of “Cry Little Sister,” originally a theme from The Lost Boys film by Gerard McMahon, the spine-chilling “Halloween Theme,” a cover of John Carpenter’s timeless Halloween theme, and Young Medicine’s haunting take on “Somebody’s Watching Me,” a popular 1984 track by Rockwell featuring Michael Jackson. Each song gracefully embraces the essence of the slasher genre, amplifying the Halloween season’s allure to mesmerize and captivate listeners.
The soundtrack for True Believersfeatures:
Celldweller/Circle of Dust/Scandroid (the prolific musician Klayton, known for intricately designed soundscapes and a blend of musical styles, has been featured in movies, games, and TV shows);
Essenger (a musician on the cutting edge of electronic music, blending an array of influences for a sound that pays tribute to modern alt rock, EDM, and synthwave);
PYLOT (by blending elements of synthwave and cyberpunk with finesse and attention to detail, PYLOT creates mesmerizing and immersive soundscapes that are filled with beautiful synth melodies and energizing rhythms);
Cantervice (an American concept-based electronic rock project centered around dystopian futures);
Young Medicine (synthwave rockers inspired by diverse genres resulting in a carefully constructed music identity that defies simple categorization);
The All Things (a three-piece rock outfit from New York)
(W) Joshua Viola, Angie Hodapp (A) Ben Matsuya, AJ Nazzaro Purchase
In the year 2145 AD, Malcolm Orion, destined to go down in history as the Brave Traveler, made his historic jump through space, launching his consciousness across the universe. His arrival at an abandoned space station reawakened the Masson Zero—a vast system of instantaneous travelways connecting innumerable worlds, many inhabited by sentient life.
Now, 500 years later, worlds long isolated from each other are once again connected, and someone is searching for the best of the best: the strongest, the fastest, the brightest, the most ruthless. Who is he, and what does he want from the finest fighters in the Unioverse? No one knows. But they’re about to find out—because his recruitment methods are savage, and saying no is not an option.
Issue 1: Reyu Reyu, respected warrior, the last of his kind, must bring a notorious assassin to justice. But Reyu knows something about the assassin that just might change the course of his own fate.
(W) Jason Inman, Ashley Victoria Robinson (A) Ben Matsuya (C) Elizabeth Kramer (CA) Jonboy Meyers In Shops: Nov 25, 2020 SRP: $14.99
17-year-old superhero Jupiter Jet has kept Olympic Heights safe for the last year. Her flying skills are unmatched, and the city loves her. But she dreams of soaring across the solar system and liberating humanity from the clutches of The Praetors, the aliens that imprisoned them. Not even her little brother’s discovery of a long-forgotten radio can change her mind. When the mysterious Black Flyer arrives in orbit, Jupiter Jet finds out that her flying techniques may not be up to the task. Being a hero requires more than just a jetpack. Does Jupiter Jet have the courage to save her entire planet?
All in print, all together, all for the first time! Action Lab: Danger Zone presents the complete collection of John and Ben Matsuya’s Midnight Massacre! This graphic novel is perfect if you’re a fan of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Shaun of the Dead, Cabin in the Woods, or Adventureland. An amusing horror story guaranteed to make you smile as much as gasp, Midnight Massacre will be available on September 23rd at a comic store near you! Midnight Massacre features art by Ben Matsuya with color assist by Aaron Daly and Erin Fekete, covers by Ben Matsuya, Jasen Smith, and Megan Huang, and edited by Shawn Gabborin and Nicole D’Andria.
Halloween is on the horizon for the visitors of Calico Adventure Park, and the park’s executives have been hard at work preparing for their annual extravaganza, the park’s “Midnight Massacre”. But this year’s main event is going to be more horrifying, more visceral, more realistic, and more unexpected than any of the park’s visitors could ever realize. We’re not talking about employees in suits, folks. We’re talking monsters—the real deal. And when all hell breaks loose, it’s up to Amy Nicholson, a jaded games booth employee and her friends to save the park, the town, and maybe even the world.
So, join Amy Nicholson, jaded games employee, as she and her friends save the town, save the park, and save the world, one horrifying monstrosity at a time in the complete print collection of Midnight Massacre! Coming soon to a comic shop near you, order the graphic novel with Diamond item code JUL200967!
Writer(s): Louis Southard Artist Name(s): Ben Matsuya Cover Artist(s): Ben Matsuya 25 pgs./ T+ / FC$2.99 Digital-First
*GASP* The moon is under siege! Master Molecule, Spirit King, and Nite-Man have made a deadly pact with the holy Moon Wizards to steal the heavenly lunar orb from our precious orbit. Now, it’s up to spacefaring superhero, The Cosmonaut, to stop the fiends before it’s too late!
Note: VILLAINS SEEKING HERO #7-8 will also be available on comiXology the same day as the start of the second story arc! Pre-order every issue here.
Writer(s): Louis Southard Artist Name(s): Ben Matsuya, Kyle Petchock, David Hahn Cover Artist(s): Ben Matsuya 120 pgs./ T+ / FC$5.99 Digital-First
Drowning in his own professional downward spiral, the veteran super-villain known as Master Molecule has been forced to become the leader of a new team of heinous criminals. In his shadow now lurks the powerful yet eccentric Spirit King and the mute force majeure Nite-Man. As the three coworkers learn to live with each other, they must also deal with whatever else their dangerous and bombastic world of costumed crusaders throws in their direction.
Writer Louis Southard is joined by artists Ben Matsuya, Kyle Petchock, David Hahn, and more in this most dastardly tale! Collects Villains Seeking Hero #1-5.
Writer(s): Louis Southard Artist Name(s): Ben Matsuya Cover Artist(s): Ben Matsuya 25 pgs./ T+ / FC $2.99 Digital-First
Once a respected and feared pillar of the super-villain community, the middle-aged veteran baddie known as Master Molecule is being swallowed up by his own professional downward spiral! Fortunately for the villain, a second chance arrives with him becoming the leader of a new team called the Frightening Five!
Note: VILLAINS SEEKING HERO #2-5 will also be available on comiXology the same day as the first issue! Pre-order every issue here.
Writer(s): John Matsuya and Ben Matsuya Artist Name(s): Ben Matsuya (Pencils), Ben Matsuya (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Ben Matsuya Editors: Shawn Gabborin, Nicole D’Andria Color Assistant: Aaron Daly, Erin Fekete Fonts: Blambots 40 pgs./ M / FC $2.99 Digital-Only
October is coming to Calico Adventure Park, which launches the annual “Midnight Massacre” Halloween event at the Western-themed amusement park. When upper management fires its “cast members” and outsource their jobs to the netherworld, all hell is about to break loose. It’s up to jaded games employee and part-time rebel, Amy Nicholson, to save the park and Halloween.
