Kill Shakespeare

Building on a very successful initial run in comics, IDW Publishing is proud to launch today the KILL SHAKESPEARE graphic novel (Volume 1: A Sea of Troubles). Conceived and written by Canadian-based creators Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col, the graphic novel collects the first six issues of the twelve-issue series, offering a dark take on Shakespeare and his work, pitting his greatest heroes against his most menacing villains. A Sea of Troubles features a foreword by award-winning cartoonist Darwyn Cooke (New Frontiers, The Hunter, The Outfit), as well as a brand new five-page story that further explores the mythology of the KILL SHAKESPEARE world.

Called a “smashing success” by Aint It Cool News and “fresh and conceptually inventive” by Publisher’s Weekly, KILL SHAKESPEARE is true to the Bard’s canon, yet also accessible to a wide range of readers. The seriesoffers an edgy interpretation of Shakespeare’s most famous characters, bringing Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, Richard III, Lady Macbeth, Puck and others together for an epic adventure. In the series’ first graphic novel, readers encounter a banished Hamlet, who embarks on a quest to resurrect his dead father. But to do so, he must kill a reclusive wizard named William Shakespeare!

“We’re really excited that this crazy concept has been so excellently reviewed by both comic and mainstream press,” said Del Col. “We’ve also been blown away by the support we have received from talented creators like John Layman (Chew), Michael Hirst (The Tudors) as well as Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys).”

Del Col and McCreery bring their love of Shakespeare, independent film, and a combination of marketing and writing experience to their first comic book project. Artist Andy Belanger rises to the challenge of interpreting some of the most famous characters in the world.

“From the very start, when KILL SHAKESPEARE was first placed in front of me, I knew I would be editing something very special,” said series editor Tom Waltz. “And month after month, Anthony, Conor, and Andy, as well as cover artist Kagan McLeod, have continually proven my initial assumptions to be correct, with one fantastic issue after the other – each filled with ground-breaking storytelling and beautifully intricate and exciting artwork, all of which is now collected into a truly breathtaking first volume trade paperback.”

Visit killshakespeare.com to take a “behind the curtain” preview of the series, including art work, story, and characters.

Visit www.IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.