A World of Adventure in THE MERCENARY SEA

September graphic novel brings pre-World War II action to the page

"An amazing new high adventure book. I can't wait to read more of The Mercenary Sea." –Ed Brubaker

1938, the South Seas: Japan has invaded China. War in Europe is imminent. And, in THE MERCENARY SEA, a new Image Comics graphic novel by Kel Symons and Mathew Reynolds, ex-bootlegger Jack Harper captains the Venture, a refitted German U-Boat, with a crew of expats, mercenaries, and treasure hunters. In the September release, this rag-tag group of ruffians and renegades will do whatever it takes to stay afloat, often running up against pirates, headhunters, spies, and soldiers.

In VOLUME ONE: TOP HAT, WHITE LIES, AND TALES, Jack and his crew take a job offered by a shady operative: rescue a British agent carrying valuable intelligence about the Japanese war effort. Meanwhile, Jack dreams of landing the greatest score ever: the legendary lost island of Koji Ra.

Inspired by classic adventure films like King Kong and Only Angels Have Wings, THE MERCENARY SEA draws upon the mystique of the era, with artist Reynolds heightening the action with cinematic, stylized art bathed in rich colors.

“This time, this area — it’s romantic in this spirit of adventure we’re going for,” said writer Symons in an interview at Graphic Policy. “There isn’t any GPS, no satellites. Radio’s still in its infancy and technology is still largely a wonder. At least compared to today. So there’s still mystery in the world. The globe hasn’t been mapped. There are places unseen by man. And you never know what’s just over the horizon until you go there. That to me is adventure.”

A graphic novel for history, cinema, and adventure buffs, THE MERCENARY SEA delivers fascinating characters, exotic locales, and rollicking adventure. It will be in comic book stores on September 3 and in bookstores on September 16.

THE MERCENARY SEA VOLUME 1: TOP HAT, WHITE LIES, AND TALES by Kel Symons and Mathew Reynolds

• ISBN 978-1-63215-108-7
• Diamond Comic order code JUL140501
• 160 pages, full color, $9.99
• In comic book stores September 3, in bookstores September 16
• Collects issues #1-6 of THE MERCENARY SEA
• Rated Teen Plus
• Retailers, librarians, and reviewers may request a PDF galley from Jennifer de Guzman, Director of Trade Book Sales, jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com

Praise for THE MERCENARY SEA:

“This book has all the fun of Captain Blood mixed with Indiana Jones, and the artwork makes every panel a joy to view.” –Peter Schmeiser, Florida Geek Scene

“And so the first arc of this absolutely cracking old-school adventure draws to a close, and what a ride it’s been. Gunfights, secret agents, ill-begotten gains, daring heroics, all told through gorgeous art that’s absolutely pitch-perfect for the subject matter.” –Ross Sweeney, Big Comic Page