Murder 22,000 Miles Above Earth in THE FUSE

New sci-fi mystery series from Johnston, Greenwood, and Image Comics

Midway orbits 22,000 miles above the surface of Earth, a five-mile-long steel city that is home to half a million people. And within the hollow metal walls are “cablers” — Midway’s discarded and derelict. Two of them turn up murdered in front of Midway’s city hall, and Detective Ralph Dietrich arrives just in time to take the confounding case — and to meet his partner, veteran detective Klementina Ristovych.

THE FUSE VOLUME 1: THE RUSSIA SHIFT, the new graphic novel from Image Comics by Antony Johnston (UMBRAL, Daredevil, Wasteland) and Justin Greenwood (Wasteland, Stumptown), takes readers into the depths of Midway as Detectives Dietrich and Ristovych follow the threads of the crime through the city’s political entanglements and bloody history.

"Sci-fi, detective stories, and murder mysteries are three of my favorite things, and THE FUSE mashes them all up into something unique,” said writer Johnston. “We've been blown away by the response from our readers — especially women, who love Klem and her kick-ass attitude — and we hope this collection will encourage even more people to visit the claustrophobic, corrupt, and violent world of Midway City. Straight up."

Artist Greenwood described what went into designing the city of Midway and creating the mood within it: "Imagine a small urban city with all its different cultures and personalities, and compact it into a five-mile-by-five-mile structure floating in space. It's pressurized and volatile and gritty, and much like the folks who come to live aboard the Fuse, every issue feels like a fresh start where I'm drawing a dozen new and different things every time. It's never what you expect."

Johnston has high praise for his creative partner, whose art is at the center of THE FUSE’s visual impact. “Justin makes the book sing, from the unique character designs, to his energetic style, and kinetic storytelling. I can't wait for people to experience it."

With simmering tension and a truly original setting, THE FUSE is a graphic novel for lovers of crime dramas and science fiction alike. When you’re 22,000 miles up, there is no backup. THE FUSE VOLUME 1: THE RUSSIA SHIFT is specially priced at $9.99 and will be in comic book stores on August 27 and in bookstores on September 9. It is available for pre-order now.

THE FUSE VOLUME 1: THE RUSSIA SHIFT by Antony Johnston and Justin Greenwood (colors by Shari Chankhamma)

• ISBN 978-1-63215-008-0
• Diamond Comic code JUN140504
• 160 pages, $9.99
• In comic book stores August 27, bookstores September 9
• Collects issues #1-6 of THE FUSE
• Rated Mature
• Retailers, librarians, and reviewers may request a PDF galley from Jennifer de Guzman, Director of Trade Book Sales, jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com

Praise for THE FUSE:

“THE FUSE blends sci-fi and crime -- two very hot genres amongst the Image set right now -- in a crisp, fast-paced read with surprises at every turn. It's not quite hardboiled, but it doesn't need to be; the characters of THE FUSE make the world an interesting place, even without an extra dose of grit. Natural-sounding dialogue and a kicked-up crime story keep things engaging, and keep us guessing who's behind the murders.” –Jen Aprahamian, Comic Vine

"Space cops investigating space murders is the sort of synopsis that gets my attention, and so far Johnston and Greenwood appear to have the world-building skills and noir chops to back it up." –Laura Hudson, Wired

"THE FUSE hits fast and hard, with unapologetic wit and a no-nonsense attitude... This fantastically crafted comic has the guts of an old pulp rag with the experience of the 21st century comic culture." –Lonnie Nadler, Bloody Disgusting

"Antony Johnston has kind of popped to the top of my list of favorite creators... I'm definitely in this one for the long haul." –Sam, Fantastic Fangirls

"THE FUSE is an unusual, engaging and rewarding read, containing everything needed to get you hooked in a comic. A new idea hung skilfully on a classic set up" –Samuel Read, Geek Chocolate