FORTHCOMING DEEP CUTS SERIES TO SHOWCASE JAZZY LINEUP OF TALENT THIS APRIL

PORTLAND, Ore. 01/20/2023 — Radiant Black writers Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark team up with an all-star cast of best selling artists for the forthcoming, Deep Cuts. This miniseries will feature six double-length issues and will launch in April from Image Comics.

The artists on deck for each issue include Danilo Beyruth, Helena Masellis, Diego Greco, Ramón K Pérez (Stillwater), Juni Ba (Monkey Meat), and Toby Cypress (The Gravedigger’s Union) with all issues colored by Igor Monti (Radiant Black, Inferno Girl Red, Supermassive). The covers will all be connecting artwork by Chris Brunner and Rico Renzi and will span 60 iconic years of music history.

"Joe and I first met in high school, playing in too many bands, jazz groups and chamber ensembles to name, and became close friends through our love of comic books, film and music," said Higgins in an exclusive on the announcement with CBR. "We've collaborated on many projects over the years, but Deep Cuts is on a different level. This isn't an academic look at Jazz and American music but instead a story spanning 60 years, exploring the people and the deeply human connections in music and culture that ultimately inspire each new generation."

Bonus backmatter material for each Deep Cuts issue will also include lead sheets of original songs by Chicago jazz composers, inspired by and connected to each issue’s story.

Clark added: "Deep Cuts imagines characters on the periphery who, in spite of their circumstances, find the courage to face the unknown and play an important part in the landscape of American music—even if they don’t know it," said Clark. "Our six-issue series begins in New Orleans and jumps through the decades, to new cities and new protagonists, and our amazing team of artists reflects that breadth and scale. Getting to work with Kyle and this insanely talented team has been so creatively fulfilling and I can’t wait for us to share this story."

Inspired by real events, Deep Cuts tells stories of the interconnected struggle, joy and hope in jazz as well as the (sometimes) stray connections that ultimately inspire each new generation.

Deep Cuts #1 is set in New Orleans, 1917. In the city’s bustling red-light district, a young clarinet player lands a job with his hero—but he’ll soon discover there’s more to the music business than playing the right notes.

Deep Cuts #1 (Diamond Code FEB230009) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, April 26.

Deep Cuts will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.