PORTLAND, Ore. 05/18/2023 — Eisner Award winning writer Kelly Thompson (Black Cloak, Captain Marvel) and superstar artist Mattia De Iulis (Captain America) team up for their first creator-owned work together in the upcoming horror/coming-of-age story The Cull. This five issue miniseries is set to launch in August from Image Comics.
This exciting launch will also feature variant covers by such top talents as Lorenzo Ceccotti, Michael Walsh, Andrew J. Seles, Chris Shehan, Meredith Mcclaren, Dike Ruan, and Tula Lotay.
"When Mattia reached out to partner on something creator-owned together, I was over the moon," said Thompson. "What we came up with for The Cull is both horrifying and delightful, and of course stunningly gorgeous thanks to Mattia's mind-blowing visuals."
Something is Killing the Children horror vibes mix with The Goonies-style adventure as five friends set off to shoot a short film on a forbidden rock near their home the summer before they all go their separate ways. But that’s not really why they’re there. One of them has lied… and it’s a lie that will change their lives forever.
Mattia De Iulis added: "I made my debut as a comic book artist with Kelly (on Jessica Jones), and I can't believe I'm here now after five years working on the most beautiful project I could ever imagine! The Cull grabbed me inside from the first pages, horror and mystery come together to create a fantastic adventure!"
The Cull #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, August 16:
- Cover A by Mattia De Iulis - Diamond Code JUN230033
- Cover B by Lorenzo Ceccotti - Diamond Code JUN230034
- Cover C by Michael Walsh - Diamond Code JUN230035
- Cover D by Andrew J. Seles - Diamond Code JUN230036
- Cover E by Chris Shehan - Diamond Code JUN230037
- Cover F (1:10) by Meredith Mcclaren - Diamond Code JUN230038
- Cover G (1:25) by Dike Ruan - Diamond Code JUN230039
- Cover H (1:50) by Tula Lotay - Diamond Code JUN230040
The Cull will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Early praise for THE CULL:
"A breathtaking work of beauty, tension, emotion, and mystery. This is the kind of story that stays with you for years to come." —Matthew Rosenberg, What's the Furthest Place from Here?
“The Cull builds a world of characters in small, intricate details that invite the reader to dive deeper, and then—in one quick motion, like magic—opens the whole puzzle box out to infinite size. Intriguing story, spectacular art, and most importantly giant crabs—I recommend getting in on the ground floor.” —Al Ewing, We Only Find Them When They're Dead, Immortal Hulk
"I thought I was in front of the TV, instead I was reading The Cull #1: the outstanding art by Mattia De Iulis let the reader have a full immersive experience, while the script by Kelly Thompson introduce you to a new and extraordinary journey. If you read it and you hear sounds from pages, don't worry, it's just the magic of this book." —Elena Casagrande, Black Widow, Catwoman
“Astonishing. Gritty and lyrical at the same time. I’m going to keep it simple. Quite possibly the best first issue you’ll read this year.” —Gail Simone, Clean Room, Batgirl
“Simultaneously new and familiar, modern and traditional—The Cull hits that tonal sweet spot that promises a hit series. And considering the talent on board, I’m not at all surprised. Add this one to the pull!” —Kelly Sue DeConnick, Bitch Planet, Wonder Woman Historia
“With The Cull, Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis have crafted an absolutely gripping tale. Thompson is the master of writing characters you instantly care about, and every character who sets out on this journey clearly has a personal story that I can't wait to see revealed. I have no idea what the hell is going on with the shocking revelations of Black Water Beach, but I can't wait to find out. Issue 2 now please!" —Tom Taylor, Neverlanders, Nightwing
“The Cull is Kelly, Mattia, and their entire team at the top of their game. It’s everything you could want out of the first issue of a comic—it gets its beautiful hooks in deep. I’m dying for the next chapter.” —Gerry Duggan, X-Men, Dark Room
“You won’t believe you’re reading a comic book as this live-action movie leaps to life on the page. If there’s one book out there right now to totally immerse yourself in, it’s The Cull.” —Chris Refferty, Lucifer, Cobra Kai
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