First Look: Heavy Metal’s VIRUS Imprint Releasing NEVER NEVER by Mark McCann
Josh Millican
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Heavy Metal’s VIRUS imprint is releasing Mark McCann’s Never Never #1 on August 12th, 2020; you can pre-order your copy now at www.heavymetal.com.
Never Never, as described by creator McCann, is an amalgamation of Peter Pan, The Hunger Games, and Lord of the Flies. In other words, a survival horror fantasy inspired by classics but intended for a new age.
“I have a passion for the survival horror genre, from Romero’s groundbreaking films to Fulci’s gorier efforts. This project allows us to blend genres and give old concepts a terrifying new interpretation. We aim to channel real fear and palpable discomfort into the reader,” says author McCann.
He adds, “The key is the characters. If we’ve done this right, you’ll be rooting for the hero, but also understand and even sympathize with the villain.”
Heavy Metal and VIRUS CEO Matthew Medney sees Never Never as exactly the kind of story he wanted to share with the world when creating the imprint. “Marc and his stellar creative team – Phil Buckenham, Agnese Pozza, David Withers and Peter Duncan – have manifested something dark, mysterious and compelling, and ultimately very Heavy Metal. To have this title among the first wave of VIRUS releases is such a pleasure.”
Synopsis:
Winter is seduced by the boy-sprite, Petros – off to the Never, Never. A place where children never grow up and adults are the enemy. What would such a place look like? Where resources are scarce. Time passes, but age is obsolete. War with adults, starved and insane from constant battle, is the norm. What would age-less boys free of civility and role-models be willing to do to survive? To live forever? A young girl will face her greatest test; an island full of immortal cannibals with a dark secret that sustains its existence, in the most unnatural and awful of ways.
About Heavy Metal:
First published in 1977, Heavy Metal, the world’s foremost illustrated fantasy magazine, explores fantastic and surrealistic worlds, alternate realities, science fiction and thriller, in the past, present and future. Writers and illustrators from around the world take you to places you never dreamed existed. Heavy Metal was the first magazine to bring European legends Moebius, Tanino Libertore, Philippe Druillet, Enki Bilal, Pepe Moreno and Philippe Caza to the U.S. as well as showcasing American superstars Richard Corben, Jim Steranko and Bernie Wrightson. The magazine continues to showcase amazing new talent as well as allowing established creators to have “carte blanche”. Heavy Metal is now published six times per year. Most issues feature one or two serialized graphic novels, several short stories, and two artist galleries. Recent creators featured include Grant Morrison, Stephen King, Bart Sears, Tim Seeley. With new CEO Matt Medney at the helm, Heavy Metal promises to boldly go where no magazine has gone before. Explore ancient secrets, forgotten worlds and savage futures…experience Heavy Metal.
What do you think of this first look at Never Never? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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