Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce the signing
of writer David F. Walker and artist Bilquis Evely to its upcoming Shaft comic
book, based on the hard-hitting detective created by novelist Ernest Tidyman
and popularized in films featuring Richard Roundtree and Samuel L. Jackson.
Slated for release in December, Shaft #1 celebrates the 45th anniversary of an
American icon with a wealth of cover art options by industry talents including
Francesco Francavilla, Michael Avon Oeming, Ulises Farinas, Matt Haley, Sanford
Greene, and a landmark collaboration between Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz.
John Shaft, described as a "tough, take-no-guff
detective" and "private dick that's a sex machine to all the
chicks" in composer/singer Isaac Hayes' Oscar-winning Theme from Shaft,
has gone toe-to-toe with organized crime bosses, stood up to the cops, squared
off against kidnappers, and foiled assassination attempts in his novel and film
appearances. But who was John Shaft before he became the hardboiled investigator
with a reputation as big as New York City itself? For the first time ever, the
detective's origins are explored, courtesy of the new series by Dynamite
Entertainment.
David F. Walker is an award-winning journalist,
filmmaker, and author of the Young Adult series The Adventures of Darius Logan.
His publication BadAzz MoFo became internationally known as the indispensable
resource guide to black films of the 1970s, and he is co-author of the book
Reflections on Blaxploitation: Actors and Directors Speak. His work in comics
includes the series Number 13 (Dark Horse Comics), The Army of Dr. Moreau
(Monkeybrain Comics), and The Supernals Experiment (Canon Comics).
Bilquis Evely is a rising star on Dynamite's roster of
talented artists. Recently she worked alongside writer Chris Roberson on the
critically acclaimed Doc Savage miniseries. Her other works include The Shadow
/ Green Hornet: Dark Nights crossover event with writer Michael Uslan, The
Shadow Annual #1, and Miss Fury. Evely's experience with Dynamite's pulp heroes
has made her the perfect fit for the mean streets of 1970's New York City in
Shaft.
"The response by the media and fans over the
announcement of a Shaft comic book series was nothing short of electric,"
says Nick Barrucci, Publisher and CEO of Dynamite Entertainment. "Frankly,
there's no one better suited to take the reins on this project than David F.
Walker, whose vast knowledge of and appreciation for the genre have been
welcome and invaluable in our launch of the Shaft series. Combining his
energetic take on this superbad private detective with Bliquis Evely's
impressive artistic skills, we have all the makings of an explosive comic for
Shaft fans to love."
Shaft #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors'
October Previews catalog, the premiere source of merchandise for the comic book
specialty market, and slated for release in December. Comic book fans are
encouraged to reserve copies of Shaft #1 with their local comic book retailers.
Shaft will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital
platforms courtesy of Comixology, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.