Writer/Artist Billy Tucci, (creator of “Shi”, "A
Child Is Born” and re-energizer of the classic “Sergeant Rock”) will release a
sneak preview edition of “The Blackwater Chronicles” at the 2012 San Diego
Comic-Con. Only 200 copies per day are allowed to distributed to the 130,000
attendees expected. Only 1000 posters and sneak preview books have been printed
for the event.
“The Blackwater Chronicles ” are a new series of
non-fiction illustrated books set for release during 2013 that detail the
real-life adventures of the controversial private security company. The first
book in the series is based on Robert Young Pelton’s “Licensed to Kill, Hired
Guns in the War on Terror”.
Billy Tucci has applied his skills to capture
extraordinary realism and intense emotion to bring these brutal real-world
experiences to the graphic novel genre.
"Like most people, all I had heard or read
concerning private security contractors was that they were reckless cowboys
whose actions in Iraq and Afghanistan were considered almost criminal by the
media who weren’t there. Then I read the amazing first-hand experiences in
Robert Young Pelton’s book, "Licensed To Kill". Pelton lived, rode
and flew under fire with Blackwater and other PSCs on their daily missions. His
book and the men he introduced me to provided incredible insight to the men
behind the myth and the sacrifices they made" Tucci stated.
The first book entitled “Blackwater Bridge” will detail
the dangers of the Mamba Team, a group of unsung rogues, misfits and heroes who
ran the most dangerous road in Baghdad in slow-moving South African armored
vehicles. Inside the terrifying story arc is a deeper tale. An ex-Marine
haunted by a delayed flight to Iraq. An incident that prevented him from being
slaughtered in Fallujah but sent someone in his place. The members of this
Mamba team will come face to face with a deadly IED blast.
The stories in the “The Blackwater Chronicles” come
straight from the adventures of Blackwater contractors; former SEALs, Special
Forces operators, Marines and cops who protected CIA officers, State Department
employees, elected officials and even Presidents inside the world’s most
dangerous places. Their work was exhausting, secretive, deadly and often
classified.
“It is impossible to capture the intensity of the
Blackwater experience with just a book or a photograph, says author/Adventurer
Robert Young Pelton. “Billy brings their experiences to life and his commitment
to accuracy engenders the respect and trust that lets the contractors open up
and tell the whole story”.
Tucci added that, "Our book will journey deep into
the psyche of these men. I wanted to find out why they do what they do… and the
effects the experience has had on them. Nothing will be left out, from the
Front Page controversies to their daily silent heroics. It is the most
challenging work of my career, but I'm tackling it with a vengeance, as I've
gained a great respect for these men who live a daily life of danger and their
stories must be told."
The series of books is being done with the direct
approval of Blackwater founder and former owner Erik Prince and the
contractors. Although the series begins with Pelton’s book, he felt that there
was also so much more that needed to be told.
“Billy goes beyond being a gifted writer and artist. He
immerses himself in the story to painstakingly create a work of visual art that
becomes both an important statement and a great read” says Pelton. “The journey
into the world of Blackwater is just beginning”.
Billy Tucci and “The Blackwater Chronicles” will be at
booth #1801 at Comic-Con from July 11, to July 15th. Tucci will be signing
selected copies and greeting fans.
Only 1000 posters and only 1000 San Diego Comic Con
Convention “Blackwater” previews will be published and only 200 copies of both
the poster and Preview book will be given out during the event.
Discuss in our Forums.