Ekos: Three Covers for a New Universe

By August Tales

Comics 2024 has stirred a whirlwind of collaborations as imaginative minds amalgamate to create fresh universes. However, no concept is more intriguing and nostalgically riveting than the emergence of Ekos. This new comic universe is a melting pot of old and new ideas, pioneered by industry veterans like the founder of Marvel Studios, David Maisel.

From Thought to Text: The Genesis of Ekos

Though Ekos might be a new name for comic enthusiasts, its roots lie deep in the minds of celebrated artists Michael Turner and Geoff Johns. Turner, a beloved artist and founder of Aspen Comics, passed away tragically in 2008. But his unfulfilled ideas continue to inspire even today.

Working in tandem with Aspen Comics, Maisel has helped bring Ekos to life. Guiding Aspen in Turner’s absence, Frank Mastromauro and Peter Steigerwald have diligently maintained Turner’s characters such as Fathom. Now, they’re propelling them into uncharted territories.

Journey Through Ekos: A Tale of Unity and Exploration

Ekos’ narrative unfolds with Grell, a character who first debuted in 2003, as the star of the series. Grell embarks on an exploration of Ekos, accompanied by a stunning selection of characters from Turner’s works. These include fan favourites like Aspen (Fathom) and Grace (Soulfire). Their shared mission forms the crux of the Ekos narrative.

The story is slated to launch in ‘Ekos Volume 1’ on September 17th.

Artistic Brilliance: The Team Behind Ekos

Creating Ekos’ vivid visual landscape involves a star-studded team of creators. The crew includes colorist Peter Steigerwald, artist Alex Konat, writer J.T. Krul, inker Mark Roslan, and letterist Josh Reed. Hopping aboard to lend their expertise as cover artists for various Kickstarter editions are Alex Ross, Joe Quesada, J Scott Campbell, and more.

Eager readers will have the option to sample Turner’s remastered artwork on three exclusive covers. They will be available for those choosing ‘Ekos Vol. 1’ as standalone issues.

From Stage to Page: David Maisel’s Return to Comics

Talking about Ekos’ inception brings us back to Maisel. Having been integral in birthing Marvel Studios and even winning a Tony for the Broadway show Fosse, he’s a legend. Now, he’s stirring the comic universe once more with his part in Ekos.

Maisel’s transit back to comics is stoked by his unbridled love for the art. Having been a collector of Michael Turner’s art for 16 years, he casually mentions how he jumped at the chance to work on Ekos when the opportunity arose.

“These characters have excited me, and I have been exploring notions of animation for the eventual Ekos film,” says Maisel. “Our aim is to visually recreate the world Michael and Peter created 20 years ago.”

Breaking the Fourth Wall: Connecting with Fans

Adding a fresh twist to the comic narrative, the creators are leveraging Kickstarter to connect directly with fans. Gesturing at the Ekos setup, Maisel comments, “I love that we can talk to readers directly. It allows them to be part of the journey with us.” They plan to keep the fans updated throughout the year, letting them sneak a peek into the creative process.

As Ekos prepares to infiltrate the comic universe, its makers revealed three exclusive covers. As we all anticipate this tantalizing addition to the comic milieu, stay tuned for more exciting updates.