Huddled in the vibrant hub of art and creativity that is San Diego, IDW – a powerhouse in the comic book industry – stands ready with open arms to unveil their latest endeavor, ‘The Hunger and the Dusk.’ This ravishing narration of a panicked world whirling on the thin axis of survival is the brainchild of seasoned writer and Hugo award-winner, G. Willow Wilson, and agile comic artist, Chris ‘Wild Goose’ Wildgoose. Set to grace the shelves in July, this outburst of fantasy and politicking delivers a platter sizzling with undulating drama, gleaming world-building, and a side of blood-splattering brutality to cater to the diverse flavors of the genre’s fans.At the core of the story is a dystopian world where humanity and orcs – the world’s unlikely survivors – are engaged in a perpetual scrimmage for territorial might and political leverage. The arrival of ominous old humanoids termed ‘The Vangol,’ who have traveled from afar, spurs an improbable alliance between these entrenched adversaries. Both sides, now teetering on the brink of collapse, strive to salvage their crumbling world from ruins.

Embroidery of fantasy weaves into the saga like a golden thread. Troth Icemane – the alpha orc – sends Tara, a youthful and esteemed healer, and his favorite cousin, into the fray alongside Callum Battlechild – the daredevil human commander. The harmonious pairing of these diagonally opposite entities, their jettisoning of age-old rivalries, and their ascendance above romantic meltdown, rest as keys to the survival of their species.

“My quarantine contemplation led me to the endings of the world from different points of history. Simultaneously, I found solace in a variety of science fiction and fantasy. The allure of as allies of these world-weary homo sapiens and orcs forced to defend their dwindling world from imminent extinction gradually wove its narrative,” says Wilson. “I rarely venture into vast fantasy tales. However, the grimness of the pandemic encouraged me to experiment. So, I reflected, life’s expiration date is inevitable; indulge in what brings joy – thus the orchestration of this ‘hot orc saga’,” she adds, a touch of audacious humor lending vivacity to her words.

The anointing of a fascinating lore – orc dynasties, tribal folklore, and seasonal hunting trends, humans’ history, invisible cities – served as the debut treat. “And from that giddy start, the journey of blending my high-fantasy tastes with Willow’s flourished,” Wildgoose recounts, exhilaration glistening in his commentary. “It becomes akin to twins geeking out on fantasy, a delightful convergence of creative juices.”

The artifact of this confluence of fantasy aficionados is an arsenal of intricate costumes, armored ensembles assembled with strategic precision, and an ingenious set of new riding animals, adds Wilson. “Chris is masterfully meticulous. His contribution has spurred the evolution of a wholly-realized universe. His handiwork for this book is simply extraordinary.”

Final contributors to ‘The Hunger and the Dusk,’ colorist MsassyK and letterer Simon Bowland crafted the visual feast that Wildgoose describes as the magnum opus of his comic book endeavors. “The superlatives for the project dwindled halfway through development,” admits Senior Editor Maggie Howell. “The love and labor that has trickled into each page resonate with an unbelievable intensity – testimony to a creative dream team that has poured their hearts into crafting a stimulation that is as addictive as it is timely.”

The variant covers for alternate issues captivate fans and retailers. Pioneering artist Chris Wildgoose and one-of-a-kind artist, Cliff Chiang embellish cover A and Cover B, respectively. Cover C graced every month by rotating contributors, commencing with creative geniuses InHyuk Lee, Nick Robles, and Jessica Fong curating the first three issues.

For fans keen to acquire ‘The Hunger and the Dusk’ and other IDW masterpieces, check-in your local comic store or www.comicshoplocator.com to locate a nearby vendor.

Creators of the Tale

-G. Willow Wilson, the acclaimed author of The Bird King (2019), is a force in the literary world. She co-created the award-winning Ms. Marvel series (2013-2018) and has written for iconic superhero comics like The X-Men, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Her debut novel, Alif the Unseen, won the 2013 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel and was a finalist for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Wilson’s contributions to graphic literature earned her the Graphic Literature Innovator Prize at the 2015 PEN America Literary Awards, and her works have been translated into over a dozen languages.

-UK-based comic virtuoso Chris Wildgoose boasts collaborations with franchises like Batgirl: Rebirth and Batman: Nightwalker. He is a co-founder of Improper Books, an indie comics studio where he has spawned several works.

-Bangkok native, MsassyK jetted towards Toronto, Canada in pursuit of her art education. Coloring comic books for celebrated publishers like IDW, DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, Skybound, and Glénat followed a brief stint as a junior concept artist across diverse industries.