The Press Release:
Sumerian Comics announced today ONE OF US IS THE KILLER, a brand new graphic novel inspired by the 2013 fifth studio album from mathcore band, The Dillinger Escape Plan and from Rock & Roll Hell creators, Sam Romesburg and Ben Roberts, visionary artist Greg Di Angilla (Rock & Roll Hell), and colorist Warnia Sahadewa (Doctor Who).
Speaking on todays’ announcement, Dillinger Escape Plan founder and guitarist, Ben Weinman shares
“The ‘One of Us Is the Killer’ collaboration with Sumerian Records remains one of The D.E.P’s most artistically ambitious achievements to this day. Seeing Ash Avildsen and the creative team at the newly founded Sumerian Comics, use this album as the influence for another equally ambitious artistic endeavor is amazing. I can’t wait to hold one of these things in my hands, just like I did with the many comic books I enjoyed as a kid.”
A string of assassinations made by a politically-motivated killer known only to the public as The Quill serves as the spark to ignite a full scale revolution. Set in a technologically advanced American City in the not too distant future, VERTICAL INTEGRATION CORP. has seized all means of production and capital available, creating a financial synergy unlike any that has ever existed. Employees work and live in this living city-sized factory supporting the lives of the ruling business class while subjected to living in tenements. The Quill is the never-seen but oft spoken hero of the lower-class.
Writers Ben Roberts and Sam Romesburg stated they were inspired to take the intention behind the album title and use it to form a story focusing on a relationship larger than that of which exists between two people, and focus on a relationship between a government and its people. The writers pulled multiple references from the album that fans of the band will be able to catch on to, while also allowing several themes from the songs themselves influence the trajectory of the story.
ONE OF US IS THE KILLER features main cover art by series artist Greg Di Angilla and colors by series colorist, Warnia Sahadewa. Bundles will be available soon from Sumerian Comics containing various items that complement the physical hardback.
Limited twenty-two page preview copies of ONE OF US IS THE KILLER will be available at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA and The Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist, Ben Weinman will be signing copies at 1pm PST on March 26th.
About Ben Weinman:
Ben Weinman is the founder and sole constant member throughout the band’s career, and is currently playing rhythm guitar with Suicidal Tendencies and the supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. Ben also has an animal sanctuary at his home in New Jersey and is in development on a children’s 2D animated series: Jupiter Rocks! The 52 x 11′ musical comedy for upper preschool (ages four to seven) is set for delivery in Q2 2025.
Jupiter Rocks! follows the life of a guitar-playing seven-year-old whose life is uprooted when her mom becomes Earth’s Planet Ambassador to Jupiter. Penelope meets many challenges as she navigates living in a wacky new world, but uses humor, and her natural musical abilities to solve daily obstacles with her new group of friends. Speaking on the project, Weinman comments
“We created Jupiter Rocks! (JR) to not only showcase diversity and inclusion but to show our children that it is often our differences that become strengths! Every episode promises an exciting adventure where our main character and her friends solve their problems with creative and musical solutions. Much like I did growing up in an educational system that often didn’t reward the more ‘Right Brain’ kids out there. Our goal is also to create programming that can be enjoyed and discussed by both children and their parents, creating an opportunity for connection that will last a lifetime.”
About Sumerian Comics – ONE OF US IS THE KILLER is the newest release from Sumerian Comics, founded by Sumerian Records CEO Ash Avildsen, and Behemoth Comics co-founders, Nathan Yocum and Ryan Swanson. The company is home to original series, including You Promised Me Darkness by Damian Connelly; MFKZ by Run; and licenses like A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night; Watch Dogs: Legion and more.
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PiercingMetal Thoughts: This is exciting news for sure and I’m always happy to share comic book company release broadcasts that reach deep into our Metal fans interests as much as I like talking about all the superhero stuff from the other publishers. Truth be told though, I’ve yet to read a single edition of anything from Sumerian Comics which was formerly Behemoth Comics if you remember our interview from a couple of years ago. That said I am always game should I find myself on any kind of servicing list which is a tad different from just announcements. I can say that all of their product has quality to it in terms of the overall look and feel of the books so this one will likely be right along those lines. I’ve only ever been a casual fan of the Dillinger Escape Plan when they were a band to support but always enjoyed them when I could and think that the creative team assembled for Ben’s story ideas sounds solid. Wrapping up I wonder what you readers think about this announcement. Have you out there in the comic book readership side of our fence taken a dive into anything from Sumerian Comics yet? Chime in down below and I will see you next time. Keep safe out there.
Official: https://sumerian.ink/
Official: https://www.facebook.com/dillingerescapeplan/
