Broken Frontier

The spring of 2005 will see the most innovative western comic book series of our time collected into graphic novel form. This 168-page trade paperback will brandish a new title- WESTERN GOTHIC: The Ballad of Utopia.

The creators of the critically acclaimed series have watched graphic novels flourish in the current market. "There couldn't be a better time for this collection to come out, "said Barry Buchanan, who produces the book along with renowned Fantasy artist Mike Hoffman." Graphic novels are becoming a hugely popular form of entertainment in America today and this story had been approached as one complete tale from the start with a definite beginning, middle and end. Added benefits to this format are a more substantial read, longer shelf-life and the inclusion of an ISBN number, which will help make it into bookstores and libraries."

THE BALLAD OF UTOPIA is essentially a murder mystery as seen through the eyes of Utopia deputy Sam David, who is accompanied by the mysterious and occultic bounty hunter Brigham Love. Along the way, they come across quite a few grisly shocks and encounter many of the odd personalities of the town of Utopia. "It's a very weird and bizarre Western, and challenges a lot of the stereotypes of the genre", stated Hoffman, "To help accentuate this moody atmosphere for the trade I've gone in and added gray wash to the original art boards. Plus, there will be six pages of portfolio pieces all of which will be enveloped in a new oil painting."

In closing, Barry had this to say, "Through all the trials and tribulations that this series has endured, Mike and mine's chief goal has always been to see the finished product in graphic novel form. Now, here in 2005 we're going to see that dream realized."

WESTERN GOTHIC: The Ballad of Utopia, a 168 page B&W trade paperback will be in the Anti-Matter/Hoffman International section of the APRIL 2005 Previews catalog and in stores mid-June.