Broken Frontier

Adding to its rich library of mind-altering and visually stunning titles, Archaia and Fantasy Prone announced final details on SYNDROME, a bold and intense new, original graphic novel hardcover that asks a surprisingly simple question: What would happen if science discovered a straightforward explanation for one of the universe’s greatest mysteries: What causes evil?
 
“Syndrome is a story about obsession, on a number of levels, as experienced by four characters who all come from different worlds and yet find themselves embroiled in this giant, impeccably simulated environment,” said creator Blake Leibel. “It’s the ultimate ‘backstage’ story, in that sense.”
 
To prove the harrowing hypothesis, a dangerous, enormously expensive series of experiments begin in a remote desert compound. Conceived by a rogue neuropathologist, financed by a big pharmaceutical billionaire, built by a perfectionist Hollywood production designer and populated by hard-working actors, the sprawling underground simulation at the story’s center is designed initially to measure the chemically assisted transformation of a single man: sadistic, condemned serial killer Thomas Kane, a lifelong predator turned unwitting guinea pig.
 
“Syndrome is a very dark, creepy and disturbing graphic novel, while at the same time being as polished crafted as a Hollywood soundstage,” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “Blake Leibel is a twisted genius who is one of the most strange and unique creators I’ve ever met, and I’m glad that Archaia is the company that is helping to introduce both him and the other authors of Syndrome to a wider audience.”
 
Syndrome’s (hardcover, full color, 112 pages, $19.95, Diamond Order Code JUN10 0745, in stores in August wherever books are sold) character-based story approach and visual intensity are what set it apart, the result of a lengthy and exhaustive research, development and production period for the creative team behind the project. The OGN marks the arrival of a trio of talents: the Los Angeles-based writing team of Daniel Quantz (Marvel Age Spider-Man) and R.J. Ryan, and artist David Marquez (Days Missing: Kestus), who works out of Austin, Texas and that city’s thriving art scene. Along with creator Blake Leibel, the team worked together on the visual and story elements of the project for a year and a half prior to its impending release in August.

“Dan and I wanted to do something that reflected a lot of our personal tastes, which stretch from mask-and-cape monthlies to iconoclastic fare like Johnny Ryan’s Angry Youth Comix and Grant Morrison and Chris Weston’s The Filth,” said Ryan. “In terms of tone and subject matter, we both wanted Syndrome to pay homage to two of our favorite films, ‘Lost Highway’ and ‘Mulholland Drive.’ David Lynch’s imagery was a big influence on this book.”
 
The Syndrome original graphic novel hardcover debuts at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif. (July 22-25, 2010 at the San Diego Convention Center) and Blake Leibel, Daniel Quantz, R.J. Ryan and David Marquez will be on hand to sign advanced copies and talk about the book with readers.