Broken Frontier

The Biblical story of King David has been told many times in many different ways.

But none of them have been quite like Royden Lepp’s DAVID: THE SHEPHERD’S SONG.

“David is the ‘Braveheart’ story of the Bible,” explained Lepp. “Based off of the Biblical books of Samuel, this series follows David as he defends his flock from a lion and is anointed king of Israel in front of all of his brothers by the aging prophet Samuel. The series is told by David as an adult, hiding from King Saul, as he looks back on the 'simpler days' of his youth. The story also includes King Saul confronting an evil spirit sent by God to torment him.”

Drawing on Lepp’s experience in the world of animation, DAVID begins as a 3-part series with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling. The artwork moves at a fast pace, employing panels in innovative ways and giving the book a cinematic feel. And when action scenes occur, such as David’s fight with a lion in the first issue, Lepp’s artwork helps convey the emotional depth of the story such that the reader really does feel as if the young boy is in danger.

“This is not an evangelistic book,” said Lepp. “It's just a plain good story. This is the David of the Bible brought to life for the first time, as a character that readers will get to know and connect with. The style is fresh and rough, but stays gritty with believability. This is unlike any other comic out there right now.”

Critics, certainly, have praised the book for its unique look and style. One reviewer noted that “[DAVID] is one of those books that you’re afraid to pick up, because it’s so different from what you’re used to seeing on the shelves of comic book stores, but it’s so cool that you’ll have to add it to your pull list once you’ve read it.” Another reviewer gave the book a perfect score, adding that “Royden Lepp probably isn’t the future of comics, but that’s fine with me – part of what makes this book so much fun is that it’s incredibly unique.”

Readers and retailers have also supported the title, helping the first issue to land on the industry’s top 300 list for July. And, according to ALIAS Comics Managing Editor Sean J. Jordan, the book sold out completely at August’s WizardWorld Chicago convention, “with many people leaving disappointed that we were out.”

“People love this book because it isn’t preachy and it isn’t traditional,” said Mike S. Miller, President of ALIAS Comics. “Royden Lepp isn’t offering people the “Picture Bible” here – he’s simply telling a great story, and letting the pages speak for themselves. This is a book that anyone can read and appreciate, whether they’re approaching it as a simple story or as a stylish retelling of history.”

The first issue of DAVID: SHEPHERD’S SONG is already available at comic book retailers everywhere. The second issue should hit shelves in September. Retailers can order additional copies in the ALIAS section of PREVIEWS.

For more information about DAVID: SHEPHERD’S SONG, please visit http://www.aliascomics.net