Broken Frontier

Following up on the success of the critically acclaimed bestselling adaptation of George R. R. Martin's The Hedge Knight, Dabel Brothers Production is nearing release on its next wave of comic book adaptations based on the works of popular fantasy authors.

One of the foremost of these titles is based upon the short story "The Wood Boy" by Raymond E. Feist, a unique coming of age story that offers a common boy's perspective of the Riftwar Saga as he finds himself enslaved under a force of alien invaders as they occupy the manor where he works. Featuring art by fan-favorite Mat Broome, the comic book adaptation of The Wood Boy is on track to become another major title for the Dabel Brothers.

"The Wood Boy is a great introduction to the Riftwar because it gives readers a glimpse of both sides of the conflict," said Sean J. Jordan, who wrote the adaptation of the story. "On one side, you've got the Midkemians, who live in a fairly standard medieval world complete with elves, dwarves, and dragons. On the other side, you have the Tsurani, an invading army somewhat like a blend between the Mongol Hordes and the Roman Legions that has come through a rift between the two worlds to conquer the kingdoms and take their metal." The Wood Boy follows Dirk, a teenager who has just begun his life as a servant on a prominent estate as the Riftwar begins. When the Tsurani invade the estate and turn it into a base of operations, Dirk and his fellow workers are forced to not only attend to the needs of the estate, but also those of the army.

"The first half of the story is all about Dirk learning how to live under the rule of his harsh new masters," said Jordan, "while the second half takes an unexpected twist and gives Dirk an opportunity to grow from a simple wood boy into a courageous hero."
One of the most distinctive aspects of The Wood Boy is its artistic style - illustrator Mat Broome infused the story with a bit of a "Dirk-the-Daring" look to make the title stand out in the genre.  The result is a book that captures the imagination and fun of the fantasy world.

"Part of the reason I decided to work on this project is because Feist's writing is really good," said Broome. "This is a really compelling story about the awkwardness of being a kid, and it's been a blast to work on it."

The Wood Boy #1 will be available in Spring, 2005 through Image Comics at comic book retailers everywhere. Retailers may order copies through Diamond Distributors, Order Code JAN051638.