Broken Frontier

Eric Jerome Dickey, critically acclaimed author of New York Times bestsellers Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve, has signed on to create a spectacular, six-issue limited series of Storm, spotlighting the ever-popular X-Men heroine. The first highly anticipated issue is scheduled to debut in February 2006, coinciding with Black History Month.

Dickey's Storm story arc will present an epic romance, revealing the untold love story of the world's two most popular African American Super Heroes, Ororo (also known as Storm of the X-Men) and T'Challa (a.k.a. The Black Panther), the world's first African American Super Hero. Marking Dickey's first comic book writing effort, the captivating series blends romance and adventure against the backdrop of Africa's cruel plains. Emerging star David Yardin (Black Panther, District X) will illustrate the books.

"I never would have imagined that I'd get an opportunity to step into the Marvel Universe and work on Storm," says Dickey. "She is such a remarkable character. And being allowed to incorporate T'Challa, the future Black Panther in the same series...wake me up because I have to be dreaming."

The six-issue series follows how the famed African Prince T'Challa crosses paths with Ororo, an orphaned street urchin who only survives by sheer wit as her mutant powers are still in their infancy. As the story and romance unfold, the duo come together to fight against a mutual foe who seeks to put them in a cage and exploit them toward wicked ends.

"This is a truly groundbreaking storyline that will draw in readers from all cultural backgrounds," said Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics. "Eric's unique vision for this series will thrill traditional comic fans of Storm and The Black Panther, as well as appeal to a whole new audience drawn towards Eric's remarkable storytelling ability."

Dickey's novels Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Naughty or Nice, Drive Me Crazy, and Genevieve have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Liar's Game, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Naughty or Nice, and Drive Me Crazy have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for a NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Fiction in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. His 12th novel, Chasing Destiny, will be released in May 2006.