Broken Frontier

"I just can't read ordinary superhero comics anymore. I need something which makes it unique or I don't give a rat's ass. NOBLE CAUSES has such a great premise that I actually pay MONEY for it." -- writer Mark Millar

Writer Jay Faerber has nurtured NOBLE CAUSES through an initial one-shot, three mini-series and two anthologies before settling into a monthly rhythm with the ongoing NOBLE CAUSES series, illustrated by Fran Bueno.

Now is the perfect opportunity for everyone to jump into the saga of the world's preeminent superhero family, as the first six issues of the ongoing NOBLE CAUSES are collected into the fourth Nobles trade: NOBLE CAUSES: BLOOD & WATER.

In this initial story arc from the new series, the Noble family finds itself in the midst of scandal when their friend, Krennick, is suspected of murdering a prostitute who was found dressed up like Zephyr Noble. Meanwhile, half-brothers Rusty and Frost find themselves forced to team up on a mission to outer space, and Gaia begins to notice startling changes in her husband, Doc.

Faerber hopes that BLOOD & WATER will entice readers who've been reluctant to give another superhero book a try. Despite being the fourth Nobles trade, the book provides a perfect jumping on point for new readers, who may be intimidated by jumping into an ongoing book late in the game.

"The start of our ongoing series marked a 'new beginning' for the Noble family," says the writer. "So I took the opportunity to make sure it was accessible to new readers, while still forging ahead for the benefit of those faithful fans who've been with us from the start. Most books are able to craft 'jumping-on' points because of frequent creative team turnovers, but since I've been writing these characters from the start, it's important to provide frequent entryways into the book, so we don't alienate anyone."

One of the ingredients that Faerber feels has enabled NOBLE CAUSES to finally firmly latch on is the emergence of artist Fran Bueno, a relative unknown before taking up the Noble reins.

"Fran has that one-two punch of an incredible work ethic combined with immense talent," explains Faerber. "Almost every morning, I log into my email and there's another beautiful page from Fran. While we feature larger-than-life visuals, NOBLE CAUSES' hallmark is its quieter character moments, and those scenes wouldn't work without Fran's deft touch -- augmented by our amazing colorist, Ron Riley."

Image Comics Executive Director Eric Stephenson has watched NOBLE CAUSES develop every step of the way, and couldn't be happier to see reader enthusiasm for the title picking up steam.

"Jay's one of those guys who just knows how to tell entertaining stories, and that's reflected in every issue of NOBLE CAUSES," says Stephenson. "We look forward to publishing the book for a good long time."

NOBLE CAUSES tells the story of Liz Donnelly, a stranger in a strange land -- an everyday person who married into a family of celebrity super-heroes. But behind the glamour and wonder lie dark secrets, ruthless ambition, and twisted desires, as detailed by Faerber and Bueno each and every month.

NOBLE CAUSES, VOL. 4: FIRE & WATER is solicited in the May issue of Diamond PREVIEWS, and will be in stores on July 20.  NOBLE CAUSES #12 is also solicited in the May PREVIEWS (order code: APR05 1684), and will hit stands on July 15.