Dynamite Entertainment has announced plans for several new comic series later this summer; Turok and Sheena will be ongoing titles, while the publisher will also be releasing a Moneypenny-centric one-shot placing the classic James Bond supporting character in the spotlight.
Sheena
The new Sheena series, which will debut on August 2, features writers Marguerite Bennett and Christina Trujilo, with artwork by artist Moritat. When it launches, the debut issue, Sheena #0 respectively, will have a .25-cent introductory price.
The last time Dynamite had a series featuring Sheena was back in 2016 in the miniseries Lords of the Jungle, written by Corinna Bechko, where she accompanied Tarzan to combat various wrongdoers. Now it seems Dynamite is eager to push the character, with Joseph Rybandt, Dynamite’s Entertainment Executive Editor, going on to say, “Sheena has long been a staple feature throughout the history of comics and we’re especially proud to be adding new voices to that history. Marguerite and Christina present a timely and empowering tale – enhanced by the pitch-perfect visuals of Moritat – to create a Queen of the Jungle for the 21st century… and beyond.”
The book’s official synopsis for the new Sheena series explains how Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, who typically finds herself as the guardian to the jungle she inhabits, is going to be chasing after a mysterious intruder attempting to spy, and perhaps steal, the Amazon Jungle’s secrets. Along the way, Sheena is going to encounter forbidden ruins with more dangers than she was expecting.
“Our story is glorious golden age pulp,” said Marguerite Bennett said in the announcement, “– high adventure, quick wit, ancient mysteries, and daring dames — clashing with the perils of two worlds: one, the modern world come to conquer, and one, a world of dark supernatural mystery long forgotten, awoken to anger once more. This is a fast paced, action packed kick off to more exciting adventures for Sheena!”
Cover artwork for Sheena #0 spotlights the talents of the Emanuela Lupacchino and there will be variant covers including “Sneak Peek” covers from interior artist Moritat, Ryan Sook and, J. Scott Campbell.
Turok
With Dynamite’s Turok, the series will feature the return of the classic pulp hero. Written by Chuck Wendig and with artwork by Alvaro Sarraseca, the new comic promises a very different and new interpretation to the fabled dinosaur hunter. Similar to Sheena, while Turok hasn’t been absent from comics for long, his return is sure to be well welcomed.
Also debuting on August 2, Turok #1 includes a bonus Doc Spektor back-up story that’s written by Aubrey Sitterson and Dylan Burnett.
The premise for the new Turok comic is going to tell the story of fascist Saurian soldiers of the Varanid Empire-part dinosaur, part man, and how they have seized control of the Lost Valley. It will be up to Turok to stop them. However, Turok’s mind is currently preoccupied with tracking down a mysterious girl who might hold many clues and secrets about how the Lost Valley has altered from the prehistoric land that fans are acquainted with.
“I wasn’t sure initially about tackling Turok because I wanted to do such a weird and wonderful story world justice — but then, while talking with Dynamite Senior Editor Matt Idelson about all the stuff going on in the real world, an idea hit me in the chest like one of Turok’s arrows” explains writer Chuck Wendig in discussing his plans for the upcoming Turok, “I’m excited to come on board and to hopefully bring something different to the story and to the character, while also keeping the spirit of what makes Turok awesome. And I’m hoping everyone enjoys reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it!”
The first issue of Turok will have multiple variant covers by artists Aaron Lopresti Álvaro Sarraseca, Aaron Conley, and Andy Belanger. Limited variant editions in “Black & White” and “Virgin Art” formats will be made available as well as retailer incentives for comic shops that support the launch issue by achieving stocking thresholds.
Moneypenny
Lastly, James Bond: Moneypenny brings on Jody Houser as the writer, the first female writer to compose a Bond-related comic book.
On sale in stories on August 30, James Bond: Moneypenny focuses on the iconic character Moneypenny and how she finds herself on what’s supposed to be a routine protection mission. Everything goes awry when she discovers an assassination plot that has a striking resemblance to a life-changing terrorist attack from her childhood. It’s then up to her to take matters into her own hands.
In talking about the upcoming comic, Houser said, “As someone who came to James Bond late (much to the horror of many of my friends), the idea that I’d get to play in that world is amazing. Writing a character like Moneypenny and exploring what makes her different from the more familiar MI6 operative has been a blast. In this story, we’ll get a look at exactly how she operates and some of the events that made her the woman she is.”
