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New BOOM! Studios series, Red Before Black, is bringing X-Men writer Stephanie Phillips together with Hellblazer artist Goran Sudzuka. The series, slated to release this summer, is described as a violent, hyper-kinetic crime thriller with women at the helm. It follows the tale of Val, a disgraced army veteran. She is on a mission in Florida to hunt down an infamous drug runner. This leads to a dangerous game of cat and mouse where Val learns there are more than two players in the game.
Red Before Black
Red Before Black is the latest to come from the studio’s self-titled imprint that boasts several comics from some all-star talent. They include Keanu Reeves, R.L. Stine, James Tynion IV, and many more. Now, Stephanie Phillips and Goran Sudzuka are adding their names to the list. It is a great list that also includes some great properties like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and The Expanse.
BOOM! describes Red Before Black as a crime thriller in the same vein as classic 2000s-era Vertigo comics. Popular comics from this era include The Sandman, Preacher, and Fables. However, this new thriller is aiming to tell a fresh story from the muggy heat of Florida. When protagonist Val and her would-be target Leo find an enemy in common, this classic chase turns into something far more sinister.
Building A Gritty New World
Stephanie Phillips shared the fun she had developing the Red Before Black story. Specifically, she spoke about choosing Florida as the backdrop of this new thriller. For Phillips, Florida is like a relative you can make fun of but defend when someone else does. Having grown up in Florida, the writer remembers being chased by water moccasins, removing alligators, partaking in a hurricane party or two, and dressing like a pirate for the annual invasion of Tampa Bay. This all makes it the perfect place for a weird crime story like Red Before Black. While Val and Leo are the main characters, Florida is a character of its own in this series.
Red Before Black #1 will be available in comic book shops on 08/07.
