Backbone and Image Comics give more life to Death, Jr.

By Patrick Luce Feb 5, 2006, 12:26 GMT

Backbone Entertainment and Image Comics today announced that Death, Jr. will return to comic book shelves later this year in a second 3-issue, full-color series. The series will feature the return of both Ted Naifeh as illustrator and Gary Whitta as writer.

"The first series of the DJ comic received an unbelievable amount of attention from critics and comic book fans,” says Mike Mika, studio head of Backbone Entertainment’s Emeryville location. “We’re thrilled to have Ted and Gary back on board to further the world of Death, Jr.”

Death, Jr. follows the teenage of son of the grim reaper and his band of “unusual” friends as they always seem to find themselves in trouble. The first series of the comic generated impressive sales and attracted the interest of some of the top talent in the industry, such as Mike Mignola, who drew the cover for the trade paperback.

"Image Comics is very excited to once again be bringing the adventures of Death, Jr. and his pals to the printed page," says Jim Demonakos, Image Comics' PR & Marketing Coordinator. "Another series is just what the fans have been asking for - after the overwhelmingly positive response to the first series, we're happy to partner up with 
Ted, Gary and Backbone to oblige!"

After a tumultuous school year in which DJ and his friends had to band together to fight DJ’s evil uncle Moloch, the second series will find the gang on their summer vacation. DJ gets his wish and starts working a summer job with his dad, but he’s disappointed to learn he has to work his way up from the bottom, while the rest of the gang is headed for a less-than-savory summer camp experience.

Backbone Entertainment will be premiering the first new piece of art from the comic as a poster for this month’s WonderCon in San Francisco, where the company will also be selling copies of the first trade paperback, the PSP game, and brand new t-shirts. In addition, Backbone will host a trade paperback signing at their booth with Naifeh, Whitta and Mignola. The first issue of the second series is slated to hit shelves in July.

Visit Image Comics for more information on this and other available titles.