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Jim Zub and Alberto J. Alburquerque are set to helm an all-new fantasy title. Head into the Untaken Lands in 2027, with Omen-Bound.
Omen-Bound is Comic Con bound
While they’re not exactly unheard of, fantasy titles tend to be few and far between in the realm of comics. Why that might be is anyone’s guess, though given the depth of possibilities that the genre offers, we’re often taken aback by the fact that there isn’t more fantasy out there. And, in particular, fantasy that sinks its teeth into the darker side of sword and sorcery.
So with that in mind, and if you’re anything like us, Image Comics‘ Omen-Bound is looking mighty interesting. The new series is set to debut in 2027, and has just had its big reveal in this Comic Con week. From the first word, it’s sounding like something that fans will want to keep an eye on.
The title will be headed up by Jim Zub and Alberto J. Alburquerque, two names that readers should know pretty well. That’s particularly true in the case of Zub, who’s had his share of time with fantasy. If you’re unaware, he’s recently worked on both Conan the Barbarian and Dungeons & Dragons. No small names there.
As for Omen-Bound though, it’s sounding like it might be a bit of a mixture of themes. Yes, it’s sword and sorcery, not unlike D&D, though it also sounds a fair shake darker than what you usually find in the realm. To that end, the book will start off with a prisoner transport.
It’s got a pretty big twist however, in that this prisoner is being escorted to a “realm beyond reality”.
In Omen-Bound, a skilled group of warriors and priests from a strict religious order must escort a dangerous supernatural prisoner back to their realm beyond reality, but each step closer to that goal will test them in ways they never imagined and reveal secrets about themselves and the history of their world that may save or damn them all. The story blends classic sword & sorcery elements with the intense emotional stakes of comics like The Walking Dead. It is a perfect read for longtime fantasy fans and new readers alike, with soaring artwork that follows a fated journey filled with epic action and unexpected twists.
“I absolutely love writing stories in the many fantasy realms that sparked my imagination as a kid,” said Zub. “But I’ve always had concepts that didn’t fit there, other themes I wanted to explore and new characters I wanted to put through the wringer, so it’s time to bring those ideas to life. Getting the chance to return to Image and team up with Alberto, colorist Misty Coats, and letterer Marshall Dillon on this epic quest feels like both a homecoming and the start of something special.”
Alburquerque added: “When Jim said he had a new project he was developing, I was in from the start. When he said what it was about and sent me his first notes, I knew I’d hit the jackpot. This is a true passion project and I’m giving it my all on every page!”
Image Comics press release
Preview Omen-Bound at NYCC
The reveal of Omen-Bound isn’t all that’s planned out for this Comic Con week. Along with the news, is a special black and white preview edition of the first issue, which will available exclusively in Artist Alley.
Omen-Bound will see a steady stream of promotion that begins at this year’s New York Comic Con with a limited run of black and white Omen-Bound preview editions available to readers interested in a first look at the core cast of characters and perilous world of The Untaken Lands. The limited Omen-Bound Preview Edition will be available on a first come, first served basis at Artist Alley tables I-33 and A-33.
Image Comics press release
With the first-look in the bag, it’s on to a full blitz of pre-release hype for Omen-Bound. As you can see above, Image says to expect quite a bit of that, as the book heads towards its retail launch in March of 2027.
