March is here, and I can’t believe it’s already time for another TKO Studios Pubwatch. That’s what happens to time when the world is an absolute — never mind — you all already know. Thankfully, TKO Studios is here to deliver us from our waking Hellscape with two new graphic novels in time to celebrate the death of Julius Caesar. Black Mass Rising and The Forgotten Blade will be released in print and digitally on March 15 (aka the Ides of March) and to wider audiences on May 1.
Black Mass Rising
Writer Theo Prasidis (Swamp Dogs) and artist Jodie Muir (Marvel’s The Rise of Kylo Ren) give us a sequel to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Black Mass Rising is set one year after the death of Dracula. With Dracula dead, the people of Transylvania are finally breathing easier, including a young peasant girl named Aurelia. She dreams of a future for her land and people not filled with darkness. Are her prayers answered? There is hope when an unknown Healer comes to Transylvania and promises to heal the people and land. However, a new evil has been awoken, and it’s going to give Dracula a run for his money. Black Mass Rising promises to be a dark, fantastical look at what the Devil has in store for this seemingly cursed land. Fans of dark fantasy can pick up this delicious book for $19.99 on March 15.
The Forgotten Blade
Writer and co-founder of TKO Studios, Tze Chun, and artist Toni Fejzula (Dark Horse’s Veil) partner bring us an epic story about overcoming tyranny. Forgotten Blade is set in the land called The Five Rivers. These magical waters provide exceptional power to the people who know how to use them. For centuries, power has rested solely with the Church of the Citadel and the guards who rule its people with ruthless control.
The Forgotten Blade has been wielded by a mercenary named Ruza the Unwashed, a great warrior who has fallen on some tough times after failing to overthrow the Church. Ruza, it seems, has given up hope on defeating the cruelty of the Citadel until a schoolteacher recruits him to save the souls of her two children. Her children were falsely accused and murdered by two Citadel inquisitors, their souls cursed. Now, Ruza will face his greatest battle of all — infiltrating the Citadel and discovering the source of the Five Rivers. He will be tested as he takes on the god who created this world. You can pick up The Forgotten Blade for $19.99 on March 15.
