You might remember the title character as The Black Beetle originally appeared in the pages of Dark Horse Presents with a three part tale called The Night Shift. If you haven't read it, don't worry because that story will be collected into the first issue of Black Beetle's new ongoing series this December- starting with The Black Beetle #0. You won't find just the 24 pages of reprints in #0 though, the issue will also feature new sketchwork and art as a little bonus to get things started.
As far as classic superhero pulp goes, the stories planned for following issues of the book sound fantastic. I could definitely imagine The Black Beetle being a character that debuted years ago- when the comic industry was young and just getting it's legs.
January brings The Black Beetle: No Way Out, a four-issue story that marks the first full series for Francavilla’s Black Beetle, continuing from the self-published, limited-edition ashcan comic of the same name—the first appearance of this exciting new pulp hero!Each issue will also feature a 'letters page' that'll be addressed with answers and comments right from the character's creator himself- Francesco Francavilla.
In Night Shift, an ancient artifact known as the Hollow Lizard—a powerful totem of dark magic—shows up at the Colt City Natural History Museum. Hitler sends his fearsome Werwolf Korps to collect the piece in hopes it will help him unlock the secrets of ancient Egypt’s Black Priests. Unfortunately for the führer, Colt City’s protector, the Black Beetle, is on the case!
In No Way Out, Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters—taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what damage might that murderous bomber inflict upon Colt City and Black Beetle?
The Black Beetle brings a fresh take on two-fisted action to comic shops everywhere on December 19th from Dark Horse Comics.