By: Nick Winstead on October 14, 2011
In a major new announcement, IDW Publishing is set to work with famed, bestselling horror writer Stephen King and Eisner-award winner Joe Hill on a bold new project. Read below for more from the company’s official press release!
IDW Publishing is proud to announce ROAD RAGE, a new partnership with best-selling authorsStephen King and Joe Hill, to produce a comic-book adaptation of their co-written adventure tale, Throttle. This monthly two-part series begins in February, and will be followed by two issues adapting the story that inspired Throttle,Richard Matheson’s classic tale of suspense,Duel, beginning in April.
“Throttle is a story that really begs for a visual adaptation: it’s got bikes and badasses and lots of expensive rolling iron blowing up and getting smashed,” said Hill. “Who doesn’t get off on that? I can’t wait to see IDW get behind the wheel and take the thing out for a spin.”
Throttle, the first collaboration between father-and-son King and Hill, was not only inspired byMatheson’s Duel, it also only appeared in print in a limited-edition anthology honoringMatheson’s works, He is Legend. Throttle andDuel were subsequently released as an audiobook called Road Rage, which is the banner title the comics will also carry.
Throttle tells the story of a motorcycle gang pursued by an unseen assailant in a big rig, but as might be expected knowing the talent involved, things aren’t exactly as they seem.
“Working with the great Joe Hill (I can say that because he’s my kid) on such a kick-ass story was a terrific treat, and this version takes it to whole new level,” said King. “Rev up and climb on!”
Adapting the story alongside Hill and King is Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer and the editor of Hill’s New York Times best-selling graphic novel series, LOCKE & KEY. Handling art duties is Nelson Daniel, whose own collaboration with Hill and artistZach Howard, THE CAPE, was nominated for a 2011 Eisner Award. Daniel will handle full art and colors, and provide a cover. Acclaimed artist Phil Noto will also provide covers for the two-part series. Ryall, who received a 2006 Eisner nomination for his andAshley Wood’s adaptation of Matheson’s “Blood Son,” will also adapt Duel, with artistRafa Garres for that two-part series. As a special bonus on the King/Hill story, artistTony Harris will paint two incentive covers that show the authors themselves on a motorcycle road-trip.
“Like Joe and Steve, Richard Matheson’s Duel had a huge impact on me as a kid,” saidRyall. “And so did the works of Stephen King. Add to that mix the chance to continue working with Hill and Daniel, two of the very best creators of my generation, and you’ve got the makings of a project that’s very special to me. And as long as I don’t screw up my part, it’ll hopefully be as special for all their fans when it comes out. Otherwise, you know who to blame…”
ROAD RAGE: THROTTLE will be released in February and March, with ROAD RAGE: DUEL to follow in April and May.
