Vault Comics to Publish Comic Book Adaptation of Deathstalker Franchise

Vault Comics to Publish Comic Book Adaptation of Deathstalker Franchise

Vault Comics is teaming up with Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Shout! Studios, and Raven Banner Entertainment to release a comic book adaptation of the cult classic sword-and-sorcery film series, Deathstalker. This upcoming comic will be part of the previously revealed Headshell imprint.

The comic will be presented by rock legend Slash and will be based on a story by writer, director, and renowned creature effects artist Steven Kostanski, known for his works such as Psycho Goreman and The Void. The creative team behind Vault Comics‘ hit western series, West of Sundown, is set to reunite for this project. Bestselling writer Tim Seeley, known for his works such as Grayson, Hack/Slash, and Money Shot, will be joined by acclaimed artist Jim Terry, known for his works such as Come Home and Indio.

Slash expressed his excitement about launching a new era of Deathstalker. With elements of horror, magic, thrills, blood, guts, swords, and weirdness, Deathstalker will surely captivate fans of fantasy. A Kickstarter campaign for a deluxe, oversized hardcover edition of the book will be launched in October. Additionally, the comic will be available in both single-issue and trade paperback through the direct market starting in 2024.

Vault Comics CEO Damian Wassel expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing their love for sword and sorcery. He mentioned that the project aims to blend nostalgia for the “so-bad-it’s-good” fantasy films of the 1980s with contemporary storytelling sensibilities. Wassel has complete confidence in Tim Seeley and Jim Terry to craft a wickedly hilarious and fantastically epic comic.

Tim Seeley, a child of the ’80s, revealed his personal connection to Deathstalker, reminiscing about his early encounters with the film. Seeley’s admiration for Steve Kostanski’s work and the opportunity to contribute to Deathstalker’s ongoing mythology alongside his friend and frequent collaborator, Jim Terry, has made him thrilled to be part of this project.

Jim Terry also shared his excitement, reflecting on the magical experience of being young during the birth of the VHS era and the incredibly imaginative stories that were told despite limited resources. He believes that capturing that charm and creativity today would be challenging but is grateful for the opportunity to create something that will be an absolute blast to read within the world of Deathstalker.

Shout! Studios’ SVP of Acquisitions and Originals, Jordan Fields, praised the creative team, stating that Tim Seeley, Jim Terry, Steve Kostanski, and Slash are the perfect group of artists to reignite the Deathstalker franchise. Fields expressed confidence that this dream team would honor the legacy while forging a new and unique direction true to their trusted creative credentials.

With the combined talent and passion of these amazing creators, Deathstalker is set to make a triumphant return and reinvigorate the love for this fantastical world that many of us had while opening the doors to new fans as well. Vault continues to deliver outside-the-box projects that have made them a longtime standout in the industry and it shows just how high their new Headshell imprint can soar.

Look for the epic oversized edition of Deathstalker on October 10th, 2023 via Kickstarter, and prepare for Deathstalker to slash its way into your favorite comic shops in 2024!