Originally self-published in 2016 and funded with Kickstarter, The Spider King will make its serialized debut in February 2018 with IDW Publishing. The debut graphic novel from Australian author Josh Vann and Italian illustrator Simone D’Armini, The Spider King, introduces a violent world of survival to an extraterrestrial threat unlike any mankind has faced before. Joining Vann and D’Armini are colorist Adrian Bloch and letterer Nic J. Shaw.

It’s the year 956 AD and an unlikely group of Viking warriors in northern Europe have stumbled upon a vicious group of aliens! Garnering early praise upon its release, The Spider King was nominated for Best Graphic Novel at the 2016 Aurealis Awards and went on to win Bronze at the 2016 Ledgers, which acknowledges excellence in Australian comic art and publishing. 

“More than just a clash of genres, The Spider King is a classic Viking saga about loyalty, family, honour, and revenge. At the root of this story is Hrolf, the reluctant king of the Laxdales, who is on a quest to avenge his father and kill his Uncle Aarek. But Hrolf’s plans are complicated when Aarek is possessed by a bloodthirsty alien parasite, hell-bent on destruction,” shared Vann. 

"If you're a fan of titles like Head Lopper, Hellboy, and the work of Becky Cloonan, The Spider King, absolutely needs to be in your pull list. Way too much fun and awesome art in one book!" added editor Sarah Gaydos.

Launching in February the four-issue series will feature an impressive array of variant covers including Skottie Young, Afu Chan, and Jakub Rebelka. The Spider King is available for preorder now through your local comic shop.