BOOM! Studios and DeVito Artworks LLC have announced the publication of Kong of Skull Island. The original, limited comic book series about the famous gigantic ape, King Kong, will debut in July.

Kong of Skull Island was exclusively authorized and endorsed by creator Merian C. Cooper’s family as the official King Kong/Skull Island prequel and sequel origin story. The BOOM! series will be written by James Asmus (All-New Inhumans) and illustrated by Carlos Magno (Planet of the Apes).

“King Kong is the progenitor of an entire section of genre fiction. It is truly an honor to be a part of that gigantic legacy,” said BOOM! Studios President of Publishing & Marketing Filip Sablik. “We’re thrilled to be working with Joe DeVito to create a comic series that is authentic to the origins of Kong.”

The new comic will take place long before Carl Denham, Jack Driscoll, and the Wanderer’s crew were on the island. Two fighting civilizations must join together in a venture on Skull Island and discover that their new surroundings are home to dinosaurs and giant creators, including apes.

“It is exhilarating to be working with BOOM! Studios and such an astute and nuanced group of writers and artists. This fabulous Kong of Skull Island series digs deep!” said Joe DeVito.

Kong of Skull Island #1 (of 6) will be in comic book stores on July 13, 2016 with a $3.99 cover price. The main cover is provided by Felipe Massafera (Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns). There are also incentive covers by Nick Robles (Clockwork Angels) and Eric Powell (The Goon), and retailer auction covers by Ryan Sook (Superman: American Alien) and Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100).

Retailers can bid on the Sook and Pope covers in order to secure it exclusively for their store. Ask your local retailer for details. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is June 20.