This summer, get ready to journey back into the jungle with Dynamite Entertainment. Led by the dynamic duo of GLAAD-Nominated, New York Times Bestseller Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman) and newcomer Christina Trujilo, with illustrations by Moritat (Hellblazer), Sheena! swings into action on August 2, 2017 with the launch of issue 0.
Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, began her own dedicated series in 1937 as the first female character to do so. Created by the legendary Will Eisner and S.M. “Jerry” Iger, this revolutionary character saw 167 issues over the course of two decades. Throughout this relaunch, Sheena pursues a mysterious invader intent on uncovering the Amazon’s ancient secrets. Stalking the trespasser, she stumbles upon a forbidden ruin where deadly dangers lie in wait – and take her on adventures beyond her wildest dreams.
“Our story is glorious golden age pulp – high adventure, quick wit, ancient mysteries, and daring dames – clashing with the perils of two worlds: one, the modern world come to conquer, and one, a world of dark supernatural mystery long forgotten, awoken to anger once more. This is a fast paced, action packed kick off to more exciting adventures for Sheena!” said Bennett.
“Sheena is strong, brave, and willing to bend the rules in order to do her duty and keep her home safe. I think fans will enjoy having Sheena as a guide while they unravel the mysteries of the forest,” Trujillo added.
Trujillo, a former student of Batman’s Scott Snyder, received an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College in 2013. Her work has previously been published in the literary journal Dark Phrases, she was also a finalist for Galaxy Press’ Writers of the Future award.
“Stepping into Will Eisner's large shoes yet again, but this time wearing nothing but a leopard mono-kini. Marguerite Bennett's brilliant contemporary retelling of this famous legend is my favorite to date. I can't wait to see if the fans like it,” Moritat said.
“Sheena has long been a staple feature throughout the history of comics and we're especially proud to be adding new voices to that history. Marguerite and Christina present a timely and empowering tale – enhanced by the pitch-perfect visuals of Moritat – to create a Queen of the Jungle for the 21st century… and beyond,” Dynamite Entertainment Executive Editor Joseph Rybandt said of the new project.
“Sheena is one of the strongest and most iconic characters in comics, and we're fortunate to be working with three incredibly talented creators. Marguerite and Christina make a great creative team giving Sheena a new voice, and is complemented by the lush artwork that Moritat brings to the series. We are incredibly proud of this series, and are launching it with the same program we launched Red Sonja #0 and Vampirella #0, with a .25 cent introductory priced issue. This allows retailers to stock up at a low risk so that as many fans as possible will have the opportunity to read the series. It's a program that worked successfully for Red Sonja and Vampirella, and we’re doing so again with Sheena! I cannot wait for fans to check out the new series!” added Dynamite CEO and Publisher Nick Barrucci.
Raised by a shaman in the jungle, Sheena began perfecting her survival skills and mastered the ability to communicate with animals. Over the years, her paths crossed with evil hunters, slave traders, and rampaging wildlife. The character has starred in several television and film adaptations, portrayed by actresses Irish McCalla (1955-1956), Tanya Roberts (1984), and Gena Lee Nolin (2000).
Sheena #0 features covers by Emanuela Lupacchino (Supergirl) with limited variant editions including “Sneak Peek” covers from interior artist Moritat, as well as from Ryan Sook (The Spectre) and J. Scott Campbell (The Amazing Spiderman).
Sheena #0 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ June 2017 PREVIEWS catalog, and is slated for release in August. Fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Sheena #0 with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for purchase through Dynamite Digital and other streaming services.