We’re excited to announce the return of Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman in Puppets, the new 3 issue story arc from writer Tom Ward and artist Luke Parker, with letters from Micah Myers.
Still reeling from the shocking revelations in Monsters, Merrick stumbles into a trap set by the broken and maniacal Punch and Judy. Meanwhile, friction between Dr Frederick Treves and his friends comes to a head over his disastrous dabblings in the dark arts, and old enemies make an unwelcome return.
As always, thanks to our returning backers for your continuing support, we couldn’t do this without you. And if you’re new to our comic, a warm welcome to the sensational adventures of The Elephantman, the most remarkable human being ever to draw the breath of life!
Puppets is a perfect jumping on point for new readers, but you can also check out the series from the beginning by downloading issue #1 for FREE.
Check out the cover for issue 9, and the opening pages, all drawn by Luke. If you love them as much as we do, the artwork is available as pledge rewards.
Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman is a Victorian penny dreadful pulp adventure comic set in 1880s’ London. Based on a fictional version of the life of Joseph Merrick, it steps between historical facts and turn of the century folklore juxtaposed with the superhero comic conventions of super powers, masks, secret identities and fantastic adventures.
If you’ve encountered any of our physical issues of Merrick I’m sure you have noticed the print quality and the nice distinctive feel they have, it’s something we feel really passionate about.
We’re striving to make every issue of Merrick something special, an item that you will want to keep. These are not disposable comics.
Don’t worry about missing any of the story, you can download issue #01 in .PDF/.CBR absolutely free.
Getting up to 11 issues is a huge achievement for any comic series. We’re super excited to be making more books. Everything we’ve published to date is available on this Kickstarter.
Tom Ward: Writer and creator of Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman. Tom is also co-creator and writer of Doc Dino and has been published in Comichaus, The Grime, British Showcase Anthology and has a story in Rum Row later this year. @highbrowtrash
Luke Parker: Artist, colourist, designer and co-creator of Merrick: The Sensational Elephantman. You may have also seen his work on SEX, or The Winternational (Image Comics), or Halloween Eagle (Dark Horse Comics). @artofparker www.artofparker.com
Micah Myers: As a freelance comic book letterer, Micah has lettered a host of comics for Image, Dark Horse, IDW, and many more. @micahmyers
Clare Lenton: Freelance editor and senior content designer, with a Masters degree in English Literature, specialising in Gothic literature. @ClareLenton
Thanks to the amazing Kickstarter community, we have been able to create and release the first 8 issues of Merrick, a one-shot spin-off; Treves: A Restless Night and a special cross-over issue; Merrick & Crowe: Birds of Prey.
We love making this comic, and we think it keeps getting better as a series as we learn and improve as creators, and we have you guys to thank for that for giving us these opportunities.
Now it’s time to continue Joseph Merrick’s story so we’ve returned to Kickstarter to hopefully fund the fourth arc.
All our books, plus prints and t-shirts, are available at our webstore www.merrickcomic.co.uk or digitally over at Comixology.
“In each issue, you can feel the love, sweat, and tears the team put into their work. Although the art and some story beats take inspiration from Mike Mignola and some Hellboy, it stands apart creating its own history in indie comics, and it’ll carve out its own slice in your heart and brain, making you crave more of the world.” – www.comicbookyeti.com
“the art and story in Merrick grows with confidence in every issue and with each arc Ward and Parker find their voice more and more – as well as feeling free to experiment with where the story is heading. The artwork also becomes more imaginative and iconic (and less derivative), with Parker creating this dark and angular style which manages to perfectly evoke Victorian London, but also has a modern edge to it at the same time. A book that really definitely deserves the use of the word sensational!” -www.pipedreamcomics.co.uk
“Merrick started off as a character surrounded by myths who I felt I had half an idea of where this adventure could go – but the creative team have surprised me time & again and that’s made me come back to the title to re-read, rediscovery and enjoy. A great character that has been filled up with endless potential thanks to Tom & Luke and eight issues in there’s still so much more for it to give. Can’t wait for issue nine and beyond.” – ComicsAnonymous
This is not my first, second, or indeed third rodeo, this is my EIGHTH Kickstarter. I have delivered on all my previous projects, and things are a fairly well oiled machine at this point. Issue #9 is already 50% completed. I’ve scheduled in plenty of breathing room on the completion date and I will always keep you updated on our progress. I love making this comic, it really is a passion project for me and I am 100% dedicated to getting it finished and out to you all. Obviously the COVID-19 pandemic is currently making things somewhat unpredictable. Currently the UK post offices are still open and our printer is still working, but these things could change. Digital issues will of course go out as they are ready. If there are any unavoidable delays I will keep you promptly updated.