The forerunner to today’s immensely popular vampire-themed television programs and theatrical films, Dark Shadows still garners serious attention as one of the most memorable TV shows of the last forty years. As anticipation builds after director Tim Burton’s announcement at Comic-Con International 2009 that his next project would be a big-screen remake of Dark Shadows — starring Johnny Depp in the role of reluctant vampire Barnabas Collins — the time seems perfect to reprint the full run of 35 Gold Key comic books based on the show, first published from 1968 to 1976.
The comic books to be collected in Hermes Press’ completely digitally restored series present archetypal tales of vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural. The stories contained in the collection are thoughtful and beautifully crafted; they are the perfect companion for fans of the show, but they stand on their own as fine examples of compelling and effective comic book storytelling.
Hermes Press’ reprint of the complete Dark Shadows presents the work of Silver Age comic book writers such as Donald Arneson and Arnold Drake. Drake, one of the industry’s most highly regarded writers, was responsible for the creation of the Doom Patrol and Deadman. Artist Joe Certa, an experienced comic book veteran, was responsible for the artwork on the complete run of the Dark Shadows series. Certa, whose career spanned over forty years, worked for almost every comic book publisher in the business and is best known for co-creating and providing art for J’onn J’onzz, The Martian Manhunter.
Hermes Press Publisher Daniel Herman feels that, “The classic Dark Shadows books published by Gold Key have been out-of-print far too long; our new series of complete reprints will remedy this situation and make the entire run available to old and new fans alike.”
In addition to reprinting the stories, Hermes Press will supplement each volume with poster art, pin-ups, and documentary material from the show. Each book will contain essays about the history of Dark Shadows as well as other aspects of the show. Volume One will be available shortly.
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