Comic News: Good Charlotte Guitarist to Create Comic

IDW will publish Vitrol the Hunter by Billy Martin and Brent Allen


Already a graphic artist, clothing designer and guitarist for the band Good Charlotte, Billy Martin will now turn his considerable talents to comics with Vitriol the Hunter, an all-new comic book series co-written by Brent Allen and featuring Martin on interior art, as well. This futuristic tale of a vigilante is slated to launch in February 2010.

Vitriol the Hunterwas co-created by Martin and Allen, and draws on the folklore and old monster myths prevalent in today’s society, twisting them into a macabre-style story reminiscent of classic horror movies. A self-proclaimed vigilante, Vitriol embarks on a quest to save his city from the monsters that have overtaken it, led by a brutal tyrant vampire.

“Billy and Brent have created a great story in Vitriol,” said IDW Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall. “The book takes the best parts of monster movies and epic journeys does things with them that can only be done in comics. Martin’s art really shows his love of these concepts as well as comic books.”

Set in the fictional city of Basilika, Vitriol the Hunter chronicles our hero’s journey as he encounters government-bred werewolves, hordes of hellions and other walking myths. The series is slated to run for six issues.

“I grew up always thinking I’d draw comic books for a living. I’m grateful for the success I’ve had as a musician, but this really feels like fulfilling a dream for me,” said Martin. “I truly love drawing and can’t wait for people to see this book.”

Fans can get their first look at Martin’s art and the characters in the series at Comic-Con, where both Martin and Allen will be signing t-shirts and promo cards at IDW’s booth, #1705.

“Billy and I have done numerous writing projects together and this is definitely our best work to date,” added Allen. “Being from Baltimore, Edgar Allan Poe is a hero of mine and I can only hope to step foot in part of his shadow on this project. We are both really excited to hear how the readers take to the world we created.”

Vitriol the Hunter #1 (of 6) debuts in February 2010.