The press release follows:
Media Release -- Scout Comics is proud to announce that BY THE HORNS will be back in comic book shops this April! The celebrated sci-fi, fantasy adventure series by co-creators Markisan Naso and Jason Muhr will return as a new maxi-series called BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth.
"BY THE HORNS was one of our biggest hits in 2021," said Scout Comics & Entertainment President James Haick. "We couldn't be more excited that Markisan, Jason and the rest of the team decided to make this great series into an ongoing one. Be sure to grab the volume one trade (over 200 pages!) now before the new material comes in!"
BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth #1 begins six months after the explosive events of BY THE HORNS #8. Since their hellacious battle in the sky with the evil sorceress Feng Po, Elodie, Sajen and Evelyn have been reluctantly settling into their new lives as farmers in Wayfarer. But their days spent tilling the land in overalls proves short-lived when a mysterious blight devastates the continent of Solothus and forces them to take up a new quest.
BY THE HORNS writer Markisan Naso says Dark Earth builds off the subplots planted in the initial arc. "The first 8 issues of BY THE HORNS were really about Elodie learning how to forgive herself and the unicorns, and to make choices that help others instead of just herself. Dark Earth is about her dealing with the consequences of her actions at the end of arc one," Naso said. "The continent of Solothus is suddenly thrown into chaos and many creatures blame her for it. So, the tables get turned. When we met Elodie she was trying to get revenge on the unicorns who trampled her husband. In arc two, she's the one being targeted as she searches for a way to repair the escalating damage to her world. That responsibility is a big weight on her shoulders."
BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth will also feature all new environments and fantasy creations under the digital pen of artist, Jason Muhr. "With our next volume of BY THE HORNS, I'm getting to design tons of new characters, creatures and settings, and I think readers are going to get even more of what they love about our book. I'm excited to bring all the new ideas we have to life!"
The new series also welcomes new colorist Steve Canon, whose past credits include Jack Irons: The Steel Cowboy and The Kill Journal.
BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth #1 will feature a main cover by Jason and Steve. A retailer threshold variant cover by White Ash and Glarien artist Romina Moranelli will also be available, along with a Scout Comics Website Exclusive cover to be revealed in March.
BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth #1 variant cover by Romina Moranelli
To celebrate the upcoming series, the BY THE HORNS team has also created a limited edition, 11x17 swimsuit pinup featuring Jason's art and Steve's first ever BTH colors. The pinup is signed by both Jason and Markisan and is available to purchase at jasonmuhr.com.
Since its debut in February 2021, BY THE HORNS has been a hit book for Scout. Issue #1 sold out and went back to press in March 2021, and the series has consistently impressed critics and readers alike with its dynamic artwork, unique fantasy setting, kinetic action, heart and unforgettable characters. BY THE HORNS has also appeared on numerous Best Comics of 2021 lists, including:
Blake's Buzz #1 Comic Book of 2021
"By The Horns isn't just one of the best comics at Scout; it's one of the best comics period."
Graphic Policy (Underrated Column) Best Comic Book of 2021
"This comic is truly something special. You're doing yourself a disservice if you're not reading By the Horns. Easily the best of the year."
We Have Issues Podcast Best Indie Book of 2021
"I love By the Horns. Such a cool, unique fantasy story with an amazing protagonist and a great supporting cast. There isn't one weakness in this book."
Pop Culture Philosophers' #9 Comic Book of 2021
"Scout does some good books, but this is by far the best they've ever done."
Promiscuous Time Traveler's #1 Independent Comic Book of 2021
"Riveting and immersive storytelling."
Cultured Vultures' #1 Underrated SFF Comic
"By the Horns is a potent psychological tale about vengeance and grief wrapped in a shimmering blanket of epic SFF artistry."
BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth #1 will be in stores April 20! It is available to pre-order at your local comic book shop now.
Diamond Book Distributors
ORDER BY THE HORNS DARK EARTH #1 CVR A WITH CODE: FEB221672
ORDER BY THE HORNS DARK EARTH #1 CVR B 10 COPY UNLOCKED MORANELLI WITH CODE: FEB221673
Lunar Distribution
ORDER BY THE HORNS DARK EARTH #1 CVR A WITH CODE: 0222SC165
ORDER BY THE HORNS DARK EARTH #1 CVR B 10 COPY UNLOCKED MORANELLI WITH CODE: 0222SC166
OFFICIAL SOLICITATION
BY THE HORNS: DARK EARTH #1
Six months after their hellacious battle in the sky with the evil sorceress, Feng Po, Elodie and Sajen are back in Wayfarer, reluctantly settling into their new lives as… farmers?! But their days spent tilling the land in overalls proves short-lived when a mysterious blight devastates the continent of Solothus and forces them to take up a new quest.
(W) Markisan Naso (A) Jason Muhr (C) Steve Canon 32 pgs, FC $4.99
