Media Release -- 13th century England. Robert Godwinson, former lover of King Richard, lives with his band of Merry Men in Sherwood Forest, away from the watchful eye of Prince John, who has outlawed homosexuality. Though isolated, the men live in peace–that is, until a stranger approaches their camp asking for aid to a nearby town under siege by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robert–nicknamed Robin–is reluctant to help, but equally eager to get rid of this perplexing stranger... and to put his formidable bow-and-arrow to use. It's Robin Hood like you've never seen him before, based on scholarly speculation about what's really behind the outlaw's legend.
MERRY MEN #1
(W) Robert Rodi (@robert_rodi)
(A) Jackie Lewis (@ackimakescomics)
(C) Marissa Louise (@marissadraws)
(CA) Jackie Lewis (Cover A), Ed Luce (Cover B, @wuvableoaf)
Age Range: 15 and up
Genre: Action, Adventure
Price: $3.99
Why It's Neat:
Written by Robert Rodi (Astonishing Thor, Codename: Knockout), illustrated by Jackie Lewis (The Lion of Rora), and colored by Marissa Louise (Mystery Girl).
It's perfect for fans of Midnighter, Constantine: The Hellblazer, and Angela: Asgard's Assassin.
It's an LGBTQ+ comic that features an entire cast with queer, bisexual, and transgender characters.
Includes factual extras about queer history in the chapter breaks!
Get the incentive alternate cover at your local comic book shop, illustrated by Ed Luce, creator of the hilarious Wuvable Oaf!
What the creators have to say:
Writer Robert Rodi says, "There's romance, adventure, palace intrigue, military campaigns, religious friction, bloodshed, sex, and vile, dastardly villains. I'm trying to be as true to 12th century verisimilitude as possible, while still telling a story 21st century readers—especially 21st century queer readers—can identify with. And even if you can't identify with it, you can still ogle Jackie's super-hot take on western civilization's prototype lumbersexuals."
Artist Jackie Lewis says, "As a queer creator with a bunch of queer friends, it's awesome to see such a well-known fictional character get reimagined in a way that reflects my life and experiences. (Plus, I get to draw a bunch of hotties!)"
Colorist Marissa Louise says, "It's great to see a book casually talking about real trans identities in a fun, fictional context."
Praise for MERRY MEN:
"A dynamic new telling of the Robin Hood legend, peppered with humanity, heart, and men kissing each other. Fun stuff!" Eric Shanower (Age of Bronze)
"Merry Men transcends its high concept and is an impressively researched and compellingly delivered alternative take on the familiar Robin Hood legend. An intense, dangerous world with a modern twist, this is a book to savor." Marc Andreyko (Manhunter, Batwoman)
"Merry Men deftly weaves queer themes into Robin Hood's counterculture mythos, creating a very sexy and relevant take on the hero we all grew up with." Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf)
"[...] this comic blows past all sorts of social norms and boundaries—and I loved every minute of it!" Critical Threat Comics & Games
