Noir masters delve into the dark side of classic Hollywood

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, the creative team behind some of comics’ best crime noir series like CRIMINAL and FATALE, return with THE FADE OUT. Set in the heart of noir itself, the backlots and bars of Hollywood in 1948, the first volume of the most ambitious series to date from Brubaker and Phillips will be in stores in February.

A starlet is found dead, a film is stuck in endless reshoots, McCarthyism looms over the studios, and a writer is plagued with memories of the war and a terrible secret. It’s the end of the Golden Era in a place where only lies are true. Brubaker writes a taut, tense script, while Phillips’ signature art embodies the era with its heavy shadows, beautiful dames, and brooding men.

Brubaker explains what about post-War Hollywood attracts him in an interview at Complex magazine: “The glitz and glamor, the fact so much of that world was all lies and masks and fake names, and it really feels like post-World War II Hollywood was almost a gold rush,” he said. “So many people rushing to L.A. dreaming of fame and fortune, and willing to do anything to make it happen.”

In 2013, the creative team announced a five-year exclusive deal with Image Comics that gives them carte blanche to produce the projects that they most want to work on. THE FADE OUT is the first title produced under this deal.

THE FADE OUT VOLUME 1 will be in comic book stores on February 25 and in bookstores on March 10. It is available for pre-order now.

THE FADE OUT VOLUME 1: by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser)

ISBN 978-1-63215-171-1

Diamond Comic order code DEC140664

120 pages, paperback, full color

$9.99

Collects THE FADE OUT #1-4

Rated Mature

In comic book stores February 25, bookstores March 10

Retailers, librarians, and reviewers may request a PDF galley from Jennifer de Guzman, Director of Trade Book Sales, jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com

Praise for THE FADE OUT:

“Hollywood has never looked so dark, so sinister and so seductive. It’s a story that only a Brubaker/Phillips comic could tell." –Darren Orf, Paste Magazine

“The Fade Out is simply the best at what it does. It's a clear creative statement that any fans of noir shouldn't miss.” Marykate Jasper, Comic Book Resources

“The Fade Out is a beautiful book that offers the most complete characters and the most fascinating concept the pair have created, and the most interesting theme they’ve explored. It may be the strongest debut in their illustrious partnership.” –John Parkin, Comics Alliance

“For noir lovers, history buffs, and mystery enthusiasts, The Fade Out has already set an incredibly high bar for itself, and there’s every indication it will continue to challenge and surpass expectations.” –Matt Dodge, Multiversity Comics