Comic book writer and artist Phil Hester is launching a new book at AfterShock Comics with artist Ryan Kelly called “Stronghold,” which is set to begin in February 2019. Written by Hester, illustrated by Kelly, colored by Dee Cuniffe, and lettered by Simon Bowland, “Stronghold” is described by Hester as a romance book with apocalyptic implications, influenced by the myths of King Arthur, the novels Dune and The Chronicles of Prydain, and Matt Wagner’s “Mage.” Hester outlines the book’s story saying:

“Stronghold” is about a college student and delivery driver named Claire who has fallen in love with a sad sack insurance adjuster on her delivery route named Michael Grey. Claire also happens to belong to a centuries-old secret society called The Stronghold who believes this insurance adjuster is actually an immortal, amnesiac elder god whose awakening would ignite a cosmos-wide Armageddon. Like all young people, Claire feels restless in her strict faith, but when she tests it by revealing herself to Grey, the results threaten to destroy not only her order, but the world. On the run from The Stronghold, alien enemies, and Grey’s own broken, haunting memories, they both realize that for their love to be born, Earth must die. A story that begins as a lively, adventurous romance spins into a deeper, darker science fiction tale of existential terror and ultimate sacrifice. It’s very much in the flavor of past work of mine like “The Coffin” and “Deep Sleeper” (both with Mike Huddleston). If that’s not enough to hook you, come for Ryan Kelly’s amazing artwork, which alone is worth the cover price. He’s really leveled up on this one. As an artist myself, I’m in awe.

Hester is best known for his art on books on Big Two books like “Green Arrow” with Kevin Smith and Judd Winnick. He also provided art for the AfterShock series “Shipwreck” with Warren Ellis, and has an upcoming book, “Family Tree,” that he’s working on with Jeff Lemire at Image. Ryan Kelly has illustrated many works including “Lucifer” with Mike Carey for Vertigo Comics, and the recent “The Wicked + The Divine 1373” one-shot with Kieron Gillen.

“Stronghold” #1 is set to go on sale on February 20, 2019. Below you can find covers by Kelly and Tyler Walpole for the series, as well as some uncolored preview pages.