Writer Conor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare) and artist V.V. Glass will introduce a brand new, young adult, dark fantasy graphic novel series this year from BOOM! Studios’ BOOM! Box imprint. Today, The Beat can exclusively announce The Last Witch: Fear and Fire, the first book in a two-part series slated to hit shelves in December 2020.

Here’s the full synopsis:

On the day of an annual festival, young Saoirse’s father and entire village are destroyed by the vengeful Cailleach. Now, on the run with her mysterious Nan and her younger brother Brahm, Saoirse discovers that the blue-black birthmark across her shoulder that has always made her an object of teasing is actually a powerful witchmark, which allows her to resist dark magick…and take it for herself. Nan must teach Saoirse to control her powers so that she can combat the dreaded Cailleach and her devious handmaidens, before they can release the terrifying Eater of Worlds from the faerie lands — and destroy all living things!

In a statement, McCreery said, “As a kid I loved Irish mythology. Those slightly scary stories where brave heroes triumphed, but didn’t always get what they wanted at the end, or if they did, it came with a price. The Last Witch: Fear and Fire is my love letter to those tales, and to the idea that sometimes the best way to read a book is snuggled safe in bed. Whether you’re a kid, or an adult.”

Also in a statement, Glass quipped, “I’m almost annoyed I’m working on The Last Witch: Fear and Fire because now I won’t get to read it without already knowing what happens!” They added, “It’s a dream to be able to work on a slightly nasty historical fantasy, and the fact that this one has a diverse female-driven cast is the cherry on top. It’s all I’ve ever wanted in a comic and I can’t wait for people to see it.”

The Last Witch is the latest in a long line of original graphic novels released through BOOM! Studios and its various imprints, including BOOM! Box. The publisher has increased its output of graphic novels aimed at kids and teens, in particular, from historical content to ghost stories. As a dark historical fantasy, The Last Witch will surely appeal to several readers.

“Conor and V.V. have created a fantastically dark story with enough magic, adventure, and excitement to satisfy any witch at heart,” said Shannon Watters, Senior Editor, BOOM! Studios, in a statement. “So grab your spellbooks and learn some runes because it’s time to save the world—no matter the sacrifice—in The Last Witch: Fear and Fire.”

The first book in the Last Witch duology will be available at local comic shops and bookstores, as well as via digital platforms including the BOOM! Studios webstore, in December 2020. For more info, visit boom-studios.com. You can see the Fear and Fire cover art by V.V. Glass below.