Although Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum’s M.O.D.O.K. series got axed by Hulu last week, the duo won’t be leaving the world of heroes and villains behind just yet. Starting this summer, Dark Horse will publish Oswalt and Blum’s very first creator-owned comic book, Minor Threats, which combines the sunny feel of the Silver and Bronze Ages with the grit of the modern era.
The four-issue limited series takes place in the fictional Twilight City, home to a colorful assortment of costumed superheroes. But in this case, the bad guys are the real stars of the show. The story begins when the villain known as Stickman murders Kid Dusk, the sidekick to the city’s top crime-fighter, The Insomniac. Stickman’s actions prompt the Insomniac’s teammates in The Continuum to crack down on all criminal activity in the city. Unfortunately, this inconveniences Twilight’s “C-list” villains who prefer robbing the occasional jewelry store to achieving world domination.
That’s where Playtime comes in. A former supervillain herself, Playtime decides to come out of retirement and assemble her own crew to hunt Stickman down. But she might be forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about her past along the way.
RELATED: Exclusive Preview – Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: Night of the Cyclops
“Every comic book fan dreams of creating their own universe,” said Oswalt in a statement. “This one is mine and Jordan’s. There is fun and danger and violence and sadness just like in real life, but with WAY brighter colors. I can’t wait to see you guys experience it.”
“This is our love letter to superhero comics and crime fiction,” added Blum. “An underdog story of inept costumed criminals in over their heads, trying to survive an unforgiving city filled with caped gods, fallen kaiju, and traffic causing time vortexes. Everyday crooks in a fantastical world trying to get theirs.”
Oswalt and Blum are working on the new series with artist Scott Hepburn.
“Work like this is why I’ve always wanted to be a comic book artist,” said Hepburn. “Patton, Jordan, and myself are in a three-way battle of one-ups-manship to prove who loves this book more.”
Minor Threats #1 will hit comic shops on August 24, 2022. You can also check out a variant cover by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola below.
Are you excited to read the series later this year? Let us know in the comments down below!
Recommended Reading – Black Hammer Volume 1: Secret Origins
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
