DC and Marvel cover artist Jeehyung Lee's newest project is the Kickstarter crowdfunded comic Gumaa: The Beginning of Her, a gothic tale of one woman's evolution in a gritty world full of noirish crime and monstrous creatures.

CBR can exclusively reveal Lee's covers for Gumaa #1 and #3, as well as a special Kickstarter exclusive issue #1 variant by Peach Momoko. Currently seeking funding for its first three issues, Gumaa was originally conceptualized by Lee in 2020 and is the artist's first full-length written comic, with a total of 7 issues planned.

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The series' first issue introduces the mysterious protagonist Khalida, who is a cross between villain and anti-hero and wears an iconic nun costume. Khalida can be seen on Lee's two covers, while Momoko's cover features another character named Marsha who shares a pivotal connection with Khalida. "Gumaa: The Beginning of Her issues 1, 2, & 3 is the story of Khalida and the things she had to do to escape the hell she was in," the Kickstarter description reads. "Gumaa #1 introduces the reader to a hell set in the eighties. Khalida is a survivor and knows every decision she makes has consequences in the Luiciel crime family’s world." Assisting Lee on the project is Nabetse Zitro, and previews of Lee and Zitro's art for issue #1 on Kickstarter show a glimpse of the fierce demons known as Maagi who serve as antagonists in the series.

Speaking with CBR, Gumaa's project manager Jisoon Lee emphasized that the series is packed with religious symbolism and was partially influenced by the 2005 film Constantine, starring Keanu Reeves as DC's famous Hellblazer. "Gumaa means a Korean word for exorcism," Jisoon Lee said. "Gumaa was inspired by religion, and as [Jeehyung] observed the people who have blind faith in cults, he wanted to talk about delusional disorder and obsession. As far as the vibe or style, [aside from Constantine], he had The Dark Knight in his mind."

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Unlike a traditional superhero story, however, Gumaa promises to present no absolute notions of right and wrong. Jisoon Lee stressed that Gumaa is not focused on showcasing superpowers but instead plans to delve into the "insights of good and evil." Jisoon Lee said, "They dwell in us, and each character's life path changes by choosing dark desire, greed or righteousness. No one is absolutely evil or good... We can only be on the good side or the evil side by the choices we make."

Gumaa: The Beginning of Her is available for backing on Kickstarter now, with pledges beginning at $10.

Source: Kickstarter