CBR can exclusively reveal Frank Quitely (All-Star Superman), Ed Piskor (American Splendor) and Geof Darrow's (Hardboiled) covers for Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel To Be Kin #2.
Announced earlier this year, Cruel To Be Kin sees the Shaolin Cowboy attempting to protect a newborn komodo dragon. The story is, according to Darrow, fundamentally about raising a child in an environment in which they feel protected. However, as Shaolin Cowboy's life is one of violence, being a good parent proves very difficult.
The plot synopsis for Cruel To Be Kin #2 reads, "The Shaolin Cowboy finds out if Colts and Kung Fu will guarantee him herd immunity when a flock of new enemies are trying to put him and his newborn charge on the endangered species list!!!!! A pandemic of action spread out over 29 pages because THIS IS THE SCU!!!!"
Speaking about his own cover for the second issue, Darrow said that it's a homage to the poster for 1964's Fight, Zatoichi, Fight, his favorite film about the titular Japanese blademaster. "The story follows the blind swordsman as he travels the road trying to protect a newborn from Yakuza assassins dogging his trail," Darrow explained in a statement. "The infant in my 'story' is not a human baby, but a komodo dragon hatchling and there are no Yakuza; just monsters and very monstrously bad humans."
Piskor noted on Cruel To Be Kin that he loves Darrow's work and is "inspired by how his imagination never ceases and he continues to push further and further." Quitely added, "Darrow is a unique and brilliant artist. He is one of those once-in-a-generation creators whose personal vision and technical mastery inspires and influences everyone."
Known best for his work with Harvey Pekar and Jay Lynch, Piskor created and helmed the Eisner Award-winning comic Hip Hop Family Tree. He's also the host of Cartoonist Kayfabe alongside Jim Rugg, which recently featured Darrow as a guest.
Quitely, who is a frequent collaborator with acclaimed writer Grant Morrison, has won several Eisner and Harvey Awards. In addition to All-Star Superman, he's also worked on such titles as The Authority and New X-Men.
Created by Darrow, Shaolin Cowboy was originally published by Burlyman Entertainment starting in 2004 before later moving to Dark Horse Comics. The series follows a former Shaolin Monk, who has a bounty placed on his head. In 2005, Shaolin Cowboy was nominated for the Eisner Awards for Best New Series, Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team and Best Coloring. Outside of his work on Shaolin Cowboy and comics in general, Darrow worked on concept art and storyboards for 1999's The Matrix and its three sequels.
You can see CBR's exclusive reveal of Darrow, Piskor and Quitely covers for Cruel To Be Kin below, in that order, alongside the solicitation information for the series.
Releasing June 22 from Dark Horse Comics, Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel To Be Kin #2 was written and illustrated by Darrow. The title was colored by Dave Stewart and lettered by Nate Piekos.
Source: Dark Horse Comics