The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum Dylan Sprouse has partnered with Heavy Metal Magazine and DIGA Studios to bring a mysterious new comic book of his own creation to readers.
According to a release from Heavy Metal, this "multi-genre project" marks the first collaboration between the company and DIGA, with Sprouse serving as an executive producer. The actor/entrepreneur is set to "bring his creativity to life via a new comic book series that he personally wrote and developed over the last four years." While most details surrounding the comic are being kept under wraps, it is described as a "deeply personal tale" that draws inspiration from Viking and Norse Pagan culture.
Apparently, Sprouse first took his creation to DIGA, which then reached out to Heavy Metal, believing the title would be a perfect fit for the esteemed sci-fi/horror/fantasy magazine. "I have always been a huge gaming and comic book fan, and this project has provided me with such a creative outlet that has developed into a true passion," said Sprouse. "The story is close to my heart, inspired by my past experiences and the bedtime sagas my Scandinavian-American grandmother used to read me."
Said DIGA's Patrick Smith, "I've known Dylan for four years and have always been a big fan of his writing. When he shared this deeply personal passion project with me, I immediately knew Heavy Metal would see it as the perfect flagship to kick off our new partnership. The comic book is just the beginning and given all of the rich content, we're excited with what's to come."
Heavy Metal CEO Matt Medney added, "I met Dylan for the first time with Patrick for dinner, and instantly understood Patrick's excitement about not only his storytelling but about Dylan himself. It's rare in this world to find someone so passionate and critical all wrapped up in one." Medney explains it is the mission of Heavy Metal to "seek partnerships with creative individuals who strive to enhance the publication experience. Our brand has the best fans with deep, loyal ties to the genre and we know this project is going to resonate with them."
The 27-year-old Sprouse began his acting career as a child in 1993, often working alongside his twin brother, Cole Sprouse. The two have described themselves as massive comic book fans, with both being frequent patrons of Los Angeles' Meltdown Comics (where Cole once interned) prior to its closing. In the years since the two starred on Disney Channel's Suite Life shows, Cole has gone on to play the role of Jughead Jones on The CW's Archie Comics-based series Riverdale. Dylan took a break from acting in 2012 to focus on other endeavors, returning to the profession in 2017.