"Aletheia" #1 on sale in May

On the surface, "Aletheia" appears to be a classic story of revenge, in which a young girl goes against the legendary gods of Greek myth, but creator Bob LeFevre offers a comic that's much more than meets the eye. A syndicated comics strip and commercial artist with numerous credits, LeFevre sat down with CBR News to talk about May-shipping, three-issue Shadowline/Image Comics miniseries he describes as a cross between Disney's "Hercules" and Frank Miller's "Sin City."

"'Aletheia' is taking Greek mythology and slapping it into our society as it is right now," said LeFevre of the story. The main character, Thea, is left devastated when the gods of myth kill her boyfriend and lay waste to her home. "She seems to have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but as the story progresses you'll find that she is an extremely pivotal point in why the gods are doing what they are doing. Thea (Greek for 'goddess') is, at first, like anyone else and just wants to stay alive, considering the situations she's being put in.

"[After] the proverbial wool has been removed," LeFevre added, "her main focus definitely becomes revenge. And if it's left up to the powers that be, she will not get it."

Pages from "Aletheia" #1

Aletheia is the Greek word for "the truth," and LeFevre is using this title as an umbrella for future stories, should sales permit. "This way, the main character of this story doesn't have to be the main character for the next story," the author said. "But they all co-exist as in real Greek mythology, and so it's very likely for past characters to cross paths with current characters. Much like 'Sin City' in that respect."

LeFevre's "Aletheia" first appeared in the anthology book "Digital Webbing" as a four-page feature. "It had my character Hades," he said, "who plays a huge role, if not the biggest, in this current story [with Thea], and another character called Don Watts, who says he's a man of God, but his actions say differently."

"Aletheia" has been developing for some time. "I've actually had these characters for the past seven years now," LeFevre said. "They've become such a huge part of my life. I really truly feel like these are my children and I'm finally sending them off into the world to be on their own for the first time.

Pages from "Aletheia" #1

"The idea came about from a number of things. I was an artist on a syndicated comic strip in newspapers called 'The Adventures of Aaron.' I did that and another strip called 'Whoopty n' Drew' for about three years. I kind of just got to a point where I was sick of drawing the same things over and over again. The comic strip biz is very repetitive. Fun, but repetitive. Artistically, I became burnt out and needed to expand my drawing skills again and really go back to my true passion of drawing comic books.

"I know I keep bringing up 'Sin City' but I really do love Frank Miller's style of writing," LeFevre continued. "I think it shows in 'Aletheia' as well. As far as drawing influences, I would have to say they are J. Scott Campbell, Humberto Ramos, Scottie Young, Greg Capullo, Joe Quesada, and Jim Lee."

The time that's passed since "Aletheia's" first publication in "Digital Webbing" has only served to benefit the story. Said LeFevre, "I think the thing that has changed the most is just that these characters have become much more fleshed out. The longer I have them, the more intertwined and detailed their existence becomes. Not unlike that of the real mythology. Now all I have to do is get these stories out! "

Pages from "Aletheia" #1

Bob LeFevre's name may be a new one to most comics fans, but the writer/artist's work has been seen both in and out of the medium. Said LeFevre, "Before Shadowline, I did a 'Decoy' story for Penny Farthing Press, a wrap around cover for 'Transformers,' and the 'Digital Webbing' short story. In between those things I've worked in the advertising business doing shoe box illustrations for Adidas, and other work for clients such as Coke, Wrigley's and Doritos. I've also won the DC's talent search contest several years ago at the San Diego Convention -- but still no work from them!"

As alluded to previously, LeFevre has grand plans for "Aletheia" should the opportunities manifest. "I have full faith in this book, but I cannot predict the future," LeFevre said. "However well it does, these characters will always be a part of my life. I can't imagine not doing more stories with them in the future. I think this story only begins to scratch the surface."

Indeed, LeFevre also intends to scratch more than just the surface of "Aletheia's" potential comics shop audience. "I really want to see it become all it can be," he said. "About three years ago I went to L.A. to meet with people at MTV regarding 'Aletheia' and possible avenues that we both could explore. I'm hoping, now that it will be taking off in comics, to further explore those possibilities and to not only make 'Aletheia' rock in comics but also in many other media."

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