John Byrne’s Next Men Are Back @ IDW

[ENGLISH] In the 1990s, acclaimed writer/artist John Byrne created Next Men, an all-new world of superheroes. Grounded firmly in our world, with its expectations and societal norms, Byrne explored the impact such superheroes would have on the planet in a realistic way. Next Men’s 30-issue run quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed titles in his storied career. Now, John Byrne’s Next Men series is back, collected in thick, black-and-white volumes, the first one offering 400+ pages of fantastic story and art. The first, “honkin’ phonebook-sized”–so described by Byrne himself–of John Byrne’s Compleat Next Men will be in stores May 28.

In addition to the first 12-issues of Next Men, IDW Publishing’s collection of John Byrne’s Compleat Next Men, Volume 1 includes the series’ original story, the 64-page 2112 graphic novel, as well as the MIV back-up strips that ran in the original comics.

“A quick read of Next Men immediately reveals what a great storyteller Byrne is,” says Justin Eisinger, IDW’s Graphic Novel Editor. “Beyond the stunning art are developed characters and compelling plot points, making Next Men read like a modern-day Hollywood superhero blockbuster movie, only this is the series that defined the formula. And now that the book’s printed we couldn’t be happier »it looks fantastic.”

Asked about the possibility of a new Next Men series, Byrne has said, “If it looks like Next Men can be done as something other than a vanity project, I will certainly do it. The series has a definite ending »I even know the last line! »and I would very much like to shake those 20 or so issues out of my head someday!”

About IDW Publishing

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television’s #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount’s Star Trek; Fox’s Angel; Hasbro’s The Transformers, and the BBC’s Doctor Who. IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children’s book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.

About John Byrne

Prior to his work for IDW Publishing, John Byrne has worked continuously in comics since 1975, following his first professional sale in late summer of 1974. Beginning humbly enough, with the likes of WHEELIE AND THE CHOPPER BUNCH and DOOMSDAY + 1 (for Charlton Comics), and IRON FIST and THE CHAMPIONS for Marvel, he eventually moved on to Marvel’s number one cult book, X-MEN (not yet Uncanny) in 1977.

It was his work on X-MEN which truly ignited John’s star, and from there he moved to CAPTAIN AMERICA, THE AVENGERS, and a five year run on Marvel’s flagship title, FANTASTIC FOUR. Seeking new heights to conquer, in 1986 John accepted the daunting assignment of revamping the oldest and most famous of all superheroes, Superman. Beginning with the hugely successful MAN OF STEEL miniseries, John brought SUPERMAN back into the attention of the fans, and that success continues today. In 1990, John decided to venture into the unpredictable waters of creator owned works, launching NEXT MEN in 1991. Following that success he brought out DANGER UNLIMITED, followed by BABE in 1995. Since then, he has written and drawn such titles as WONDER WOMAN, X-MEN: THE HIDDEN YEARS, LAB RATS, DOOM PATROL, and BLOOD OF THE DEMON. In 2005, he returned to SUPERMAN, performing art duties for ACTION COMICS. He then illustrated THE ATOM for DC before writing and illustrating several new STAR TREK series for IDW.