Comic book legend Grant Morrison has joined the growing list of notable writers beginning a new wave of comics made exclusively for the Substack platform. The announcement comes months after Morrison took a break from writing for DC Comics after finishing their last book, Superman and the Authority. Now they're returning to the basics with a new series Xanaduum that mixes several genres and is likely to please any fan of their classic work.
Grant Morrison's impact on the industry cannot be understated. The work they put into DC alone makes them one of the most prolific figures in comic book history, revitalizing older, nearly-forgotten properties such as Animal Man and Doom Patrol into becoming critically lauded series. Books such as All-Star Superman, JLA, and New X-Men remain seminal, fan-favorite titles. Even elements from Multiveristy or Morrison's run on the Batman franchise were so influential, their contributions are still being felt in comics today. Though they're taking a break from the world of superheroes, Morrison has big plans for the realm of comics.
As several creators have lined up to launch new projects on the writer-oriented subscription newsletter platform, Substack, Morrison took the time to speak with Entertainment Weekly about their decision to join the new avenue and give out new details on their own new project, Xanaduum.... While details on the plot were mum, Morrison revealed the story is a "high concept sci-fi ghost story with a sting in the tail and a big autobiographical element!" Morrison also emphasized that they will be getting back to their roots by providing both the writing and art calling it "...a creatively reinvigorating lo-fi DIY return to my earliest days making punk fanzines with scissors and glue."
Posts on Morrison's own Substack page offers a few musings and describes the endeavor as "A living archive of new and previously unseen writing, music, magic, conversation and comics," among other things. But the haunting mystery of what Morrison has up their sleeve is exactly the sort of thing that should already be enticing fans. Just as every other creator is personalizing their own approach to Substack, Morrison is banking on bringing the unconventional with Xanaduum.... There's also a mystical approach Morrison implies with the breadcrumbs of information that's been revealed. Fans of the writer may be aware of the occult and magical philosophies that permeate through Morrison's works and it seems this new undertaking may blend age-old practices with new-age forms of comic distribution.
Whether Xanaduum... winds up becoming "A museum. A funfair" or "A haunted house" as their Substack page implies, it's no doubt that this new venture for Grant Morrison has them excited. And that should be enough for any reader needing a new dose of their work. Episode 1 of Xanaduum... premieres February 2nd, 2022.
Source: Entertainment Weekly