The Sun has been dimmed, the survivors have left for parts unknown on massive space Arks, but somehow in Heavy Metal’s newest graphic novel Stable, the show’s just getting started. Out February 15, this collaboration between Heavy Metal and Herø Projects, both companies headed by CEO Matt Medney, will see a grand sci-fi epic play out in HM’s trademark mind-blowing fashion and aided by Herø’s emergent creative tilt towards social commentary. Spinning a dual narrative set in the not-to-distant future, Medney and company’s tale of odyssey and opposition centers around the very select few people chosen for an intergalactic mission of survival aboard the Arks; people who must leave their families behind to pick up the pieces on Earth. Screen Rant is proud to present an exclusive preview courtesy of Heavy Metal.
Stable is written by Medney and Herø Chief Creative Officer Morgan Rosenblum (aided in story duties by Herø President Jonny Handler and Executive Creative Director Pete “Voodoo Bownz” Russo) and drawn in cartoonish realism with flourish by Francesco Pisa and cover art by Bark Bark Studios. The graphic novel is a character-driven drama that pulls no punches in its bleak, yet humanist take on the traditional sci-fi exodus. The narrative kicks off when, following a freak wormhole appearing out of the blue and siphoning the energy of the Sun away, the Earth receives a message from a mysterious race of extraterrestrials, advising them to send three Arks, containing a total of roughly 300,000 people, to a predetermined habitable world in another galaxy. The narrative deals with the aftermath, where separated families attempt to move on in the wake of the apocalypse. “We wanted to dig into the human conflict between vastly different characters who have to decide between loyalty, love, survival and the cost that comes with it within the frame of a sci-fi epic tale,” said Bownz.
To that end, the story introduces characters like Dr. Li Kim, a brilliant surgeon aboard the Arks, and her Darryl Dixon-esque brother Yu who makes a living scavenging back on Earth. While the alien angle might be tantalizing, Stable does an admirable service in keeping the narrative focused on the interpersonal relationships within its vast world. “We decided that each of [those chosen] would likely need the ability to bring their loved ones. But not all of them. Only two,” said Medney and Rosenblum in a joint statement. “So everyone that was 'chosen' was given a plus two. We thought that would make for some really consequential and messed up choices. What if you had three kids? Who would you leave behind? Would you give up your seat since you couldn’t bring them all?” Check out the exclusive preview art below:
Medney and Rosenblum praised Pisa’s versatility in his art, calling him “an artistic genius” and noting that the innovative format of the story, which heavily utilizes a two-page spread backdrop technique to maximize visual framing elements, was perfectly suited to Pisa’s style. “His ability to understand the story narrative and make minor acute adjustments to elevate the drama and ensnare the senses of our readers was beyond expectations,” they said, also praising Herø’s partner The TomatoFarm Agency for their role in curating his involvement. Together, the team will produce two more dramatic head-spinning episodes in the Stable saga, said to be “bonkers,” with the duo adding, “the twists and turns are an in-depth reflection on the hubris of mankind and our generalized thoughts about our place in the universe.”
Stable is a rare work that takes a true back-to-basics approach in constructing a grand philosophical narrative, not shying away from sensitive subjects and poignant trials of conscience. What makes the work so noteworthy is a two-fold approach: a naturalistic but heartfelt wit at the base of the writing, and a comprehensively unified visual kaleidoscope that twists the reader through a genuinely thoughtful and somewhat prescient narrative concerning the future of mankind.
But will the remnants of humanity pull through to survive another day unbroken? Find out in Stable, on sale February 15 from Heavy Metal and Herø Projects.