Comics creator Sal Abbinanti (ATOMIKA: God is Red) has announced a new Kickstarter project for his original graphic novel The Hostage. Written and drawn by Abbinanti in his inimitable style, The Hostage tells the story of a group of children who summon a dark protector following the death of their friends. With the release of an art-focused trailer that introduces the titular supernatural hero, Abbinanti's project has already received public support from industry greats Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, Marvels) and Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin, Moon Knight), ahead of today's launch of the official Kickstarter campaign.
Over a decade in the making, Abbinanti was inspired by a visit to Brazil in his twenties, in which he witnessed both the breathtaking beauty of the country and the heartbreaking poverty many of its citizens experience. Researching religious traditions such as Umbanda and the Candomblé, Abbinanti spent the next ten years weaving the world of his characters, and conceiving of a group of street kids from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro who, abandoned and forever at the whim of gangs, join together to summon a spirit who can act as their vengeance for the friends who didn't make it.
In a press release, Abbinanti discussed the history and inspirations for The Hostage, establishing the tone of his story and the dark, awe-inspiring vibe of the kids' protector. Music is a huge part of Abbinanti's process, and the writer-artist seems keen to underline the cinematic inspirations behind his work, expounding on the music - and especially movie soundtracks - that keep him energized and inspired as he creates. Enjoy a glimpse into his process and the staggering The Hostage trailer, below:
Sirius satellite radio is a God send. I listen to Howard Stern most mornings while I work as well as classic rewind, alternative rock and lots of Van Halen. TV can be distracting, so I stick with radio through large Bose speaker. Peter Gabriel’s soundtrack from the Martin Scorsese film “The Last Temptation of Christ” always inspired me and the visuals for The Hostage. The soundtrack from the movie “300” inspires me a lot when I work. The score from “Shawshank Redemption” is one of the greatest scores ever created. And, of course, all of Hans Zimmer’s scores from the Batman films are like church for mood and artistic inspiration. The “Gladiator” soundtrack really inspires settings and gets the creative flow going. Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Foo fighters, Prince and Morrissey are also favorites.
Trippy, dark, heartfelt, and poignant, The Hostage is clearly a unique artistic vision drawing on deepfelt themes and heartfelt concerns. While not Abbinanti's first work in the medium (indeed, he's currently hard at work on Marvel's Marvel, and has enjoyed indie success in the past), it's his full-color graphic novel debut, and each page is alive with the passion and inspiration that lodged The Hostage within his mind and ensured it made the long journey from initial inspiration to the printed page. Along with letterer Dave Sharpe and designer Josh Johnson, Abbinanti has created a genuinely unique piece of sequential art.
The Kickstarter campaign is now underway, and the book is set to be published through Mercury Comics, so it won't be long until fans can enjoy the complete work for themselves, with stretch goals including original signed art and lithograph's from several comic greats associated with Abbinanti. With its unique setting and unsettling but compelling dark protector, The Hostage is already on target to meet its goal, with a promised shipping date of June 2021 should the campaign be successful.