Samurai Jack #10 arrived in stores this week with artwork by Andy Kuhn and colors by Josh Burcham.

Since we’ve been extended past our original 5 issue length several times I tend to think of this series in 5’s. Each fifth issue is has some sort of larger statement about what Samurai Jack is all about, in case it’s our final issue. Thankfully we’re renewed through to at least issue 20, but this one was written epic, just in case.

What did the critics think of it?

• The Outhousers: “Samurai Jack remains an honest and faithful continuation of Genndy Tartakovsky’s original vision.”

• Rock! Shock! Pop!: “…another solid entry in the line.”

• Comic Vine: “It’s a thoroughly satisfying read that keeps us entertained and having a total blast while also showing us what makes Jack so special”

So happy to finally announce this:

I’m writing a new comic series called Dungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur’s Gate that launches in October and includes fan favorite characters Minsc and Boo from the Baldur’s Gate video game series!

Pop culture site ICV2 broke the news yesterday and has an exclusive interview with me all about it as well as some general information and cover art.

Anyone who knows my work knows how big a role tabletop RPGs in general, and D&D specifically, played in my development as a storyteller. To be able to contribute a new Dungeons & Dragons story on the 40th anniversary of the game while a new edition launches, it’s an incredible honor. Special thanks to Ted Adams, John Barber, Mike Mearls, Greg Bilsland, and Hilary Ross for their help in making this project a reality.

Obviously I’ll post more info as it comes available. In the meantime, please help spread the word to your gaming friends near and far. D&D: Legends of Baldur’s Gate arrives in October but it’s available for pre-order now from your local comic shop.

Here’s the official Press Release:

Dungeons & Dragons takes adventuring to the next level this year with a brand new comic from IDW Publishing, Legends of Baldur’s Gate. The series—which ties in to Wizards of the Coast’s massive Tyranny of Dragons event—comes smashing into stores this fall with a tried-and-true team of questers.

With a battle-proven track record on series like Skullkickers and IDW’s own Samurai Jack, Jim Zub leads this all-new comic series into battle with variant cover and interior artist Max Dunbar (Red Sonja: Atlantis Rises) and breakout The Transformers: Windblade artist Sarah Stone who provides the standard-order covers for the series.

“I didn’t know it at the time, but playing Dungeons & Dragons as a kid was the foundation of my creative career,” said Zub. “It ignited a desire in me to build memorable characters and weave entertaining tales of high adventure. Getting a chance to tell new Forgotten Realms stories as part of the D&D 40th anniversary is an absolute dream come true.”

The legends of the past still resonate with the modern heroes of Baldur’s Gate, and when a new threat rises, an unlikely trio takes upon themselves the mantle of heroes! Launching alongside Wizards of the Coast’s next edition of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop RPG, the new series will feature both familiar and new characters—including the return of the fan-favorite ranger, Minsc—and his hamster, Boo!

“We wanted to tell the Tyranny of Dragons story in lots of ways, and Jim Zub and IDW have done a great job bringing our story to life for comics fans. They’ve brought fan favorites Minsc and Boo back into action, and this story is a great way to help us celebrate an amazing year for Dungeons & Dragons,” said Nathan Stewart, Brand Director at Wizards of the Coast.

Legends of Baldur’s Gate sets off for adventure this October with a Tyranny of Dragons story—don’t miss out on the most epic quest of the year!

Samurai Jack #8, our special dialogue-free issue, is out so let’s see what the response has been like:

• Word of the Nerd: 10/10 “It’s an issue that continues the innovative legacy of its cartoon predecessor and shows that Jim Zub and Andy Suriano aren’t messing around when it comes to staying faithful to Jack”

• Shadowhawk’s Shade: 9.5/10 “I just totally got lost in the story as it unfolded page by page.”

• Unleash the Fanboy: 7.5/10 “I was impressed and it earns a recommendation from me.”

• Rock! Shock! Pop!: “It’s a very pleasant looking book with the style of the show still very obviously an important part in the visuals of this sequential take on the character.”

• Comic Book Therapy: 4/5 “Zub and company have been bringing us a comic that is a worthy successor to the original series, and this issue is definitely a highlight.”

• Capeless Crusader: “…a gorgeous silent one shot from Jim Zub and Andy Suriano, and is jam-packed with awesome action scenes and beautiful art”

• Comic Bastards: “That is what the comic is all about. Opening imagination and letting it pour out onto the reader.”

Comic Book Resources has an exclusive 7 page preview of SAMURAI JACK #8, our special dialogue-free issue where Jack fights distorted reflections of himself.

Arriving in July…

Samurai Jack #10
Jim Zub (w) • Andy Kuhn (a) • Andy Suriano (c)

Samurai Jack’s adventures continue at IDW! The war without has been a failure for Aku, so now it’s time to wage the war within! Can Jack overcome an opponent who unravels the thoughts and memories that make him a samurai?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

•A battle of the minds between Samurai Jack and Aku!

•”Samurai Jack is a thoroughly enjoyable series that pays a lot of respect to everything that came before it.” – Comic Book Therapy

Samurai Jack #7, the 2nd part of our gender-bending odyssey, arrived in stores this week. Let’s see what the critics had to say…

• IGN: 8.5/10 “…a nicely entertaining and more humor-oriented Samurai Jack epic.”
• Eat Your Comics!: 4/5 “Seriously, if you have not come on board IDW’s new “Samurai Jack” comic book series – fan or no – you’re really missing out on an excellent comic.”
• Rock! Shock! Pop!: “If you were a fan of the Cartoon Network series and not reading this yet, you’re doing yourself a serious disservice.”
• Sci-Fi Pulse: “The solution to our twosome’s troubles is nothing short of brilliant.”
• Comic Vine: 4/5 “If I’m enjoying this series this much, I can only imagine how much die-hard fans of the show are digging it.”
• The Outhousers: “This was a fun short arc by Zub and Williams outside of the main story of Samurai Jack trying to get back to his own time.”
• Comic Book Therapy: “Zub and company have told a fresh Samurai Jack story that did something different and executed it well.”

Comic Vine has an exclusive 7 page preview of Samurai Jack #7, “Samurai Jacqueline and the Scotswoman”, the second half of our gender-bending tale.