Ignition Press has announced Roots of Madness, a space horror series featuring author Stephanie Williams (Nubia), artist Letizia Cadonici (Slaughter of Slaughter), Colorist Alessandro Santoro, Letterers and World Design. Inspired by the life of Cosmetian Madame CJ Walker in the late 19th century, the book follows a young black woman in 1905 who reveals the secrets of a dark family. Marking Williams’ first creator-owned comic, he will make his debut at San Diego Comic Con International in the boutique pop-up Ignition Press Room in the historic Guslamman Quarter district.
The roots of Madness #1 cover by Juliet Nneka
At the turn of the 20th century, a young black woman named Etta Knight picks up the tradition of a mother who died to create special medicines using natural ingredients and secrets passed from generation to generation. Her mother handed me a recipe and a book on formula, which is full of strange symbols and dark meditations she doesn’t understand well…
Ignition Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich said, “I reached out to Stephanie and was interested in what I would do by writing a book with us. She’s just coming back on what she can do, as I’d like. Our humanity uses past issues to highlight our failures in the present.
Williams described the premise as personal, saying, “After pursuing security and stability, I left a ‘stable career’ (as a research scientist) to change the survival lessons my family taught me to creative dreams. Cadnico said, “I’m so proud and happy to be part of this cartoon. I feel very connected to Eta. I think she’s a stunning character. And when I first read the script, I thought I’d never read about someone like her.”
Like the comic’s Sneak Peak, fans visiting the Ignition Press Room (located at 643 G Street) during SDCC can purchase exclusive roots of madness products, including art prints, canvas tote bags and two scented hair gloss (created in collaboration with Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab). As previously announced, Williams will attend free (now unplanned) signatures for free. In the meantime, look forward to an announcement from the ignition at the landing to SDCC and their first title, Murder Podcast, The Voyeur (both starting in September).
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