Got to keep on, keeping on

[stubbleupdate]

As was discussed in the most recent edition of House to Astonish, Vertigo had their lowest sales month on record in January 2012. Happily though, they're launching 4 new series soon, including a Fables spin-off with art by Adam Hughes
.

The one that caught my eye, out of the series released in the digital preview, was Saucer Country, by Ryan Kelly (artist of Local, which really is a fantastic book, and of New York 4 and 5), and written by Paul Cornell, of Action Comics, Demon Knights, Captain Britain and MI:13 et al.

Nicking the solicit text from Espanolbot's post you get

Arcadia Alvarado, the leading Democratic candidate for President of the United States, says she was "abducted by aliens."
As the Mexican-American Governor of New Mexico, she's dealing with immigration, budget cuts and an alcoholic ex. She's about to toss her hat into the ring as a candidate for President in the most volatile political climate ever.
But then...a lonely road and a nightmarish encounter have left her with terrible, half-glimpsed memories. And now she has to become President. To expose the truth – and maybe, to save the world.
Arcadia's quest is at the heart of this new monthly series from writer Paul Cornell (DEMON KNIGHTS, ACTION COMICS, Doctor Who) and artist Ryan Kelly (NEW YORK FIVE, NORTHLANDERS). With the help of her quirky staff, Arcadia will pursue the truth of her abduction into danger, mystery and awe. SAUCER COUNTRY is a dark thriller that blends UFO lore and alien abduction with political intrigue, all set in the hauntingly beautiful Southwest.

There's a small house ad and two pages from the preview underneath. It comes with a warning for discussion on domestic abuse







I'm not really sure where this is going. Depending on the buzz, I might pick it up when it comes out, or I might pick it up a month behind.

Comments

[darrylayo]

I really like the concept of this series. Vertigo has historically lacked female protagonists and persons of color protagonists.

Also, I like Ryan Kelly and Paul Cornell. Also I like classic science fiction and twentieth century American folklore. Let's just agree that I'm "in it to win it."

[darkknightjrk]

Yeah, definitely looking forward to Saucer Country. :D

[mrstatham]

I have to say that yet another Fables spin-off doesn't really grab me, although at least this time they're using characters that're actually interesting, rather than Jack. I still don't understand why the Cinderella one didn't catch on fire like it should of.

It *is* a little bit surprising about Vertigo's lack of sales, though I suppose DC has neglected that portion of their business in their attempts to strengthen the main line. Good to see they're bringing out some new concepts, and American Vampire is reliable as ever - although I think that series naturally lost some of the spotlight when they stopped having the Stephen King backups. Still, AV's damn good, and it's interesting to see what these new series will bring to the table.

Personally, I'm just hoping they don't cancel iZombie anytime soon.

[queenrikki]

I ordered this without even really paying attention to the creative team. I thought the concept was so cool that I just had to see how it goes. The fact that it is written by Paul Cornell is the caramel sauce to this book's apple pie with ice cream (so good).

[biod]

Politics, Aliens, and Paul Cornell? Can you say "hell yes"?

[the_phantom]

Is it me or does she look like Harley Quinn?

[shadur]

She's certainly offering a nice Faustian bargain, yeah...

[stubbleupdate]

She's blonde and wearing business attire.

That's about it.

[turtlefu]

This sounds like Ex Machina...

[stubbleupdate]

Why? Because it's political?

A female, Hispanic New Mexico governor and a former superhero mayor of NYC don't have a tonne of things in common?