Army of Darkness (comics)
Encyclopedia
Army of Darkness comics are based on the film of the same name
published originally by Dark Horse Comics
, and later by Dynamite Entertainment
who initially published them through Devil's Due Publishing
.
The stories follow the adventures of the Evil Dead series, Ash Williams
, and has included a number of crossovers
with a wide variety of characters such as, Marvel Zombies
, Darkman
, Freddy Krueger
, Jason Voorhees
, Xena
, Danger Girl
and even Barack Obama
.
published an adaptation of the film with the original ending intact. John Bolton adapted the story from the script written by Sam Raimi
and Ivan Raimi
, in addition to providing the artwork.
It was published as a three issue mini-series and was released as a trade paperback
by Dynamite in 2006 (ISBN 0-9749638-3-6).
, with art by Nick Bradshaw.
It was a four issue mini-series, collected as a trade paperback
which was released in late February 2005 (ISBN 0-9749638-9-5).
It was written by James Kuhoric, with art by Nick Bradshaw and Sanford Greene.
It was a four issue mini-series, collected as a trade paperback
which was released in November 2006 (ISBN 1-933305-26-6).
from H. P. Lovecraft
's short story, "Herbert West–Reanimator" and well-known from the film Re-Animator
and its sequels.
This story starts where Shop Till You Drop Dead ends.
This was published as issue #1-4 of the ongoing Army of Darkness series. The trade was released in late October 2006 (ISBN 1-933305-13-4).
This was published as issue #5-7 of the series. It was published in September 2006 (ISBN 1-933305-18-5).
This was originally published in the series #8-11. The trade paperback collects the Ash vs. Dracula series and The Death of Ash.
.
It was published as issues #12-13 of the ongoing series.
Ash dies, his new League of Light fails to stop Hell's Prophet from taking over causing the world to go to hell. Five years later, a time machine is made by the last surviving members of the League of Light, as they go back in time and stop Hell's Prophet from taking over Ash. The ghost of future Ash warns his past self in a note on what to do, and he saves the world; causing everything to snap back to normal.
, Dark Horse Comics released a four-issue comic book mini-series based on The Evil Dead, which is written by Mark Verheiden
, with art by John Bolton.
but also "all the other trends that have occurred in comics over the decades."
with Marvel Comics
set in the Marvel Zombies
universe, also doubling as an origin story for that universe alongside the interlinked prequel Marvel Zombies: Dead Days. Marvel Comics has since designated this Earth-818793 of the Marvel Comics multiverse
film character, Darkman
. It was written by Roger Stern
and Kurt Busiek
, with art by James Fry. It ran for four issues from August 2006 to March 2007 and the trade paperback was released in late 2007.
, Wildstorm Comics and Dynamite co-published the story in comic form as the six-issue mini-series Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash
.
written by John Layman and Miguel Montenegro.
's Danger Girl
characters which began in April, 2011.
.
Dynamite are also collecting all the comics into larger omnibus editions:
based on J. Scott Campbell
's cover of Army of Darkness: Ashes 2 Ashes #1. The maquette was sculpted by Anthony Colella and stands at 13” tall. It has a limited release of 150 pieces with 50 Artist Proofs being released at a later date. When released both the Maquette and AP held a MSRP of $149.99.
Army of Darkness
Army of Darkness, also known as Evil Dead III: Army of Darkness or simply Evil Dead III, is a 1992 horror comedy fantasy action film directed by Sam Raimi. It is the third and final installment in The Evil Dead trilogy. The film was written by Raimi and his brother Ivan, produced by Robert Tapert,...
published originally by Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
, and later by Dynamite Entertainment
Dynamite Entertainment
Dynamite Entertainment is an American comic book company that primarily publishes licensed franchises of adaptations of other media. These include adaptations of film properties such as Army of Darkness, Terminator and RoboCop, literary properties such as Zorro, Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, Alice in...
who initially published them through Devil's Due Publishing
Devil's Due Publishing
Devil's Due Publishing is an independent comic book publishers in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, DDP is best known for its wide selection of genres, including licensed and original creator-owned properties that populate its monthly comic book series and graphic novels.Though...
.
The stories follow the adventures of the Evil Dead series, Ash Williams
Ash Williams
Ashley J. "Ash" Williams is the protagonist in the Evil Dead horror film franchise, played by Bruce Campbell, and created by director Sam Raimi. Throughout the series, Ash has to face off against his loved ones inside an abandoned cabin as they are possessed by "deadites", the evil souls of the dead...
, and has included a number of crossovers
Fictional crossover
A fictional crossover is the placement of two or more otherwise discrete fictional characters, settings, or universes into the context of a single story. They can arise from legal agreements between the relevant copyright holders, or because of unauthorized efforts by fans, or even amid common...
with a wide variety of characters such as, Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is a five-issue limited series published from December 2005 to April 2006 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips and covers by Arthur Suydam. It was the first series in the Marvel Zombies series of related stories...
, Darkman
Darkman
Darkman is a 1990 superhero action film directed by Sam Raimi. It is based on a short story Raimi wrote that paid homage to Universal's horror films of the 1930s...
, Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger
Frederick Charles "Freddy" Krueger is a fictional, horrifying character from the Nightmare on Elm Street series of horror films. He first appears in Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street as a disfigured dream stalker who uses a glove armed with razors to kill his victims in their dreams,...
, Jason Voorhees
Jason Voorhees
Jason Voorhees is a fictional character from the Friday the 13th series of slasher films. He first appeared in Friday the 13th , as the son of camp cook-turned-murderer, Mrs. Voorhees, in which he was portrayed by Ari Lehman. Created by Victor Miller, with contributions by Ron Kurz, Sean S...
, Xena
Xena
Xena is a fictional character from Robert Tapert's Xena: Warrior Princess franchise. She first appeared in the 1995–1999 television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, before going on to appear in Xena: Warrior Princess TV show and subsequent comic book of the same name...
, Danger Girl
Danger Girl
Danger Girl is an American comic book series created by J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell. The comic features a group of female secret agents led by a mentor named Deuce. The series follows the James Bond and Indiana Jones action-adventure formula, with the Danger Girls being an homage to the...
and even Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
.
Film adaptation (#1-3)
In 1992, Dark HorseDark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
published an adaptation of the film with the original ending intact. John Bolton adapted the story from the script written by Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi
Samuel Marshall "Sam" Raimi is an American film director, producer, actor and writer. He is best known for directing cult horror films like the Evil Dead series, Darkman and Drag Me to Hell, as well as the blockbuster Spider-Man films and the producer of the successful TV series Hercules: The...
and Ivan Raimi
Ivan Raimi
Ivan M. Raimi is an American screenwriter and doctor of osteopathic medicine.-Career:Ivan, the third of five children, was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, the son of Celia Barbara , who owned lingerie shops, and Leonard Ronald Raimi, who owned home furnishing stores. Ivan was raised in Conservative...
, in addition to providing the artwork.
It was published as a three issue mini-series and was released as a trade paperback
Trade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
by Dynamite in 2006 (ISBN 0-9749638-3-6).
Ashes 2 Ashes (#1-4)
The plot picks up right at the end of the film. It was written by Andy HartnellAndy Hartnell
Andy Hartnell is an American comic book writer and co-creator of the popular comic book series Danger Girl. He is best known for his work at Jim Lee's Wildstorm Productions.-Life and career:...
, with art by Nick Bradshaw.
It was a four issue mini-series, collected as a trade paperback
Trade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
which was released in late February 2005 (ISBN 0-9749638-9-5).
Shop till You Drop Dead (#1-4)
This story starts where Ashes 2 Ashes ends.It was written by James Kuhoric, with art by Nick Bradshaw and Sanford Greene.
It was a four issue mini-series, collected as a trade paperback
Trade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
which was released in November 2006 (ISBN 1-933305-26-6).
Army of Darkness vs. Re-Animator (vol. 1) #1-4
A crossover with Herbert WestHerbert West
Herbert West is a fictional character created by H. P. Lovecraft for his short story "Herbert West—Reanimator", first published in 1922. There have been several adaptations of the story including Herbert West as played by Jeffrey Combs in the 1985 Re-Animator movie and its two sequels, Bride...
from H. P. Lovecraft
H. P. Lovecraft
Howard Phillips Lovecraft --often credited as H.P. Lovecraft — was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction, especially the subgenre known as weird fiction....
's short story, "Herbert West–Reanimator" and well-known from the film Re-Animator
Re-Animator
Re-Animator is a 1985 American science fiction horror film based on the H. P. Lovecraft story "Herbert West–Reanimator." Directed by Stuart Gordon, it was the first film in the Re-Animator series. The film has since become a cult film, driven by fans of Jeffrey Combs and H. P...
and its sequels.
This story starts where Shop Till You Drop Dead ends.
This was published as issue #1-4 of the ongoing Army of Darkness series. The trade was released in late October 2006 (ISBN 1-933305-13-4).
Old School (vol. 1) #5-7
Ash returns to the cabin in the woods in an attempt to stop the evil at its source.This was published as issue #5-7 of the series. It was published in September 2006 (ISBN 1-933305-18-5).
Ash vs. Dracula (Ash vs the Classic Monsters) (vol. 1) #8-11
Ash must face Dracula, who wants to use the power of the Necronomicon to plunge the world in eternal night. Introduces Dynamite's new character: Eva Daughter of the Dragon.This was originally published in the series #8-11. The trade paperback collects the Ash vs. Dracula series and The Death of Ash.
The Death of Ash (vol. 1) #12-13
The story starts where Ash vs. Dracula ends and leads up to Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of DarknessMarvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness is a five-issue 2007 comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in association with Dynamite Entertainment, an intercompany crossover in which Ash Williams, hero of the popular Evil Dead film and comic book, finds himself in the Marvel Zombies...
.
It was published as issues #12-13 of the ongoing series.
From The Ashes (vol. 2) #1-4
Ash vs. Evil Ash Prime and his many mutants and monsters in a post-apocalyptic world. #1 August 2007. It was a four issue story arc.The Long Road Home (vol. 2) #5-8
A four issue story arc that will follow the aftermath of Ash defeating Evil Ash Prime and his quest (with Sheila by his side) to repair the damage done to the world.Home Sweet Hell (vol. 2) #9-12
A four issue story-arc taking place after "The Long Road Home" written by James Kuhoric and Mike Raicht featuring Ash, having lost his memories and status as the "Chosen One", battling demons.Montezuma's Revenge (vol. 2) #18
The Necronomicon transports Ash to Mexico, against his will, where he's forced to stop an ancient god who has been revived.Untitled Storyline (Georgia) #19
A special self contained story from writer Mike Raicht, joined here by artist Pablo Marcos. Ash finds love with a woman named Georgia, only to find shes a murderous succubus and that there may be other chosen ones. Ash leaves her and prevents a deadite outbreak.Ashley J Williams Goes to Europe #20-21
In Europe Ash meets a werewolf named Brad, a protector and learns that there are a line of protectors, who protect the areas of the world. He also finds that many of the chosen ones before him have been taken over by Hell's Prophet, and have been the cause of many disasters throughout history. The only thing that has stopped Hell's Prophet is the League of Light. Ash and Brad set out to stop it before Hell's Prophet takes him over.Ash and the League of Light #22-27
Ash travels to different continents of the world recruiting other protectors to help him defeat Hell's Prophet, which has possessed him. Unbeknownst to him, the very people he is gathering may end up being his undoing, as it is foretold the protectors must kill him.Ash dies, his new League of Light fails to stop Hell's Prophet from taking over causing the world to go to hell. Five years later, a time machine is made by the last surviving members of the League of Light, as they go back in time and stop Hell's Prophet from taking over Ash. The ghost of future Ash warns his past self in a note on what to do, and he saves the world; causing everything to snap back to normal.
Tales of Army of Darkness
A 48 page annual issue including 5 new stories by various writers and artists.The Evil Dead (#1-4)
In January 20082008 in comics
-January:*January 9: Teen Titans: The Lost Annual, delayed since 2003, is published.*January 23: Hellblazer #240, marking the 20th anniversary of the series, is released.-February:...
, Dark Horse Comics released a four-issue comic book mini-series based on The Evil Dead, which is written by Mark Verheiden
Mark Verheiden
Mark Verheiden is an American television, movie, and comic book writer. He is a co-executive producer for the television series Falling Skies for DreamWorks Television and the TNT Network.-Career:...
, with art by John Bolton.
Ash's Christmas Horror (one-shot)
A 2008 Christmas special in which Ash tries to stop Evil Ash and a Deadite Santa from destroying Christmas.Army of Darkness: Ash saves Obama (#1-4)
According to writer Elliott Serrano, it is not just a commentary on the many Barack Obama comic booksBarack Obama (comic character)
Barack Obama has appeared as a character in comic books published by a number of publishing companies. During 2007, when Obama decided to run for President of the United States, comic book writers and artists wanted to capture this historic moment by including him as a character in various comic...
but also "all the other trends that have occurred in comics over the decades."
Army of Darkness vs. Re-Animator (#1-4)
Although this was a crossover, it served in the mainstream continuity of the series and shall be credited as part of the actual series.Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness (#1-5)
A five-issue mini-series crossoverIntercompany crossover
In comic books, an intercompany crossover is a comic or series of comics where characters published by one company meet those published by another...
with Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
set in the Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is a five-issue limited series published from December 2005 to April 2006 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips and covers by Arthur Suydam. It was the first series in the Marvel Zombies series of related stories...
universe, also doubling as an origin story for that universe alongside the interlinked prequel Marvel Zombies: Dead Days. Marvel Comics has since designated this Earth-818793 of the Marvel Comics multiverse
Multiverse (Marvel Comics)
Within Marvel Comics, most tales take place within the fictional Marvel Universe, which in turn is part of a larger multiverse. Starting with issues of Captain Britain, the main continuity in which most Marvel storylines take place was designated Earth-616, and the multiverse was established as...
Darkman vs. Army of Darkness (#1-4)
A crossover with another Sam RaimiSam Raimi
Samuel Marshall "Sam" Raimi is an American film director, producer, actor and writer. He is best known for directing cult horror films like the Evil Dead series, Darkman and Drag Me to Hell, as well as the blockbuster Spider-Man films and the producer of the successful TV series Hercules: The...
film character, Darkman
Darkman (character)
Darkman is the titular fictional protagonist from the 1990 superhero film Darkman. The character originated in a short story written by the film's director, Sam Raimi, titled "The Darkman," and is based on the Universal Pictures' movie monsters...
. It was written by Roger Stern
Roger Stern
Roger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.-Early career:In the early 1970s, Stern and Bob Layton published the fanzine CPL , one of the first platforms for the work of John Byrne...
and Kurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.-Early life:...
, with art by James Fry. It ran for four issues from August 2006 to March 2007 and the trade paperback was released in late 2007.
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash (#1-6)
Based upon an unused script to a possible film sequel to Freddy vs. JasonFreddy vs. Jason
Freddy vs. Jason is a 2003 American slasher film directed by Ronny Yu. The film is a crossover between the A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th franchises...
, Wildstorm Comics and Dynamite co-published the story in comic form as the six-issue mini-series Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash is a six-issue comic book limited series that was released in November 2007 and ran until March 2008. It was published by Wildstorm, Dynamite Entertainment, and DC Comics. Based on the original Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash film treatment by Jeff Katz, the story serves as a...
.
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash: The Nightmare Warriors (#1-6)
James Kuhoric and Jason Craig returning to write and illustrate, respectively. The story picks up where Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash left off and featured cameos of known characters from the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises.Army of Darkness / Xena: Why Not? (#1-4)
A four issue mini-series in which Ash travels to Xena's dimension in order to stop a mini version of himself from destroying that world.Xena / Army of Darkness: What, Again? (#1-4)
A second crossover with Xena: Warrior PrincessXena: Warrior Princess (comics)
Xena: Warrior Princess comics, are spin-offs from the series of the same name, itself a spin-off series of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.Topps Comics and Dark Horse Comics created a series of comics tying in to the property...
written by John Layman and Miguel Montenegro.
Danger Girl and the Army of Darkness (#1-6)
A six-part crossover with IDW PublishingIDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
's Danger Girl
Danger Girl
Danger Girl is an American comic book series created by J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell. The comic features a group of female secret agents led by a mentor named Deuce. The series follows the James Bond and Indiana Jones action-adventure formula, with the Danger Girls being an homage to the...
characters which began in April, 2011.
Collected editions
The various stories and limited series have been collected into trade paperbacksTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
.
Dynamite are also collecting all the comics into larger omnibus editions:
- Omnibus, Volume 1 (collects first 18 issues including film adaptation, 300 pages, released in 2010, ISBN 1-60690-100-1)
Awards
- 2006: Won the "Best Screen-To-Comic Adaptation" Spike TV Scream Award
- 2008: Nominated for the "Best Scream-To-Comic-Adaptation" Spike TV Scream Award
Maquette
On May 11, 2005 it was announced that Dynamite Entertainment would be releasing a maquetteMaquette
A maquette is a small scale model or rough draft of an unfinished architectural work or a sculpture...
based on J. Scott Campbell
J. Scott Campbell
Jeffrey Scott Campbell is an American comic book artist. He has had several pen names, including "Jeff Scott", but is best known as J. Scott Campbell...
's cover of Army of Darkness: Ashes 2 Ashes #1. The maquette was sculpted by Anthony Colella and stands at 13” tall. It has a limited release of 150 pieces with 50 Artist Proofs being released at a later date. When released both the Maquette and AP held a MSRP of $149.99.