Jason Aaron, the acclaimed writer known for his work on various comic series, is set to take on multiple projects, including a significant revamp of Superman for DC titled Absolute Superman.
In addition to this, Aaron is collaborating with artist Mahmud Asrar on a new limited series titled Bug Wars, which is scheduled to debut in early 2025 under Image Comics. This new comic promises to keep the talented writer busy as he dives into fresh narrative territories.
Bug Wars is described as a “dark fantasy epic” and follows the story of Slade Slaymaker, an ordinary kid from Alabama who becomes ensnared in a perilous world filled with fantastical elements.
In this extraordinary realm, he encounters marauding ant armies, spell-casting spider witches, and beetle-riding barbarians, all hidden within the confines of his own backyard. The stakes are personal for Slade, as this same world was responsible for his father’s death, and now he must navigate this treacherous environment to protect his remaining family.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind Bug Wars, Aaron expressed that his childhood backyard was a place of wonder and imagination. He reminisced about spending countless hours crafting epic adventures, a feeling that has carried into his adult life but has taken on a darker tone.
For Slade, his backyard transforms from a site of innocent play to a battlefield of terror, where tiny yet formidable foes, such as sword-wielding Mytes and armies of flesh-eating beetles, threaten his family’s safety. Aaron likens the concept to a blend of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Game of Thrones, promising a unique and thrilling experience.
Artist Mahmud Asrar shared his enthusiasm for Bug Wars, describing it as the culmination of his creative aspirations in comics. He emphasized the series as a fantasy epic that unleashes the full power of imagination while grounding the narrative with genuine human emotion. This blend of escapism and heartfelt storytelling aims to resonate with readers, drawing them into the vivid and dangerous world that Slade must confront.
Bug Wars #1 is set to be released on February 12, 2025, and has already garnered attention for its striking variant covers. With Aaron and Asrar at the helm, fans can anticipate a gripping narrative and visually stunning art, marking yet another exciting chapter in the evolution of contemporary comics.
