Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic, partners in crime on the series ARTIFACTS from Image Comics/Top Cow, have created together a graphic novel called Ravine, an Epic fantasy romp based in a proprietary world called Palladia, created by Sejic. Politics, dragons, and other fantasy fare in tow, the release for the first volume in this series is set for February 2013.
Of the 11-year process involved in creating Palladia, Sejic says, “Ravine originated from my desire to make a fantasy comic series that was a full-blooded fantasy tale with rich character development.” During this interview with Comic Book Resources on December 20, Sejic also mentioned his goal of “well-motivated villains, and a deeply detailed world”.
The world is comprised of leaders blind to encroaching dangers because of their intense obsession with the politics and the intrigue of rule. This world, characters, and the overarching stories within them are Sejic’s, but his partner, Marz, works as an editor and scripter. In regards to the choice to release a graphic novel, as opposed to the smaller, more common single issue format, both collaborators explain it is due to the nature of Epic fantasy itself. On this decision, Marz states, “We want this first release to be read as one big story, not serialized, so we’re going straight to the collection. It’s a bigger risk this way, but I think there’s a bigger reward creatively.”
On February 13, the first volume is available, a 160-page issue on sale for $14.99.
