IGN exclusively unveils Image Comics' newest venture: Free Planet, a sprawling space opera blending East Meets West aesthetics with the grandeur of Dune. Sci-fi enthusiasts should definitely add this to their must-read list.
Explore the exclusive first look at Free Planet #1 in the slideshow gallery below:
Free Planet #1: Exclusive Comic Book Preview
10 Images
Free Planet, written by Aubrey Sitterson (No One Left to Fight) and illustrated by Jed Dougherty (Savage Hearts), boasts covers by Dougherty and Fico Ossio. Image Comics describes the series as follows:
Humanity's first truly free planet celebrates its hard-won independence. Now, a band of revolutionary heroes must safeguard the planet's unique energy source from two hostile galactic empires, all while grappling with the true meaning of freedom. SITTERSON (No One Left to Fight, The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling) and DOUGHERTY (Savage Hearts, Worlds’ Finest) seamlessly blend the intricate historical tapestry of EAST OF WEST with the emotional depth of SAGA, crafting a narrative about freedom and its inherent sacrifices.
"With Free Planet, Jed and I aimed to elevate the medium with a truly literary comic, its visual richness conveying its complex narrative," Sitterson shared with IGN. "From intense military action and intricate political maneuvering to emotionally resonant drama, every page is packed with visual detail. It's designed for slow, repeated readings. It's a profound exploration of what everyone, regardless of political affiliation, deeply desires: Freedom. Its home at Image Comics, a publisher championing creator freedom, is perfectly fitting."
Dougherty added, "Aubrey and I have collaborated on fantasy and comedic works. Free Planet marks our foray into a more serious project: revolutionaries defending their planet's resources against interstellar aggressors. Mirroring the script's complexity, my art style incorporates grittier tones and experimental page layouts and graphics. The diverse cast has truly come alive for me as they fight across land and space, rebuild their society, and pursue vengeance, justice, and even love."
Free Planet #1 launches Wednesday, May 7th.
For further updates on the comic book scene, explore Marvel's and DC's 2025 plans.
