This March, two old school comic book icons will clash in what could be considered the pop culture event of the century! No, I’m not talking about Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but rather the first-time ever team-up of Tarzan of the Apes and Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, in Dynamite Entertainment’s new comic book mini-series, Lords of the Jungle.
We first told you about this amazing alliance last July and now Dynamite has teased us with an captivating cover by the legendary artist, Alex Ross, and a description of story (see below), which, apparently, is going to involve time travel.
Apes and men alike have been flipping over Sheena (who was created by the legendary team of Will Eisner and S. M. “Jerry” Iger) since she first became comic book royalty in the UK comic, Wags #1, back in 1937. She appeared a year later in the United States in Jumbo Comics #1.
While Wonder Woman is currently enjoying a lot of well-deserved attention, with recently released footage of her upcoming movie and her highly-anticipated appearance in the aforementioned Bats v Supes flick, it’s worth noting that most comic book historians consider Sheena a major inspiration in the creation of the Wonder Woman character.
It’s also deserves mentioning that both Batman and Superman were at least partially inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan. So while you’re waiting for the big ‘B v S’ movie to come out (March 25), why not hit up your local comic shop the week before (on March 16, 2016) and give the “Lords of the Jungle” a try? Or better yet, reserve the book now and impress your comic retailer with your newfound knowledge of comic-book history!
From the Dynamite Entertainment ‘Lords of the Jungle’ press release:
Lords of the Jungle #1 Roberto Castro cover
Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original jungle hero Tarzan joins the comic industry’s first leading lady, Sheena, for the first time ever! Dynamite Entertainment, known for bold, modern interpretations of classic pulp characters, bring together wilderness royalty in Lords of the Jungle, a thrilling miniseries slated to debut on March 16, 2016.
Written by Corinna Bechko (Aliens/Vampirella, Star Wars: Legacy, Planet of the Apes) with interior art by Roberto Castro, Lords of the Jungle features two covers for its first issue, by series artist Castro and industry legend Alex Ross respectively.
Tarzan has long been the protector of his jungle stronghold, but this time the fight has to be taken to his enemy’s territory, deep in the heart of London. Half a world away and nearly a century later, Sheena is battling foes of her own when she is mysteriously swept through time and space to 1930’s Africa, leaving her own land unprotected. Will these two Lords of the Jungle find enough common ground to join forces? Or will the resulting culture clash lead to mutual destruction?
“When writing characters like these, it’s always best to be mindful of their history. If they don’t feel like the same people, what’s the point? The flip side of that is remembering that they need to feel fresh and relevant,” says zoologist-turned-comics writer Corinna Bechko. “The Sheena we’re introducing here is a bit younger than some of the iterations there have been over the years, but she can definitely take care of herself. She’s not someone you’d want to be on the wrong side of in a fight.”
Can’t wait to for Sheena in ‘Lords of the Jungle?’ To tide you over, here’s an episode of her 1950’s TV series, starring the incredible Irish McCalla!
