THE SURREAL ADVENTURES OF EDGAR ALLAN POO

**MattBrady** · 06-07-2007, 07:54 AM

From Image

Edgar Allan Poe just lost everything.

His dead wife is haunting him in his dreams, his latest book has bombed, and the imagination that fueled his stories has become a curse. His prayer to never dream again is answered one evening as he falls asleep in an outhouse. His discarded creativity takes the form of his dream child, Edgar Allan Poo, who must now undergo a strange odyssey through the poet's troubled mind. This August, Shadowline presents a twisted glimpse into the dream life of America's greatest fantasist in Dwight L. MacPherson & Thomas Boatwright's unusual epic The Surreal Adventures Of Edgar Allan Poo!

"By starting with the metaphor that Poe wants to discard his life and creativity, we open a door into his incredible imagination at its most troubled," explains writer Dwight MacPherson. "Though we're irreverent, this isn't scatological humor, but a surreal tribute to one of America's greatest writers told in a form that readers of all ages can enjoy."

Thomas Boatwright complements MacPherson's script with lush paintings reminiscent of classic Children's book illustrators. "Thomas does an incredible job bringing Poe's imagination to visual life," says Shadowline chief Jim Valentino. "He shows us a world filled with fantastic beasts, strange gods, and frightening landscapes that really capture the feelings that Poe evoked so strongly in his work."

A dark and beautiful fantasy in the tradition of Pan's Labyrinth, The Surreal Adventures Of Edgar Allan Poo will mesmerize readers of all ages with its wholly original take on America's original gothic master.

The Surreal Adventures Of Edgar Allan Poo ships this August, and is available in Diamond Previews (JUN071887). It is a full-color 96-page book in the 8.5" x 11" format similar to Image's hit book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It is available for order through Diamond Previews (OCT061850).

Egg · 06-07-2007, 08:05 AM

I've worked with Dwight on Arcana Studio's Dead Men Tell No Tales. From that experience I learned that Dwight's an excellent writer. His books always manage to be fun and twisted at the same time. The Surreal Adventures Of Edgar Allan Poo promises to take that to a new level and I cannot wait to get a copy!

DiBari · 06-07-2007, 08:36 AM

This looks Great! Congrats, Dwight!

DavidWRyan · 06-07-2007, 09:11 AM

"Dwight L. MacPherson & Thomas Boatwright's unusual epic The Surreal Adventures Of Edgar Allan Poo"

Because it's just good for ya!

weaselwelch · 06-07-2007, 09:44 AM

This looks great. I will have to give it a try. I have a friend who is a huge fan of Poe's. Will have to let him know about this as well.

RAd · 06-07-2007, 09:59 AM

The preview pages look very promising and the title is really catchy. This looks like a book that can also appeal to people who don't normally read comics. This might be one of the books I'll give away as presents for birthdays and holidays.

smitch · 06-07-2007, 10:40 AM

Why does it have to be "Poo"? Seems unnecessarily disrespectful.

In my mind, the talking animals point to other works not written by Poe. Charlotte's Web, Watership Down, etc.

Admittedly, I have a high regard for Poe, so might be overly sensitive!

NTapalansky · 06-07-2007, 11:20 AM

From what I've seen of the series, this is definitely something to look forward to. I can't wait to finally pick a copy up.

- Nick

mwumbalope · 06-07-2007, 11:36 AM

I have know Dwight for quite awhile now and read alot of his work! This truly is possibly
one of his finest stories yet! If you have enjoyed Dwight's work before, you will love this!!
If you haven't, definitely grab this up and see what you have been missing!

alazar · 06-07-2007, 11:40 AM

I like the visual storytelling. It looks like a great adventure is beginning.
I agree that using "Poo" is forced and disrespectful.

In the "beautiful fantasy in the tradition of Pan's Labyrinth"?
I hope you meant visually, and not content wish. That film
was as depressing as it gets.
I hope that is not what I can expect from this series.

Derek Ruiz · 06-07-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitch

Why does it have to be "Poo"? Seems unnecessarily disrespectful.

In my mind, the talking animals point to other works not written by Poe. Charlotte's Web, Watership Down, etc.

Admittedly, I have a high regard for Poe, so might be overly sensitive!

HAHAHAHAHAH!

This is funny. Life is to short to let the little things bother us.

Dwight has so much man Love for Poe there is no disrespect meant.

Blackbeard · 06-07-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitch

Why does it have to be "Poo"? Seems unnecessarily disrespectful.

In my mind, the talking animals point to other works not written by Poe. Charlotte's Web, Watership Down, etc.

Admittedly, I have a high regard for Poe, so might be overly sensitive!

I chose "Poo" because it's fun and my kids loved it. I told them the title and they wanted to read it. Being that this is an all-ages book, I wanted something that would grab young readers' attention. As demonstrated by the reaction of my children, their classmates and my nieces and nephews, it is quite effective. And if it introduces them to the works of Poe--what could possibly be better than that?

This book is a tribute to the genius of Poe (my favorite author) and I hope you'll check it out and support it.

Thanks to everyone who's taken the time to drop by and show support for myself and the project. I can't tell you how appreciative I am!

FANGO COMICS · 06-07-2007, 12:16 PM

Looks fantastic, Dwight! Great art choice.

I had a little moment of "Poo???" myself, until I did what you did. I told the title to my son.

He thought it was great, because the word Poo is funny (hey, even adults know that) and (in his 5 year old mind) "dirty", so it makes it a must have.

So ya got me Dwight. Two Poos on my pull list, one for me, one for my boy.

'Cause hey, who wants to share their Poo....

Jason Copland · 06-07-2007, 12:25 PM

Looks great! I'll definitely be picking this up!

Heh heh ... you said "poo"....

Kris Simon · 06-07-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alazar

I like the visual storytelling. It looks like a great adventure is beginning.
I agree that using "Poo" is forced and disrespectful.

In the "beautiful fantasy in the tradition of Pan's Labyrinth"?
I hope you meant visually, and not content wish. That film
was as depressing as it gets.
I hope that is not what I can expect from this series.

I disagree that using the word "Poo" was forced. It actually seems to be quite a natural choice considering it's an all-ages book. And before anyone else asks, there is no actual "poo" in the book.

And when we say "beautiful fantasy", yes that means visually. As stated, this is an all-ages book. It's beautifully illustrated, and beautifully written. Kids and adults alike will treasure this book, it's a fantastic tribute to a highly respected author and Shadowline is extremely proud to be publishing it! You'd be doing yourself a grave injustice if you pass on it because of the word "poo" in the title, believe me.

If anyone wants to read the first 25 pages or so of this book, to get a firmer grasp of what the story entails, they are here at the Drunk Duck website.

Manny · 06-07-2007, 01:39 PM

Pretty stuff.

I am very much looking forward to this.

Squashua · 06-07-2007, 01:43 PM

HIDEY-HO, CHILDREN!

alazar · 06-07-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris Simon

I disagree that using the word "Poo" was forced. It actually seems to be quite a natural choice considering it's an all-ages book. And before anyone else asks, there is no actual "poo" in the book.

And when we say "beautiful fantasy", yes that means visually. As stated, this is an all-ages book. It's beautifully illustrated, and beautifully written. Kids and adults alike will treasure this book, it's a fantastic tribute to a highly respected author and Shadowline is extremely proud to be publishing it! You'd be doing yourself a grave injustice if you pass on it because of the word "poo" in the title, believe me.

If anyone wants to read the first 25 pages or so of this book, to get a firmer grasp of what the story entails, they are here at the Drunk Duck website.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't the character - Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe's dung? Sooooo the book is full of Poo, as it were. I didn't notice this the first time I viewed the first page's large image.
I'm glad the "beautiful fantasy" is in visual, and not the same soul ripping experience of Pan's Labyrinth.

Varrus · 06-07-2007, 02:16 PM

Haha, I can't believe people are taking exception to the name "Poo".

It's a fun play on words that instantly grabs the attention of children and adults alike!

I've also been a long-time fan of Poe's "The Raven" but not so much his other works. Yet, in spite of that, I still want to check this book out as it just looks like too much fun. The art is simply beautiful in this and that's what grabbed my attention.

CharleyX · 06-07-2007, 02:17 PM

OMG! He really is Edgar Allan's poo! Too funny! Looks great - congrats!

H.W. · 06-07-2007, 02:51 PM

This is such a fun book to read and the art is beautiful. Solid stuff all around.

Pre-ordered my first poo book.

Heh, that was fun to say.

CBeranek · 06-07-2007, 03:12 PM

Keep up the good work, guys!

Blackbeard · 06-07-2007, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alazar

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't the character - Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe's dung? Sooooo the book is full of Poo, as it were. I didn't notice this the first time I viewed the first page's large image.

That's incorrect, alazar. If you read the book, what happened in the outhouse will be fully revealed as the story progresses. I know what it looks like, but trust me... page 1 exists only to grab your (and the reader's) attention and to prove as a point of reference for later revelation.

Ravengregory · 06-07-2007, 04:38 PM

looking forward to this

adamthered · 06-07-2007, 04:39 PM

I'm really looking forward to this Dwight! Another awesome write up for a just all around awesome guy!

Adam