MR. T GRAPHIC NOVEL ANNOUNCED

[MattBrady]

Press Release

In anticipation of the major worldwide launch of their Mr. T graphic novel in summer 2008, British publisher Mohawk Media has announced that they are celebrating with a special Limited Advance Edition.

With a total number of only 4,000 copies, Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition is now available. It marks the return to prominence of Mr. T, the Mohawk muscleman who was voted the fourth “Greatest American” in a recent global BBC poll, muscling in front of the likes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

‘It’s great to be the star of a graphic novel’, says Mr. T. ‘And great entertainment is always driven by great writing!’

Mr. T continues: ‘There’s my long-time fans, but there’s also a new generation because of “A-Team” reruns, my cartoon show reruns, and the renewed interest in “Rocky III” following the recent sequel. That’s humbling, and this graphic novel is my method of reaching them all. I’m so proud of all my life’s work, but to see myself in this book feels extra special.’

Author Christopher Bunting adds: ‘We’ve seen comebacks happen over and over again in the entertainment industry, whether it's John Travolta, the Spice Girls, or fictitious characters such as Indiana Jones or Rambo. Now it’s Mr. T’s time.’

Bunting continues: ‘I’m often drawn to writing “mystery” dramas, where threads weave a much larger tapestry, with the core being the human journey, in the vein of “Lost” or “Heroes”. Therefore my attention had increasingly turned to novels and scriptwriting, and away from the shrinking comic industry. This graphic novel has been the perfect vehicle. I could approach it as a novel, yet also incorporate the finest elements from comics and television.

‘And besides, when Mr. T calls you personally, wanting you to do it, you don’t dare say no!’

Editor Stuart Buckley adds: ‘This book’s star is already a household name known and loved the world over, making this possibly the world’s highest-profile graphic novel. It’s a call for celebration, hence this Limited Advance Edition.’

Buckley continues: ‘Most so-called “graphic novels” are reprints of comics, the equivalent of cobbling together a bunch of episodes of a TV show and calling it a “movie”; or works that, in their desire to be highbrow, determinedly distance themselves from their comic forefather.

‘Neither makes full use of the inherent potential in graphic novel storytelling. This book – an all-original like Mr. T himself – does.’

Mr. T, who contributes world-exclusive interviews to the graphic novel and acts as its Executive Editor, adds: ‘I’ve always strived to be a good role model to children and adults alike. I can’t think of a better way to do that than by encouraging people to read! What would I say to anyone who doesn’t read my graphic novel? “I pity the fool!” ’

Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition can be ordered direct from publisher Mohawk Media at www.mohawkmedia.co.uk for the exclusive price of £15.99 / $39.00 including delivery. Alternatively, from April 2008, it will be available through bookstores worldwide, including online, by quoting its 13-digit ISBN: 9780955680403.

[Statham]

Is there anything Mr T can't do?

I'm getting this.

[Hardy]

I predict this will be the next Blankets. And people thought I was foolish for buying that case of Mr. T and the T-Force #1 back in the day....

[Dan Feeser]

There's 4,000 of the limited edition?!

I wouldn't have guessed the entire print run to be that high.

[Not From Around]

This article contains two moments.

First, is Mr. T really that popular in Britain? In the U.S. he's one of those D-list celebrities who are considered pretty much the definition of has-been.

Second, this thing has a $39 price tag! That's one expensive graphic novel. I won't be ordering this one for the library any time soon.

[Nat Gertler]

Mr. T does still have strong iconic force in the U.S. -- even if it's often used ironically. And really, that's what's being used here, T-the-icon, not T-the-actor. That's what also makes him useful for advertising, such as the UK Snickers ad he was in last year.

[texkenobi]

I PITY THE FOOL WHO DOESN'T BUY MY BOOK!

[JLAJRC]

I did LOVE that "World of Warcraft" commercial he was in. Verne Troyer did one too that was funny. For some reason I think the two of them in a sitcom would be watchable.

[SMARTASS8]

Mr. T hasn't acted in anything popular since the 1980's and yet he's been the star of 3 comic series(4 if you include Marvel's A-Team mini)? I'll definitely flip through it since I was quite the fan of the A-Team as a kid, but here's hoping it doesn't die quickly like his last UK made comic series.

[NeroMan]

I bought both issues of the AP series before they quickly went out of business and I look forward to buying this one too.

But I didn't put out the money for the Destroyer edition of KISS #1, and so I'm not putting out the money for the advance issue of Mr. T.

The crossover writes itself!