Vault Comics, famous for its excellent sword-and-sorcery masterpiece "Barbaric," is crossing a new threshold and expanding into the genre of superheroes with a collaboration with Aethon Books, a notable player in the world of e-books and audiobooks. The two publishers are set to work on a graphic adaptation of Rhett C. Bruno's novel "The Roaches." 

Adapting the Award-Winning Novel

Written by Bruno, Aethon's CEO, "The Roach" is not just another vanity project. It tells the gripping story of Reese Roberts, a guardian of Iron City. Reese has retired from his vigilante work following a gunshot that paralyzed his lower extremities. Reese, now an elderly and isolated individual, regrets past mistakes and lives alone.

However, when someone imitates his heroic actions, causing harm, Reese must emerge from seclusion. The imitator is determined to carry on what Reese started. Despite being unable to walk, Reese is determined to step in and stop the bad things happening in the city.

The novel was a finalist for the Millenium Novel Award, included in Bestthrillers' Best Thriller of 2020 list, and won the Independent Audiobook Award for Best Thriller/Suspense and the Best Indie Book Award for Action/Adventure in 2020.

If you like thrilling stories about heroes with strong characters, like Mr. Robot or Dexter, and dark superhero tales like "Unbreakable" and "Watchmen," this is a story you will enjoy. This superhero tale is set to receive the graphic novel treatment, promising readers an engaging and visually stunning experience.

Visionaries at Work

This team-up was not a sudden choice. This project is part of the partnership that both companies established last year. Aethon Books will make e-book and audiobook versions of certain Vault titles. Meanwhile, Vault Comics will bring their touch to specific Aethon titles. The two companies will swap creative ideas back and forth, making it a mutual exchange of creative energy. 

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Bruno, already recognized as a Nebula Award-nominated writer, is at the helm of this superhero journey. Collaborating closely with Vault Comics, known for its diverse fantasy and horror titles, and disability advocate Kurt Yaeger, they aim to bring authenticity and care to the graphic novel's representation of the titular disabled hero.

Vault Comics CEO Damian Wassel expressed enthusiasm about this venture, highlighting the rarity of delving into the superhero genre at Vault. Wassel emphasized their commitment to redefining expectations and pushing the limits of the genre with "The Roach," making the collaboration with Bruno and Yaeger an exciting prospect.

Future Plans Unveiled

While specific details about the publication plans and the creative team are yet to be disclosed, the anticipation for "The Roach" graphic novel is already building.

This collaboration between Vault Comics and Aethon Books promises to deliver a fresh and innovative take on the superhero genre with "The Roach," bringing together the storytelling prowess of Bruno, the creative vision of Vault Comics, and the authenticity advocated by Yaeger.

"Roach" is accessible on Audible, available in e-book formats through Aethon Books, and can be obtained in print from Blackstone Publishing. It is also under consideration and undergoing development as a series by Sony Pictures TV.

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