Last year, Dynamite Comics announced that they were expanding the world of Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta’s cult fantasy,Fire and Ice,in comic book form. Now, the publisher has announcedwho will be picking up the torch! The first issue of the comic is set to release in August of this year, and will be written by Eisner Award winning Bill Willingham and drawn by Leonardo Manco. Willingham shares his excitement with Dynamite below.
“I discovered both Frank Frazetta and Ralph Bakshi at an early age. My awareness of Frazetta cemented the first time someone put a Conan book into my hands. I discovered Bakshi when almost everyone did, when the film Wizards was released. I was in college at the time and working a number of jobs to be able to afford it. One of those jobs was at a local movie theater. I got to see it about a dozen times, twice a night for a week, and it ignited something profound in me. Now, 50 plus years later, there was a chance to work with these story giants. I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to work with these Giants in the Earth.”
Fire and Icewas a collaboration between animation directorRalph Bakshiand fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. The film utilized many famous illustrators such as James Gurney and Peter Chung. The script was written by comic book writers Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway.Fire and Icetakes place in an original universe ruled by an evil queen named Juliana and her son, Nekron, who controls glaciers. When Juliana sets her sights on the princess of the Firekeep kingdom, she sends a team to kidnap her. But the princess, named Teegra, escapes and teams up with a young warrior named Larn who is also the last of his tribe. Together, the two set off to put an end to the reign of ice and dark magic. Critics praised the film for its animation and action, it has since grown a strong cult following.
Keeping The Legacy Of Fire And Ice Burning
According to Dynamite, theFire and Icecomics will tell a prequel story which will lead up to the events of the iconic film. Audiences will follow Teegra, and her faithful pet panther, as well as the warrior Larn and the mysterious Darkwolf. The comic is produced “with licensing oversight and creative cooperation from both the Frazetta and Bakshi families.” Frazetta’s granddaughter, Sara Frazetta, expressed excitement for the project.
“I’ve always had the desire to explore more character and world building around the film and doing this comic series has provided just that. Our team is truly out of this world. I’m so proud of everyone involved. There is so much heart and the process has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Eddie Bakshi, son of Ralph Bakshi, shared equal excitement.
“The dedication and talent has been jaw-dropping with this new series. The Bakshi Family is honored and thrilled to be able to see fire and ice Come back to life with such creativity . what an incredible storyline addition. We are all in for this release.“
Bill Willingham is most famous for creatingFables,Elementals, as well as writing for DC comics. Meanwhile Leonardo Manco is known for his work onWerewolf by Night,Doom, andHellblazer. The first issue ofFire and Icewill be releasing just in time for the original film’s 40th anniversary later this year.
