Joanne Starer (Painkiller Jane) and Khary Randolph (Excellence) shine a light on body autonomy and consent in their gritty urban fantasy, SIRENS OF THE CITY, at BOOM! Studios July 2023.
New York City. 1980s.
Runaway teen Layla struggles to survive the mean streets, far from home. Meanwhile, every supernatural creature–from sirens to incubi–descend upon the city…all in vying for control of Layla and the child-to-be she never wanted growing inside her.
Joanne Starer has been described as “witty,” “hilarious,” “thoughtful,” and “gassy.” All of these things are true. Leaving behind a career as an accomplished editor, Joanne dove headfirst into writing in 2018. Now she spreads her unique brand of comedy with a conscience across a wide spectrum of themes, including pro-wrestling, the Holocaust, abortion, and modern romance. Her work can be found at most major comic publishers, and occasionally somewhere surprising–like your next visit to the Smithsonian Museum.
“SIRENS OF THE CITY is a story about a girl who has to fight monsters to end a pregnancy she doesn’t want. It was supposed to be a metaphor. I guess it’s not anymore,” said Joanne Starter.
For more than two decades, Khary Randolph has shared his high-energy, award-winning artwork with some of the biggest media companies on the planet, such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, 20th Century Fox, Netflix, ESPN, Upper Deck, Complex, Samsung, & Sony. His presence has been felt on numerous global brands, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Voltron, Boondocks, and Fortnite. In the last few years, he has shifted his career toward telling more personal stories, first co-creating EXCELLENCE in 2019 and now SIRENS OF THE CITY. Along with his Glass Eye Studios co-founder Joanne Starer, he is helping to produce an exhibit at the Smithsonian that will be debuting in 2023. He’s been to many places, but he’s Boston’s own.
“SIRENS OF THE CITY melds our love of the 80s, music, and fantasy, while still dealing with topics that are grounded and close to home. It’s a dream project to bring to life,” said Khary Randolph.
SIRENS OF THE CITY #1 features covers by series artist Khary Randolph, Jenny Frison (Wonder Woman), Lee Garbett (Firefly), and David Mack (Kabuki).
“Joanne and Khary have created something really special with SIRENS OF THE CITY. It’s 80s punk, yet modern. It’s political, yet fantastical. It’s inhuman, yet the most human story you’ll read this year. Do not miss this series.” said series editor Dafna Pleban.
SIRENS OF THE CITY is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Eve by Victor LaValle and Jo Mi-Gyeong; The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Specs by David M. Booher and Chris Shehan; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Mosely by Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; and The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.
SIRENS OF THE CITY #1 will be available in comic shops in July 2023. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.
For continuing news on SIRENS OF THE CITY and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.