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).
