[PREVIEW] SWORDO SON OF SWORDO, CHAPTER VIII: THE SWORD IS MIGHTIER THAN BLOOD

Sometimes the best break is just a change of pace. Today I was surprised when Yuka sent me a rough draft from the up-and-coming Swordo, Son of Swordo: Sovereign Sword Saga. 

SSOS will be a 13-chapter prequel series to Wonder Island.  Featuring Swordo, Son of Swordo's fierce battle with the Principality of Swords and their champions, the twelve Swordsmen of the Elil. 

While Swordo, Son of Swordo was not originally part of the mythology of Wonder Island, the Auran always were (and an essential part), so the introduction of the nameless hare swordsman has been an invaluable asset and now, I couldn't imagine Wonder Island without him.

The fan response to Swordo has been equally as positive, with him becoming a fast fan favourite. Second only perhaps to the spineless Squibs that lurk in our chats and plague our social media with their unsolicited opinions.

In Chapter 8 of SSOS (The Sword is Mightier than Blood), Swordo embarks upon a journey to the Desolate Desert to find the Lost Empire of the Udjat (Snakemen) in search of the eighth Blade of the Elil -- Bloodfang, the Monster Blade.

Upon his arrival, Swordo is disappointed to discover the once great Empire of Venom reduced to dust by the Seelie Serpent Impergium. However, it is there, amongst the ruins, in the shadow of desolation, that he crosses path with a lost soul who may well prove to be both a kindred spirit, and his greatest adversary yet... Vipera, Daughter of Vipers!

I'm also really excited to unveil the darksome origin of the Black Hare of Udjat. I think readers are going to be pleasantly surprised by the depth of the worldbuilding in Wonder Island. 

Alas, we currently have no set schedule or release date for SSOS. However, when we do each issue will be between 22 and 36 pages. Once we launch the first issue, we will be aiming for a monthly or bi-monthly release. Each issue will be in Black & White (with the addition of Red if enough interest in the property is shown). 

When I started Wonder Island, I had a clear vision of a rich world of adventure, fantasy and high-stakes heroism but I never imagined we'd already be working on prequels and spin-offs before we've even gone to print on Volume 1!

I'd like to thank everyone for your support and enthusiasm. We won't let you down!

And now, a word from the artist...

A WORD FROM THE ARTIST (YUKA CROSS, 24/03/2022)
 I think it goes without saying that Swordo, Son of Swordo, is my favorite character in Wonder Island (buy our books). When Liam came up with a spin-off idea for Swordo I was extremely ecstatic!
 Since I don’t want to spoil much I’ll just say that “Vipera” is one of the twelve Elil, warlords from the Principality of Swords who’re devoted to the mass murrrrrder of the Auran.
 At first I was really into brainstorming for one of the other female Elil but then Liam said “What if one’s another Auran?” which intrigued me. Of course, Liam being a maaaaan, wanted the Auran to be a dude, but I was like “But I want romantic tension!” and so, Vipera was born.
 "She wields the Monster Blade, granting her the ability to shape-shift, produce poison or disease, cure illness and heal wounds.
 She will be like the snake that seduced Eve but like… female.
 I knew for a fact that she had to look goth/emo but still very dangerous, so I dressed her in black and gave her slightly revealing clothes; keeping in mind that her race tend to dress more conservatively. She was originally going to have stilettos but it would’ve looked strange on Auran feet.
 After Wonder Island gets fulfilled (buy our books) I want to work on the Swordo prequel series really, really badly. Reeeeaaalllyyyy, reeeaaaaalllyyyy badlyyyy."