Issue two of Claudio Sanchez’s comic series/space odyssey, The Amory Wars: Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV was released last week via Evil Ink Comics/Boom! Studios. The 12-issue sci-fi series is the 3rd in a line of comics that follow the story arc from Sanchez’s band, Coheed and Cambria’s concept albums. The new series loosely follows the lyrics and tone of their platinum-selling 2005 album, Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness (Columbia), and elaborates on the graphic novel of the same name which was released as a companion piece to the album on it’s original release. Purchase issues one and two now at http://www.evilinkcomics.com/.
The story of Good Apollo flows around protagonist Claudio Kilgannon (son of Coheed and Cambria) who until now has been mostly in hiding since the death of his parents; his advancing physical powers have drawn him out. It’s becoming clear to Kilgannon and those around him that the he is one mentioned in the prophecies, sent by God to destroy the universe he lives in because too many mistakes were made by the elite. But to Kilgannon, none of this makes any sense. Ambellina, the blue-skinned fallen Prise whose mission it is to watch over him – helps guide him on the decisions he has in front of him.
Evil Tri-Mage Wilhelm Ryan is out to stop Kilgannon, and harness every last human soul to energize his ultimate power “Good Apollo..” introduces a character “Ryder,” the writer of the fiction, who is beginning to lose his own hold on reality, as his heartbreak in life is beginning to affect the fictional story, and causing him to lose control of his characters as they pursue their own free will.
In issue 2, Ambellina and Chase are convinced that Claudio is The Crowing, and after the latest incident, it’s tough for him to argue otherwise. But how can one simply accept that his fate is to destroy all things? Ryder’s hallucinations are getting worse, pushing him to the brink of madness. Ryan has nearly been killed twice now, and feels he might have a even bigger purpose than merely ruling over civilization… Inferno has another plan to defeat Ryan, and this time Claudio wants nothing to do with it.
Claudio Sanchez, with the help of wife, writer Chondra Echert, veteran comic artist Rags Morales (Action Comics, Identity Crisis) and colorist Emilio Lopez have delivered a eye popping, complex thriller for both long time fans to delve deep into the Coheed/Amory Wars mythos as well as a smooth entry point for new riders to climb aboard for the ride.
Coheed and Cambria have always done things in a grandiose way, and this time is no different. The comic release, though years in the making, dropped the very same month they embark on the 6 week “Neverender GAIBSIV tour (which is about half way completed) performing the progressive juggernaut of an album that inspired it, Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, in its entirety across the US and Europe. And over the last two weeks, they released the album’s vinyl for the very first time both on Record Store Day and through the band’s website, where thousands of copies became sold out in less than 30 mins.
The Neverender GAIBSIV tour is supported by The Dear Hunter, and includes performances at festivals including Carolina Rebellion and Rock on the Range.
Coheed & Cambria North American Tour Dates:
May 9 – Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
May 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Fillmore (SOLD OUT)
May 11 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre (SOLD OUT)
May13 – Minneapolis, MN – First Ave (SOLD OUT)
May 15 – St Louis, MO – Pageant
May 16 – Kansas City, MO – Arrest Bank Theater at the Midland
May 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Outdoors
May 19 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
May 20 – Columbus, OH – Rock on the Range (SOLD OUT)
May 22 – New York, NY – Terminal 5