Mad Cave Studios Announces New ‘Underworld’ Shared Universe
by Brendan M. Allen
Mad Cave Studios has announced a new project by CEO and author Mark London featuring a shared universe. Titles within the Underworld will be united by common themes of secrecy, intrigue, and danger.
Three new miniseries within Underworld are slated to launch in Fall 2024, each penned by London: Revolution 9 in September, Hour of the Wolf in October, and Exit City in November. Each of these four-issue titles can be savored as a standalone serial, while simultaneously weaving an intricate web that subtly binds the three series together. These interconnected strands will then pull together in Endless Night, the must-read crossover scheduled for Summer 2025.
“The Underworld line is an homage to Mad Cave Studios’ humble beginnings,” said London. “Ten years ago, I remember pouring my soul into creating IPs that would kick-start our little publisher—everything from assassins to detectives, hunters to slayers, all going against impossible odds. I’m excited to build towards the Endless Night crossover, a grand design that will push the boundaries of this universe, taking readers on an unforgettable journey through darkness and redemption.”
The first descent into the Underworld happens in September with Revolution 9. The futuristic action thriller is akin to Black Widow and Wanted, written by London, illustrated by Carlos Reno, with colors by Jao Canola, and letters by Dave Sharpe.
After years as an assassin for the Order of Nine—an ancient order dating back almost 3,000 years—Velveteen has turned her back on the very organization that saved her. Tasked with the murder of otherwise innocent hacker Jasper Dean, she sets off to save his life and discover the terrible secret that marked him for death. With the entire Order after them, Velveteen and Jasper must escape their grasp and prevent them from toppling society as we know it.
“As soon as I laid eyes on Mark’s script, what most motivated me to immediately start scribbling the layouts was the idea that everything would play out like a 90s action movie, with a fierce and deep protagonist, something that would easily be in the hands of Luc Besson, John Woo, or Antoine Fuqua,” said Reno. “It’s my first time working with Mad Cave, and I’m feeling right at home. I hope everyone can see in the drawings how much fun I’m having!”
“Revolution 9 delves deep into the murky world of secrets and shadows,” London added. “It’s a thrilling exploration of personal transformation and of fighting for what is right, promising an exhilarating ride for the audience.”
