SDCC 2024: Massive Publishing And Masked Republic Announce ‘Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse’
by Brendan M. Allen
Massive Publishing has partnered once again Masked Republic for Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse. This series appears to happen outside the two companies’ other lucha libre inspired collaboration, Luchaverse, which also features real-life iconic luchadores, including Rey Misterio, Konnan, and Tinieblas Jr.
With Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse, they are bringing a stylized, action filled adventure to die hard horror enthusiasts and Vampiro fans. This horrifying first issue is a super-sized 48-PAGE premiere written by Michael Kingston and is set to release on October 16, 2024. Eager fans don’t have to wait till October to get their first taste of this brand new series, however. Massive and Masked Republic will have an exclusive ashcan preview available at San Diego Comic Con 2024, available throughout the weekend. A special signing with Vampiro and Kingston will also take place on Friday July 26th at booth #1901 from 5-6pm.
In the pages of Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse, readers will join Vampiro, luchadora Estrella Nocturna, and underground music vlogger Everitt Holden as they hurtle down Route 66 in a ’55 Pontiac Bonneville on a quest to save the world. It’s a tale filled with monsters, muscle cars, luchadores, cops, clowns, nuns, guns, demons, blood and plenty of BBQ as our heroes race against time -and a whole host of enemies – to try and thwart a secret plan to jumpstart the apocalypse.
“SDCC is the biggest event of the year for comic books and pop culture,” said Michael Calero, CEO/Co-Publisher of Massive, “so it’s only fitting that we bring a sneak peak of this series that is filled with so much of what we love about the comic book medium. Masked Republic have put together a wild ride for fans of action/horror.”
“The character of Vampiro is truly one of legend,” added Kleinrock. “The too-slick-not-to-be-dangerous, charismatic, silver-tongued devil that Vampiro is in real life was absolutely meant to transcend the lucha libre industry. Michael Kingston has brilliantly captured his personality of dark humor, quick quips and a rock-and-roll lifestyle and crafted one of the most fun comic stories I have ever read.”
“The vision for the series Masked Republic and Michael Kingston laid out was right up my alley – fast cars, rock and roll, and an impending apocalypse to fend off,” Vampiro said. “I really think that both fans of mine and comic readers who just love great stories and may be less familiar with who I am are going to love being along for this wild ride.”
The SDCC Exclusive limited edition ashcan preview of the series will be available at SDCC while supplies last, starting Thursday, July 25 at the Massive Publishing booth #2300 and on Friday, July 26th during a special signing with Vampiro and writer Michael Kingston from 5-6 PM at the Masked Republic/Headlocked booth #1901.
