NYCC 2025: Jae Lee’s ‘Hellshock’ Returns Via Dynamite
by Erik Amaya
Hellshock is back.
Dynamite announced Tuesday that it has acquired the rights to Jae Lee‘s 1990s indie comics series. First, the company will reprint the existing Hellshock library in 2026. And then … the sky’s the limit. Lee, of course, will be involved every step of the way.
Debuting at Image Comics in 1994, Hellshock told the tale of Daniel, a member of the Nephilim — that is, a human/angel hybrid — caught in the conflict between Heaven and Hell. Tapping into his angelic ancestry, Daniel uses his powers to save his mother while encountering those who believe his claims of being Nephil are evidence of his underlying madness in a world already quite mad. And, of course, the whole thing is wrapped up in Lee’s dynamic and unique art.
“Hellshock remains the most important work of my career. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I reached further than what I could grasp. It’s also where I learned some tough lessons,” Lee said in a statement. “And my best friend, Nick Barrucci, was there for me every step of the way. From Hellshock’s inception until today. There is no better home for him than Dynamite. Hellshock was my ’90s baby. I’m incredibly excited to see what he’ll continue to grow into.”
Barrucci, as CEO and Publisher at Dynamite, added, “Jae is one of my favorite creators and we’ve been close for a long time. He is not only one of the best-selling artists in the industry, but receives incredible critical acclaim, having won multiple awards beginning with his Eisner Award for Marvel’s Inhumans series with Paul Jenkins. He is a sought after artist and worked with such incredible creators including Grant Morrison, Stephen King, Len Wein, Mark Millar, and other luminaries in and out of the comics industry. But to many, his signature work has been Hellshock, a personal story that he wrote and drew nearly 30 years ago.”
Beyond making the original comics run available again, the deal includes media rights with Dynamite actively exploring other avenues for the story, characters, and iconography. “We’re honored that Jae has entrusted us with the tapestry of Hellshock, and bringing it to new media from movies, television, games, and more,” Barrucci said.
Expect more news on the Hellshock front in the new year.
