Brian K. Vaughan And Niko Henrichon’s ‘Pride Of Baghdad’ Celebrates 20th Anniversary With New Hardcover Edition
by Olly MacNamee
Has it been twenty years already since Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon‘s Pride of Baghdad was first published by DC Vertigo? Well, yes, so Image Comics is reprinting it this September as a new hardcover edition featuring a new, fully painted cover by Henrichon, as well as never-before-seen extras and a new afterword by Vaughan.
There will also be a Direct Market Exclusive cover, available only at local comic shops, featuring the original first edition’s cover art.
Here’s Vaughn on the anniversary of the book and its prescience two decades later:
“Twenty years later, I’m as proud of this book as I am depressed by how relevant it remains. Despite the harrowing subject matter, it was a pleasure to revisit the beautiful work of my collaborators: legendary letterer Todd Klein and astonishing artist/co-creator Niko Henrichon. We’re grateful to everyone at Image Comics for bringing this lovely new edition to life, and to all the readers who requested it, especially you cool English teachers who’ve shared our graphic novel with your students over the last two decades.”
Eric Stephenson, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer at Image Comics, added:
“When I first read Pride of Baghdad 20 years ago, I was both moved by the story and impressed by Brian’s and Nikos’s extraordinary talents. Imagine now the honor of re-presenting this towering achievement for a whole new audience. Absolutely essential in every respect.”
Here’s what the graphic novel is about:
“Inspired by true events, Pride of Baghdad is a provocative, visually spectacular graphic novel that follows four lions who escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during the American invasion of Iraq.
Pride of Baghdad is a story layered with themes that still resonate in today’s politically uncertain, war-torn reality. Loss of innocence, the value of independence and freedom over safety and control, and the globally shifting perspectives on authority sit squarely at the center of this unforgettable story of bravery and survival.”
Pride of Baghdad: The 20th Anniversary Edition hardcover and Direct Market Exclusive will be out on Wednesday, 23rd September 23 in comic book stores and at booksellers on Tuesday, 20th October from Image Comics.
