Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, Mad Cave Studios | Tagged: joe quesada, william shakespeare

Joe Quesada Launches A Shared Continuity Shakespeare Comics Universe

Joe Quesada launches shared continuity Shakespeare Comics Universe with Garth Ennis, J Michael Straczynski, Esad Ribic, Ryan Stegman and more

Published Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:32:07 -0500

by Rich Johnston

Comments

Article Summary

Joe Quesada unveils a new shared Shakespeare Comics Universe, reimagining classic plays.
Launches with "Disciple," a prequel to Hamlet, blending familiar stories with new twists.
Expect genres like sci-fi, horror, and crime with renowned creators onboard.
Quesada aims to introduce Shakespeare to a new generation through bold, engaging comics.

Henry the Fifth got sequels. Sir John Falstaff popped up in them as well as The Merry Wives of Windsor. Marc Antony, Lepidus and Octavian are in both Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra. But as continuity crossovers, they don't add up to much. William Shakespeare was more likely to reuse character types than actual characters. Well, Joe Quesada it seems is the man to put that straight, with Undiscover'd, a new line of comic books co-created by former Mavel EIC and CCO Joe Quesada and director of Barbarians and producer of The Lost Daughter, Charles Dorfman being published by Amazing Comics, through Mad Cave Studios and Dupuis, that will reimagine Shakespeare plays in a new fashions, but also in the same continuity. And beginning with the originally-announced and preview-published Disciple, based on Hamlet, drawn by Joe Quesada, inked by Wade von Grawbadger, coloured by Richard Isanove and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Joe Quesada Launches A Shared Continuity Shakespeare Comics Universe — Amazing Comics Undiscovr'd logo

"Shakespeare's themes are as relevant today as they were when he first put quill to paper, and by reimagining his work through a modern lens, we get to explore those truths in thrilling, unexpected, and emotionally real ways," said Quesada. "At its heart, Undiscover'd is about rediscovery—of classic stories, of ourselves, and of the strange magic hiding in plain sight. We're not building a new universe—we're revealing fantastical layers of the one we already live in. These are tales of discovery and rediscovery, of fantastical imagination grounded in the familiar."

"Some of Amazing Comics' Undiscover'd titles will draw direct inspiration from Shakespeare's original plays, while others will take more unexpected paths—always staying true to the core themes that made them timeless," said Charles Dorfman. "Our launch title, DISCIPLE, sets the tone for the entire slate. It begins with Hamlet as a young boy and serves as a prequel to the classic tragedy, offering a fresh entry point into the world. All Undiscover'd stories take place in our reality—recognizable but reimagined through different genres and eras. "

Disciple #2

: Disciple #1

: Disciple #2

"Upcoming Undiscover'd stories will span genres like sci-fi, horror, hard-boiled crime fiction, war, and fantasy," said Quesada. "These stories may jump across genres, centuries, and—who knows—even planets, but they're all grounded in the same world: ours. We've got an AMAZING slate of talents already on board, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. In the weeks and months ahead, we'll be announcing even more creators joining the fold—and soon, the projects they'll be bringing to life." These names will include;

Joe Quesada, EIC and CCO of Marvel, co-creator of Azrael, Ash, The Ray, Random, Painkiller Jane
Derek Kolstad, the writer and creator of John Wick and Nobody;
J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, co-writer of the TV series Sence8, screenwriter of Changeling and the Thor film.
Steven Paul Judd, the writer on Dark Winds and Echo television shows;
Christopher Priest, writer of Black Panther and Deadpool for Marvel Comics;
Garth Ennis, writer and co-creator of The Boys and Preacher comic books;
Ethan Sacks, writer of Star Wars for Marvel Comics and co-writer of the acclaimed Image Comics series A Haunted Girl;
Charles Dorfman, writer and director of Barbarians, and producer of the Oscar-nominated The Lost Daughter.
Esad Ribic, artist on Marvel's Secret Wars, Silver Surfer: Requiem, X-Men and Thor for Marvel Comics;
Ryan Stegman, artist on Venom, The King in Black, X-Men, Vanish, and Missionary
Ronan Toulhoat, artist on albums Daemon and Dog Head

"Shakespeare was the original master of spectacle and soul—he was blood, betrayal, lust, and ambition and, of course, heroics," said Quesada. "His plays are timeless because they're universally relatable and packed with emotional and narrative twists. We're not doing straightforward adaptations or Classics Illustrated. We're creating bold high-octane comics with heart—stories designed to introduce an entirely new generation to the Bard."

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!