Arcade Kings features a masked, sentai-inspired character named Joe who fights opponents in both the arcade and the mean streets of Infinity City.
The pulsating, button-clacking vibe of the arcade comes alive in Arcade Kings, a new Skybound comic series by Marvel artist Dylan Burnett.
CBR can exclusively reveal a preview of Arcade Kings #1, which is written and illustrated by Burnett with colorists Walter Baiamonte and Sara Antonellini. The preview shows a glimpse at a colorful world of pixel-pushing machines, references to classic arcade games like Street Fighter and the main character, Joe — whose masked appearance is reminiscent of a Japanese hero like Ultraman. Joe dukes it out against an opponent named Axel in the preview, and a flashback sequence shows Joe defending a fellow video game lover from a group of bullies who trash his arcade stick.
“Joe, a mysterious new face in Infinity City, has suddenly become the hottest new player at the Round House arcade,” Skybound’s description of Arcade Kings reads. “Anyone can challenge him, but no one can win. Joe’s secret past is about to catch up to him when his most formidable challenge yet rolls into town, forcing Joe to combo his powers with a joystick, his fists…and his fighting family legacy.”
Arcade Kings is published by Image Comics and released via Skybound Entertainment, the company founded by Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead and Invincible. Skybound editor Amanda LaFranco described the series as not only a rumble through the arcade, but also a touching tale about family. “Along with some incredible action and unique characters, Dylan has been able to weave a compelling story about family, brotherhood, and going all-in for the people you love,” she said. “But really, it’s just flat-out fun! Both Walter and Sara’s colors are elevating each page with a vibrancy and emotion that’s inspired by our favorite classic arcade games, but for any fan of epic fights and general awesomeness.”
Burnett wrote on Instagram that the series was perfect for anyone who ever fell for fighting games and super sentai shows as a child. Aside from Arcade Kings, Burnett is primarily known for working on Marvel’s 2020 Ant-Man series and Cosmic Ghost Rider.
Arcade Kings #1 features a main cover from Burnett and Baiamonte, along with a variant cover from Corey Lewis. The series also features fighting game and limited color cover variants by Jordan Gibson and Burnett. Arcade Kings #1 hits comic book store shelves on May 17.
Source: Skybound Entertainment
