Comic creators Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs are teaming up for Image Comics' latest superhero series, Local Man. This won't be a traditional story as Seeley and Fleecs incorporate elements from all across comic books' most controversial period of time: the '90s.
For as long as comic books have been around, few decades are as interesting in the medium's history as the '90s. From gimmicks cover promotions, to the advent of creator-owned industries and rise of newer publishers to the complete crash of the market, the decade is filled with radical changes and peculiar choices. But 30 years on, nostalgia for the '90s has begun to slowly, but surely, make itself known among the fandom and comic creators. Marvel and DC have dipped their toes into cashing in on fans fondly reminiscing the decade with variant and novelty covers. Even Image has brought a few of its gems back to celebrate the infamous decade.
But Image Comics' release isn't a retread of the past, it's the perfect tribute to one of the most dynamic periods of time in comic history. In an exclusive with ‘90s publisher, Image Comics. Fusing elements of both noir and superhero fiction, Local Man follows retired superhero Crossjack who returns to his hometown following a controversy. But Crossjack's homecoming strangely coincides with a number of bodies that begin turning up. Local Man will be presented in Image's classic 'flip book' format with Tony Fleecs drawing the lead story and Tim Seeley illustrating a superhero flashback. The first issue of Local Man will have covers with art from Seeley, Fleecs, and Brian Reber.
Local Man Honors Everything About '90s Comics
It’s no coincidence that Seeley’s superhero portrayal Crossjack are reminiscent of Rob Liefeld’s work. The creator credits Extreme Studios, writer and artist Rob Liefeld’s studio, as a source of inspiration for Local Man. Seeley also mentions that DC’s Vertigo imprint, another ‘90s staple, was a huge influence on the book, as was the horror and crime stories of the time. All of these things come together to form a book that the creators say centers around murder, love and loss, and without a doubt, nostalgia.
The ‘90s was a tumultuous time in comic book history, but it was also a time of bold, creative choices and daring originality. It was a time that artists and writers saw their worth and ventured to make creator-owned content that they would benefit from. It makes sense to look back on the decade where so many creators were trying so many different things and honor that period with a comic of its own. Seeley and Fleecs are wearing their love of the ‘90s on their sleeves for this story, and other fans of the decade can see how much care and attention has been put into their tribute. Local Man #1 will be available from Image Comics on February 22, 2023.
Source: CBR
