Youngblood, the comic book that launched the Image Revolution and established Image Comics as a new force in comic book publishing, is returning with its creator, Rob Liefeld, at the helm.
The Return of Rob Liefeld and Youngblood
After seven years away from Youngblood, the multi-million best-selling comic book, Liefeld is reunited with not only his most high-profile creator-owned characters, but also with Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, who first teamed with the prolific creator to launch Image Comics in April 1992. Rosenberg is the CEO of Platinum Studios Inc. Platinum Studios Inc. manages Youngblood for the property’s owner, Rip Media Inc.
Youngblood followed Liefeld’s break-out success at Marvel. Liefeld created and established Deadpool, Cable, and X-Force as top-selling characters. Each of these characters reflect his unique brand of graphic storytelling and dynamic character design. It smashed sales records, becoming the first independent, non-Marvel, non-DC Comic title to chart at #1 and sell over one million copies.
Furthermore, the original Youngblood miniseries sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Its publication history spans over 100 issues with featured contributions throughout its run from celebrated top comic talents such as Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), Alan Moore (Watchmen, Supreme), and Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, The Kingsmen).
Liefeld and Rosenberg Join Forces for the Next Youngblood
Rosenberg and Liefeld are combining to create new Youngblood media and merchandise. A brand-new title is written and illustrated by Liefeld himself and set to launch from Image Comics in 2025. Rob Liefeld is eager to embrace the legacy of the comic, characters, and company:
“It’s so great that I can run into the comfort of characters that I created, that launched a movement. They carry such history. I love Youngblood so much. These characters are my absolute passion.”
Rosenberg adds on to this:
“Rob and I are a fantastic team, and I’m as excited now for Youngblood’s relaunch as I was in 1992 for its initial launch. The team’s awesome characters have not only been in their own Youngblood comics, but also appeared in more than 100 million comic publications worldwide, including crossovers with Marvel and other Image comics. I’m excited to bring them to audiences old and new with their original creator, Rob Liefeld.”
Image Comics Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Eric Stephenson says:
“As our company’s very first comic, Youngblood set the course not just for Image Comics, but for creator-owned comics, so we couldn’t be more thrilled that Rob is returning to his signature creation. Rob’s vision for these characters and this concept is what originally attracted me to Image Comics way back in the 1990s, so it’s especially exciting that the series that started it all is finally coming home!”
Liefeld and Rosenberg promise more details in the weeks ahead. However, initial plans include a Youngblood Vault Edition representing high resolution scans of the original art from the first Youngblood series in a deluxe oversized hardcover. Also, there will be a Facsimile Edition of Youngblood #1 to mark the title’s 33rd anniversary in April 2025. Both will be published by Image Comics.