Photo by Clemente Ruiz

John Dolmayan of System Of A Down has introduced the first issue in his Dead Samurai comic book series via Diamond Distribution. Featuring illustration from Ryan Benjamin (Star Wars, Iron Man, Batman, Wonder Woman) and cover art from Bill Sienkiewicz (New Mutants, Moon Knight, Elektra: Assassin), the series creates a tale of redemption and resilience set in 16th century feudal Japan. 

Framing the story of half-Japanese, half-Portuguese Samurai named Shinzu - Dead Samurai paints a portrait of a world infected by a virus that has transformed humanity into flesh-hungry cannibals. Thought to have lost his family to the infection, Shinzu then realizes humanity has the slight hope of survival when he discovers human life still exists in his closest circle. 

The series chronicles Shinzu heroic rise from the brink of despair and his quest to save humanity and safeguard all he has left. Additional issues are set to feature contributions from Jim Lee (DC Comics), Art Adams (Fantastic Four, Hulk, Ultimate Comics: X, The Rocketeer), Frank Miller (Sin City, Daredevil, The Dark Knight Returns), Frank Cho (Ultimate Spiderman, Avengers vs. X-Men, Hellboy) and more. 

The launch of Dead Samurai follows the success of Dolmayan's initial venture into the world comic book publishing with the Ascencia series. Dolmayan is also the owner and proprietor of  Torpedo Comics - which first opened in 2003 in Las Vegas and has since opened additional stores in Southern California. 

Dead Samurai is currently available for purchase - HERE