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This fall, Dynamite presents an unprecedented graphic novel peek into the real-life thrills and tragedies of organized crime in the heart of America, and a pivotal figure and father at the center of it all. San Diego Comic-Con brings further details on the upcoming Last of the Gladiators from writer James M. LaRossa Jr. and company.
From the 1960s until the turn of the century, New York City was the focal point of organized and white-collar crime across the world. Through four fretful decades, the most fearsome mob bosses, assassins, cheating stockbrokers, money launderers and corrupt bankers and more, sought legal counsel with the famous Jimmy LaRossa, a prosecutor turned defense attorney, who was the lawyer of last resort when fighting prosecution before the all-mighty U.S. Government.
Last of the Gladiators is an adaptation of the prose memoir of the same title written by Jimmy’s son. James LaRossa Jr. and his dearly departed father spent the last five years of the latter’s life getting to know each other even more, sharing and recording the untold tales and history that Jimmy found himself wrapped up in through his career.
The memoir also taps into the son’s own upbringing, and journey of self-discovery navigating his identity as the son of such an outrageously successful and impactful figure. Last of the Gladiators is a family saga, in more ways than one.
“After I ‘snuck’ my father out of a New York hospital to prevent his certain death, I never imagined that the five years we spent together in Southern California would be so momentous,” said writer James M. LaRossa Jr. “While I cooked him his favorite Italian meals, we shared the intimate stories of our lives, including the secrets to a generation of the most colorful criminals imaginable. After he died, I walked the beach aimlessly until the themes of Last of the Gladiators began to form. This is where the graphic novel begins.”
LaRossa comes over to the comic medium to adapt his own work, with co-writing assistance by comics mainstay Jonathan Vankin. Previously a longtime senior editor at DC Comics’ acclaimed Vertigo imprint, through his editing and writing Vankin has taken on many stories of crime and family drama. They’re joined by artist Giorgio Pontrelli, tasked with bringing these complicated tales to the page visually. Last but certainly not least, legendary artist Butch Guice handles the stunning cover for the book.
The book was originally announced as in development at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, and now after the collaborative efforts of all the creators and editors involved, it is ready for the hands of readers this October.
