Mirka Andolfo is returning to the dark Victorian world of her international hit Mercy. The acclaimed creator of Unnatural and Sweet Paprika will launch Merciless, a new four-issue miniseries from Image Comics, in December.
Andolfo reunites with fan-favorite collaborator Lidia Bolognini, whose credits include Sweet Paprika: Black, White & Pink. Together, they will take readers back to the coaldust-choked town of Woodsburgh for a new supernatural mystery.
A New Lady Hellaine Takes Center Stage
“Mercy readers have been waiting for this sequel, and I’m so happy it’s finally on its way!” said Andolfo. “Merciless is a brand-new story with a ‘new’ Lady Hellaine: Rory, now all grown up and ready to uncover some dark secrets in the old town of Woodsburgh. Brought to life by Lidia Bolognini’s amazing art, this is a new horror adventure for fans of Mercy, horror and mystery, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
The story takes place 15 years after Woodsburgh freed itself from the terrible Devil of Woodsburgh. The former mining town has since grown into a thriving community and finally begun to breathe again.
That peace will not last. An enigmatic new Lady has arrived in town.
Rory Returns to Woodsburgh
Rory has come of age and is ready to open her factory. Her arrival, however, comes as something strange begins spreading through Woodsburgh.
A mysterious new drug called Electric Sumac is moving through the streets. It gives ordinary men and women unnatural strength while leaving them dangerously unhinged.
Rory and her companion Joel are determined to stop the drug, whatever the cost. They also know something the rest of Woodsburgh does not: Electric Sumac’s mysterious origins are anything but earthly.
Old Debts Resurface
Another familiar threat is also moving into place. Sheriff Bancroft has returned to settle unfinished business left behind by his father.
Old debts soon begin resurfacing as long-buried secrets come to light. Rory may find herself caught at the center of a dangerous web connecting Woodsburgh’s past to its newest horrors.
Gothic Horror Returns in Merciless
Merciless expands the world of Mercy with a new supernatural horror story designed to welcome both returning fans and new readers. The series blends Gothic mystery, dark secrets, supernatural forces, and the shadowy atmosphere that defined Andolfo’s original series.
Image Comics positions the miniseries for readers of From Hell and Fatale, as well as fans of Mercy. Bolognini’s artwork brings the new chapter of Woodsburgh’s story to life as Rory takes on the role of the new Lady Hellaine.
Merciless #1 will arrive at comic book shops and digital platforms on Wednesday, December 2. The issue launches the four-part return to Woodsburgh and opens a new chapter in the dark world of Mercy.
