The acclaimed graphic novel Pride of Baghdad is returning to shelves this fall. Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Niko Henrichon reunite with Image Comics for a new hardcover edition celebrating the book’s 20th anniversary.
The release features a new wraparound dust jacket with hand-painted cover art by Henrichon. It also includes previously unseen material and a new afterword by Vaughan.
A Direct Market Exclusive edition will be available only at local comic shops. It features the original first edition cover.
A Modern Classic Revisited
Pride of Baghdad first debuted under DC Vertigo in September 2006. The book quickly earned critical acclaim and industry recognition.
It landed on the American Library Association’s “Great Graphic Novels for Teens: Top Ten” list. It also made Booklist’s “Editors’ Choice: Adult Books for Young Adults” list. IGN named it Best Original Graphic Novel of the year.
“Twenty years later, I’m as proud of this book as I am depressed by how relevant it remains,” Vaughan said. “Despite the harrowing subject matter, it was a pleasure to revisit the beautiful work of my collaborators: legendary letterer Todd Klein and astonishing artist and co-creator Niko Henrichon. We’re grateful to everyone at Image Comics for bringing this lovely new edition to life, and to all the readers who requested it, especially you cool English teachers who’ve shared our graphic novel with your students over the last two decades.”
A Story Inspired by Real Events
The graphic novel draws from true events during the American invasion of Iraq. It follows four lions that escape from the Baghdad Zoo and struggle to survive in a war-torn city.
The story explores themes that remain relevant. It examines loss of innocence, the tension between freedom and safety, and shifting views on authority. These ideas drive a narrative centered on survival and resilience.
Industry Praise
Eric Stephenson, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer at Image Comics, praised the book’s lasting impact.
“When I first read Pride of Baghdad 20 years ago, I was both moved by the story and impressed by Brian’s and Niko’s extraordinary talents,” Stephenson said. “Imagine now the honor of re-presenting this towering achievement for a whole new audience. Absolutely essential in every respect.”
Pride of Baghdad: The 20th Anniversary Edition hardcover arrives at comic shops on Wednesday, September 23, and in bookstores on Tuesday, October 20.
The Direct Market Exclusive hardcover will be available only at comic shops on September 23. The graphic novel will also be released across digital platforms.
