Free Planet Preview: East of West Meets Dune in New Epic Space Opera

IGN exclusively unveils Image Comics' newest creation: Free Planet, a sweeping space opera. Image positions the series as a unique blend of East of West and Dune, a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast.

Explore the exclusive first look at Free Planet #1 in the slideshow below:

Free Planet #1: Exclusive Comic Book Preview

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Free Planet, written by Aubrey Sitterson (No One Left to Fight) and illustrated by Jed Dougherty (Savage Hearts), boasts covers by Dougherty and Fico Ossio. Image's official synopsis:

Humanity's first truly free planet celebrates its hard-won independence. Now, revolutionary heroes must safeguard the planet's unique energy source from warring intergalactic forces, all while grappling with the true meaning of freedom. SITTERSON and DOUGHERTY fuse the intricate historical tapestry of EAST OF WEST with the emotional depth of SAGA, crafting a narrative about liberty and its inherent sacrifices.

Sitterson states, " Free Planet represents the future of comics – Jed and I aimed to elevate our craft with a truly literary comic, its rich complexity brought to life visually. From intense combat to intricate political maneuvering and deeply emotional drama, every page is packed with visual detail; it's a book designed for slow, repeated readings. It's a complex exploration of what everyone desires, regardless of their political views: Freedom."

Dougherty adds, "Aubrey and I have collaborated on fantasy and comedic projects. Free Planet marks our venture into a more serious work: revolutionaries defending their planet's resources against interstellar threats. To complement the rich script, I've refined my art style with grittier tones and experimented with page layouts and graphical elements. The diverse characters have come alive as I've drawn them battling across land and space, rebuilding society, and pursuing vengeance, justice, and even love."

Free Planet #1 launches Wednesday, May 7. For more comic book news, explore Marvel's and DC's 2025 plans.