Cowboy Ninja Viking
| Cowboy Ninja Viking | |
|---|---|
|
Cover to Cowboy Ninja Viking #1. Art by Dave Casey. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Image Comics |
| Format | Limited series |
| Genre | Action comedy |
| Publication date | October 21, 2009 – November 10, 2010 |
| Number of issues | 10 |
| Creative team | |
| Writer(s) | A. J. Lieberman |
| Artist(s) | Riley Rossmo |
| Letterer(s) | Clayton Cowles |
| Colorist(s) | Riley Rossmo |
| Creator(s) |
A. J. Lieberman Riley Rossmo |
| Editor(s) | Kristen Simon |
| Collected editions | |
| Volume 1 | ISBN 1-60706-261-5 |
| Volume 2 | ISBN 1-60706-344-1 |
Cowboy Ninja Viking is an Image Comics comic book created by writer A.J. Lieberman and artist Riley Rossmo. The series debuted in 2009, released through Image Comics' partner studio Shadowline.
Publication history
The first appearance of the comic characters is in a 6-page preview in Bomb Queen Vol 6 issue 1 published in September and the 1st issue of the main title coming out in October.
Writer A.J. Lieberman describes the creation of the series:[1]
| “ | Initially Riley wanted to do something with a Dystopian near-future setting. And while I first started circling the character I tried shoe horning him into these very "cool" locales. […] Anyway, none felt right. Just forced. They took themselves too seriously which wasn't what I really wanted to do coming off of my Batman stuff. So I stepped back and realized the character was the concept – I literally said that out loud to myself. Once I had that – I relaxed and the humorous side of the concept started to come out. | ” |
Plot synopsis
The series revolves around a counter-intelligence unit of Multiple Personality Disorder patients, formed by psychotherapist Dr. Sebastian Ghislain, who are transformed into agents known as Triplets (referring to the three different personalities inside their minds). It is hinted that this is possible through experimental psychiatric conditioning and treatment, psychotropic drugs, and past life regression therapy. After the unit falls apart, its various members are turned into hired killers. Duncan, a Triplet who channels the skills of a Cowboy, Ninja, and Viking, is sent to find and stop the rogue Triplets.[2]
Major Characters of CNV
Program Staff
- Dr. Sebastian Ghislain - The Creator of the Government's Triplet Program. While not a triplet himself his personality appears as a brilliant psychotherapist and a womanizing playboy/boozehound. He also has a penchant for professional backgammon.
- Dr. Johann Blaq - Ghislain's former protege and antagonist of the story. His motives are not yet known.
- Sashsa - Ghislain's personal pilot and body guard.
Triplets
- Duncan (Cowboy - Ninja - Viking) - The titular character and most effective assassin the program produced.
- Carl (Army Staff Sergeant - Apache Indian - Scottish Highlander) - Duncan's brother and also one of the most effective assassins as all 3 personalities revolve around combat. it is hinted that Duncan killed him in San Cristobal previous to the plot of volume 1 to prevent him from killing Missionaries during their trial mission. His Highlander Persononality claimed to be *"Seamus McManus of the clan McManus. Born to Angus of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Schiel."
- Xia Xia Xian (Sniper - Archer - Clothing Designer)
- Steed Malbranque (Hitman - Navy Seal - Roadie for Dokken)
- Peyton Vermeer (Mohawk Indian - Playboy - Spartan)
- Philippe De Montebello (Hair Stylist - Conquistador - Cowboy) - Gunned down by Duncan in Volume 1.
- Emerson Blancpain (Amish - Demo Expert - Army Captain)
- Lara St. Britt (Flight Attendant - Joan of Arc - Amazonian Warrior)
- Johnny Vellum (Conquistador - Green Beret - Surfer)
- Toffler Almric (Mad Scientist - Napoleonic General - Spanish Cavalier)
- Patrick O'Fallon (Applebee's Waiter - Army Sergeant - Frontiersman) - Decapitated by Duncan at the end of volume 2.
- Viscount Wölfer (Executioner - Sports Broadcaster - Samurai)
- Yashitiko Ammo (Pirate - Gladiator - Oceanographer) - Arguably one of the most centered characters within the plot.
- Grear Fulkirk (Sniper - Chef - Martial Artist) - Duncan's ex-wife and a rival to Nix.
- Sara Nix - Dr. Ghislain's assistant. Love interest of Duncan. It was revealed Nix was part of a shadow program within the SPP program, with 3 personalities that can be turned on and off. The personalities have yet to be introduced, and she is currently unaware of them.
- Blancpain Emerson (Deminish - Expert Alpha - Navy Captain)
Collected editions
The series has been collected into trade paperbacks:
- Volume 1 (collects issues #1-5, June 2010, ISBN 1-60706-261-5)
- Volume 2 (collects issues #6-10, February 2011, ISBN 1-60706-344-1)
Film adaptation
In 2010, it was announced that Disney had purchased the rights to make a film adaptation of the comic book. Zombieland screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese penned the film's screenplay.[3] Disney dropped the film in turnaround and Universal acquired the rights in 2012, with World War Z director Marc Forster attached to direct,[4] and Craig Mazin attached to rewrite the script.[5] In November 2014, Chris Pratt was cast as the lead.[6] In January 2015, John Wick directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski were in early talks to replace Forster, who left the project.[7]
References
- ↑ Guerrero, Tony (2009-12-11). "Interview: A.J. Lieberman, Writer Cowboy, Ninja, Viking". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
- ↑ ""Cowboy Ninja Viking" Debuts A Hero For The Schizophrenic In Us All". Comic Book Resources. 2009-08-21. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
- ↑ Nemiroff, Perri (2010-11-08). "'Zombieland' Writers to Attack 'Cowboy Ninja Viking'". Cinemactical. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
- ↑ White, James (February 28, 2012). "Forster Saddles Up Cowboy Ninja Viking". Empire. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
- ↑ Blacker, Ben (April 15, 2014). "The Scriptnotes/Nerdist Writers Panel Crossover part 2!". Nerdist Industries. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- ↑ Chitwood, Adam (2014-11-18). "Exclusive: Chris Pratt to Star in COWBOY NINJA VIKING [Update: Pratt Confirmed His Casting]". Collider.com. Retrieved 2015-02-01.
- ↑ "Universal Eyes 'John Wick' Directors for 'Cowboy Ninja Viking' With Chris Pratt (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. January 29, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2015.