Dark Horse Comics, in partnership with groundbreaking clothing brand Portland Gear, presents the Rose City’s very own superhero in Saint John. Born and raised in the streets of Portland, Oregon, Saint John is unlike any superhero before him, built for the quirks that make the city unique. Cartoonist Dan Schkade (Will Eisner’s The Spirit) and Portland native creator Brennan Wagner, (Grendel: Devil’s Odyssey), along with letterer Frank Cvetkovic (Count Crowley), bring to life the vivid, sometimes funky world of the Rose City and the hero destined to keep it safe.
“A few years ago, I set out to create a positive storyline for the city and utilize the connections I’ve had in town for many years.” said founder and owner of Portland Gear, Marcus Harvey. “With the assistance of Brennan, Dan, and Mike Richardson, the idea of a superhero for Portland came to life—an individual radiating positivity and dedicated to community building. Portland is a magical place, and I believe that employing the medium of a comic book would provide a unique opportunity to share its wonders with the world.”
When reporter Tori Slate from the Big Apple comes to Portland to investigate an underground superhero named Saint John, she discovers not only a larger mystery at play but also the charm and genuine beauty of the Rose City. Tori starts to see the world, and Portland, through Saint John’s eyes and realizes that some cities may be worth saving after all.
“When Marcus approached me about doing this project, I knew I had to pull in my longtime collaborator and dear friend—Dan Schkade,” said series artist Brennan Wagner. “We were immediately hooked by the concept and wanted to be a part of it. Portland is the perfect stomping ground for an adventure like this. We can’t wait to introduce the world to Saint John.”
This series is for anyone who has ever loved or hated Portland and everyone who has always wondered just what makes the Rose City such a fascinating and powerful place. Produced with—and featuring the fashion of—Portland Gear, lace up your high tops (and don’t forget your PDX carpet socks!) and join in on a 4-issue miniseries that is everything Portland.
Saint John #1 (of 4) launches in comic shops on September 20, 2023.
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