It feels like a lifetime ago when I interviewed Stephanie Williams–one of my newer faves in comics as Nubia & the Amazons was dropping. Effortlessly funny and talented with a pen, Williams continued on making comics, establishing herself int he industry and even bringing along her son to conventions to enjoy the fanfare and present her own art. With her writing credits including Nubia and the Amazons, Nubia: Coronation Special, Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, Wakanda, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck and Roll, Strange and Unsung All-Stars of the DC Multiverse, The Raven Boys Graphic Novel Adaption, she’s now in the news for something new–her first original comic series, and I couldn’t be happier to share the news!
BNP Fave Writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia) teams up with artist Letizia Cadonici (House of Slaughter) team for a brand-new cosmic horror comic book series entitled Roots of Madness at Ignition Press. The publisher will preview the series during Comic-Con International in San Diego (SDCC) this July, at their previously announced boutique pop-up, the Ignition Press Room, in the Gaslamp District.
Roots of Madness Synopsis:
At the turn of the 20th century, a young Black woman named Etta Knight picks up the tradition of her late mother for creating special medicines using natural ingredients and secrets passed down from generation to generation.
Her mother has passed on a book of recipes and formulas, but it’s also full of strange symbols and dark musings that she doesn’t quite understand…
Inspired by the life of Madame CJ Walker, this unique alternate history combines tradition with the supernatural for something truly modern and unique.
Roots of Madness Creative Team:
“After spending years pursuing security and stability, I left my ‘stable career’ to transform the survival lessons my family taught me into creative dreams,” said Stephanie Williams. “Roots of Madness emerged from this blend of survival and ambition. Etta Knight embodies this transformation: a brilliant 1905 chemist who takes her ancestors’ healing knowledge—and pushes it beyond what they ever imagined.”
Roots of Madness marks Stephanie Williams’ first original print comic series and her first collaboration with artist Letizia Cadonici. The series will also feature color by Alessandro Santoro and lettering by AndWorld Design. Each issue will boast these breathtaking covers by Juliet Nneka.
“I’m just so proud and happy to be part of this comic. I feel so connected to Etta, I believe she is a stunning character, and when I first read the script I remember I thought that I’ve never read about someone like her before,” added Letizia Cadonici.
“When I reached out to Stephanie to discuss doing a book with us,” Ignition Press Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich explained, “I was curious what she would come back with. As I hoped, she returned with something that only she could do. Roots of Madness immediately grabbed us. From its foundation in fact, to the specificity of its themes, the story has the fire of truth behind that makes great horror. It’s not just scary for what happens, but how it comments on our humanity, using the problems of the past to highlight our failures in the present. With Letizia and Alessandro on board, you know all the frights will come through in the most evocative ways.”
Fans attending Comic Con International in San Diego can get a special sneak peek at Roots of Madness by visiting the Ignition Press Room in the Gaslamp District (643 G Street). Additionally, Ignition Press will debut exclusive Roots of Madness merchandise on sale for the first time including an art print, premium canvas tote, and two types of scented hair gloss (in collaboration with Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab). As previously announced, Stephanie Williams will be in attendance for scheduled signings.
About Ignition Press
Ignition Press is the Los Angeles-based comic book and graphic novel publisher co-founded by publishing and media industry veterans Eric Gitter, Filip Sablik, Jamie S. Rich, and Jeremy Haun. The upstart creator-driven company will exclusively publish original series beginning in September 2025 including Murder Podcast and Voyeur. Ignition Press is repped by WME and attorneys Fred Goodman and Rich Marin of Marin Goodman, LLP.
Ignition Press is dedicated to empowering vibrant creativity through creator-driven original stories, told with integrity and commitment, that meet their audience where they are. The Los Angeles-based comic book and graphic novel publisher was co-founded by publishing and media industry veterans Eric Gitter (CEO), Filip Sablik (Publisher), Jamie S. Rich (Editor-in-Chief), and Jeremy Haun (Creative Director) in July 2024 and will exclusively publish creator-driven original series beginning in September 2025. To stay up to date on Ignition Press news, become an Ignition Insider at www.ignitionpress.com. To find a comic shop near you, go to findyourcomic.store.
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