A Dundee comic book artist has been chosen to illustrate the return of a cult television sci-fi series.
Dundee artist Dan McDaid will illustrate a comic book adaption of Firefly, which is being brought back as a comic book franchise after Boom! Studios acquired the rights to the series.
The television series was cancelled after just 14 episodes in 2003. A film follow-up, Serenity, was released in 2005 and the series has maintained a cult following ever since.
The first issue will tell the story of the Unification War – an important piece of back story never seen on the screen.
Mr McDaid, who has drawn iconic characters like Dr Who and Judge Dredd, was taken aback by the reaction to him being given the job – especially as he didn’t watch the programme when it was first screened.
He said: “Something like Firefly is quite big, I found out. I knew it was a cult favourite, but it didn’t cross over to the mainstream as far as I knew. When the news came out my Twitter feed blew up.
“I have to confess that I hadn’t actually watched the show before Boom contacted me, but I’m watching it now and am happy to say it’s really good.
“It would be a shame if I watched it and wasn’t into it so the fact that I like it is quite nice.
“When Boom approached me it was quite exciting.
“When I worked on Doctor Who, I knew that would be quite a big deal because it was going really strong with David Tenant. It was similar with Judge Dredd too as that’s quite established.
“It’s great that people are really excited about Firefly.
“When I’m watching the show I look out for little things about the characters, but when someone approaches an artist to work on something they want the artist to bring something a little different to the project.
“There’s something in my style that is a little unusual.”
Mr McDaid is still waiting on the first script to work on, but has already started some sketches of the characters in preparation.
The first issue is expected around November time and Mr McDaid said they will be working “in earnest” soon.
The 41-year old moved to Dundee from Cornwall in 2003.
Firefly was created by Joss Whedon, who is better known as the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and director of the first two Avengers films. He will act as a consultant on the new run of comics.
A number of Serenity comics were released after the film’s release, though the new McDaid illustrated series will carry the Firefly name.
