Mr. T, the ultimate entertainment icon, is back!
You’ll know him from your TV and movie screens, including the likes of “The A-Team”; “Rocky III”; “WrestleMania”;
his cartoon show "Mister T"; the recent “I Pity the Fool” reality show; and an upcoming Sony Pictures animated CGI movie.
And not forgetting his multitude of guest appearances ranging from “The Simpsons” to music videos alongside Busta Rhymes and P. Diddy.
You may even remember Darth Vader finally being unmasked on the cover of “MAD Magazine” to reveal Mr. T! Or more recently, Mr. T coming fourth in the BBC-led global debate on “Who is the greatest American?”, muscling in front of the likes of
Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton.
And now the Mohawk muscleman with a heart of gold jumps into the literary world by way of his very own graphic novel!
In this book, his first foray into the world of mainstream literature AND graphic novels, Mr. T takes on the role of bodyguard.
Armed only with his fists, acumen, and a business card that reads, “Next to God there is no better protector than I”, Mr. T
becomes as renowned as many of his clients. But will even the moniker of “The Greatest Bodyguard in the World!” make any difference
when old enemies return and new foes and unseen faces conspire against him?
The graphic novel uses its real-life star as a platform to address controversial “hot potato” real-life issues, such as kidnap, gun
crime and sex offenders.
The story also mixes in all the adrenaline-fuelled action normally associated with the television tough guy, including a dejected armor-clad
maniac, an unstoppable lumberjack, mysterious costumed adversaries, and someone who appears far too familiar for comfort.
With his assignments taking him around the world, including the USA and England, Mr. T soon becomes embroiled in the center of a
complex web of events. This leads to a shocking conclusion, as Mr. T begins to realise that perhaps the true target isn’t his
clients, but himself!
By author Christopher Bunting and illustrator J.L. Czerniawski, with Mr. T himself as Executive Editor, and published by Mohawk
Media, this graphic novel marks the start of Mr. T’s big comeback.
‘Mr. T’s a real-life action hero’, says writer Christopher Bunting: ‘And like the best action heroes, he
was always going to return! When I talk to Mr. T, his enthusiasm and warmth show why he’s known and loved across the world.
Such a great character will make for a special and exciting story indeed. The amazing illustrations of J.L. Czerniawski will woo a lot of people
too.’
Mohawk Media says: ‘Most so-called “graphic novels” are one of two things: reprints of comics; the equivalent of cobbling together
a bunch of episodes of a TV show and calling it a “movie”; or works that, in their desire to be highbrow, determinedly distance themselves
from their comic forefather (and perhaps by turn, the audience of mainstream entertainment).
‘Neither type makes full use of the inherent potential in graphic novel storytelling. This book – an all-original like Mr.
T himself – does, and to fantastic effect.’
As well as being the book’s Executive Editor, Mr. T is also on hand to give world-exclusive interviews about his personal
and professional life in the book’s recurring column, “Ten Rounds with T!”
About the author:
During his brief time in the comic book industry, up-and-coming writer Chris Bunting is already known for creating licensed/IP and original property stories – including adaptations of novel and literary works – aimed at both the younger reader market and adult market. Comic books have included “How to Break into Comics”, “TOXIC”, “Judge Dredd Megazine”, and for 'Marvel UK', a lengthy run on “Action Man” (the British incarnation of G.I. Joe). The official “Mr. T” marks his first foray into graphic novels. His upcoming writing includes official licensed adventures of “Tough Guy”.
About the illustrator:
Illustrator J.L. Czerniawski has worked in both the fantasy and comic book industries, including providing art for such properties as “Transformers”
and, with the movie’s director Joe Carnahan, “Smokin’ Aces”.
More about graphic novels:
Graphic novels are a rapidly growing literary medium and can be found in most bookstores and online bookstores and many other outlets, from
airports to music stores. These books have won critical acclaim, including a Pulitzer Prize and the Guardian Prize.
Movies such as “From Hell”, “Sin City”, “300”, “Stardust” and “30 Days of Night” are
based on graphic novels, while “The Dark Knight Returns” has been highly influential on the latest “Batman” movie franchise.
What the experts are saying about the Mr. T graphic novel:
‘Don't just buy this book! Don't just read this book! Don't just treasure this book! Take it wherever you go and
keep it close to your heart. This graphic novel would take a bullet for you, if it could!’
- JOHN LAYMAN, Mr. T “Fan-For-Life”, and writer of comic books
“Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness”; “Xena: Warrior Princess”;
and “Thundercats”
‘T is back, and he's tougher than ever. Mr. T is a favorite celebrity of mine since I was a kid, starring
in movies and TV shows, even in Saturday morning cartoons and on cereal boxes. He's a pop culture icon, who has always strived to have a positive
effect on people young and old, something you see coming through in this story.
It's big, bright, colorful, with a good message and a lot of fun, just like Mr. T himself.’
- BRANDON PETERSON, artist of “Incredible Hulk”; “Ultimate
X-Men”;
and J. Michael Straczynski’s “Strange”
‘Mr. T is back! This punchy graphic novel brings the larger than life character bang up-to-date and
at the same time retains all his retro charm. Whether it's a trip down memory lane or an action packed adventure you're after, there's something
here for any T fan.’
-“Writing Magazine”
and
“Writers’ News Magazine”
