David Dastmalchian (“Late Night with the Devil”) has partnered with Z2 to release a new original graphic novel telling the astonishing story of Alix, a young woman driven by a compulsive need to control the world around her. After a near-death experience, she’s thrust into a labyrinthine realm cloaked in shadows and populated by fantastical creatures, where she is stunned to discover that this mysterious land has been constructed solely for her… A kingdom to rule? Or a prison? As danger closes in, threatening complete obliteration, she must decipher the clues that reveal the true nature of this realm in order to save both the land… and herself.
While this is a modern fantasy tale in the tradition of the iconic Vertigo comics from the 1990s, it is a story rooted in a very personal point of origin for David: “‘Through’ is a story inspired by an idea that a dear friend and I hatched when I was living in Chicago and fascinated by outsider artists like Henry Darger. Over the years, the story evolved into a labyrinthine mystery that overlapped with my own ongoing struggle for mental wellness. As I dove into the challenging but healing therapeutic work of understanding the myriad parts of myself, this story began to flourish. While fighting for my life, ‘Through’ became the book I needed to write and the most important tale I’ve ever attempted to tell.”
More than just a compelling fantasy story, “Through” is an allegory about learning to ask for help and embracing the individual imperfections that make us unique —and powerful —as human beings.
The radically different visual styles of the gritty world of urban Chicago, and the mystically surreal land of Ananda Apastan are brought to life by acclaimed artist Cat Staggs who says “Getting to work on Through has been both fun and challenging, involving the depiction of Chicago’s cold winter and an imaginative ‘other world,’ along with exploring different art styles, and DC Alonso brings them together with his colors. David’s wonderful story makes this journey even more exciting, and I look forward to everyone reading it.”
“There’s a reason that the classic run of comics at Vertigo struck such a chord with audiences, and that’s because it used the supernatural as a device that allowed readers to safely explore painful subjects that were so close to them,” said Z2 Editor-in-Chief Rantz Hoseley. “From the first time David and I talked about ‘Through,’ it really struck me how badly we need a tale like this in the times we find ourselves in. A story that helps you examine the hurt you’ve experienced and assure you that it is not an act of weakness to reach out to other people for help. I feel so blessed to be able to help David and Cat bring this powerful fable to life on the comic page.”
As part of the promotion and launch of ‘Through,’ David will be appearing at a number of exciting events during the 2025 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), including a panel on Thursday, July 24th at 5:45 p.m. in Room 6DE alongside artists Cat Staggs, David Mack and editor Rantz Hoseley, as they talk about the story’s development and secrets. Following the panel, he is a featured guest later that night at Z2 & Fandom’s party at the Hard Rock Cafe. For those who want to get up close and personal, David will be signing at the Z2 booth (#1529) at 1 p.m. on Friday. And finally, David’s SDCC promotion of ‘Through’ will wrap as a presenter at the 2025 Eisner Awards.
The 140-page book is available in a Deluxe Edition, as well as a signed Platinum Edition, which includes art prints, a set of Focus Cards, and a metal pin featuring the needle that serves as Alix’s doorway to the world of Ananda Apastan. Deluxe and platinum editions are available exclusively at Z2’s website, while a standard trade-sized edition will be available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as other independent retailers and fine comic shops worldwide.
