Marvel Comics better watch out.
Because Beast Mode is coming.
Having already won a Super Bowl, endeared himself to football fans around the globe and transitioned from the gridiron field to the Hollywood big screens, Oakland’s own Marshawn Lynch is now set to drop his debut graphic novel.
It’s dubbed “Beast Mode 510,” a title that references both the former Oakland Raiders star’s nickname and the famed area code of his hometown. It’s being published by the multi-format storytelling studio Artists Writers & Artisans (AWA).
The book, set for release on Oct. 6, is being described as a “love letter to Oakland.”
“Oakland is the soil,” Lynch says in a news release. “This story is for Da’ Town, ya feel me? It’s for the people who look out for each other, them ones that do it for family and community. ‘Beast Mode 510’ on some different (expletive). It’s hella action, you read the book, look at the dope illustrations, and it’s like you can see it happenin’, like damn near for real.
“At the end of the day, the stories have heart and realness. Oakland ain’t just a backdrop in this, it’s a main character, it plays a role, and serves a purpose. Our goal was to create something that celebrates that spirit in a way only graphic novels can.”
“Beast Mode 510” runs 120 pages and was conceptualized by AWA Chief Creative Officer Axel Alonso, written by NAACP Image Award-nominated author Sheldon Allen and features art by legendary Eisner Hall of Fame artist Denys Cowan.
So, how does Lynch fit into all of this? Turns out he served as the guiding light for the whole project.
“Inspired by Lynch’s larger-than-life persona and backed by the Oakland icon himself, the title transforms the ‘Beast Mode’ mentality into a cinematic new comic book hero rooted in loyalty and community,” according to the news release.
The central character in the graphic novel is “Beast Mode,” who is described as “the 510’s legendary fixer and freelance sleuth whose rough exterior hides a code of loyalty and willingness to deal with problems others won’t touch.”
“If you’ve got a problem the authorities won’t handle, Beast Mode will,” the news release promises. “No invoices. No contracts. Just results.”
The cover of “Beast Mode 510,” the debut graphic novel from Oakland football legend Marshawn Lynch. (Cover art by Rahzzah, courtesy DKC)
Want to know a little bit about the storyline? Here’s what we know thus far from the promotional material:
“In ‘Beast Mode 510,” Lynch’s legendary ‘Beast Mode’ mentality becomes mythic,” the news release says. “Most of the time, Beast Mode is Level One cool: laid back, sharp-minded, enjoying a glass of Hen and a freshly rolled blunt. But faced with enough bother, the dial can turn all the way to Level Six, and an unrestrained force of nature is unleashed.
“What starts as a super-secret birthday surprise for his mother spirals into a globe-spanning conspiracy involving three missing young women, a Silicon Valley slavery ring, Yakuza assassins, reptilian billionaires, a million-dollar bounty on his head, a world economy-shattering takedown, and so much more. As enemies close in and chaos escalates, Beast Mode must protect his family, defend his city, and confront powerful forces threatening the community he loves.”
The book is colored by Chris Sotomayor, inked by Dexter Vines and features with cover art from Rahzzah as well chapter break art by Ron Ackins.
“At AWA, we champion bold, original storytelling that reflects culture in real time,” Alonso says. “Sheldon, Marshawn, Denys and Dexter have crafted an unapologetic, hilarious, explosive, and deeply personal story set in a universe unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
“With Marshawn’s help, we are tapping into his unique mystique to tell a story only he could anchor.”
For more information, or to pre-order the graphic novel, visit https://awastudios.com/series/beast-mode-510/.