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The cover of “Beast Mode 510,” the debut graphic novel from Oakland football legend Marshawn Lynch. (Cover art by Rahzzah, courtesy DKC)\u00a0<\/p>\nMarvel Comics better watch out.<\/p>\n
Because Beast Mode is coming.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s own Marshawn Lynch is now set to drop his debut graphic novel.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s dubbed \u201cBeast Mode 510,\u201d a title that references both the former Oakland Raiders star\u2019s nickname and the famed area code of his hometown. It\u2019s being published by the multi-format storytelling studio Artists Writers & Artisans (AWA).<\/p>\n
The book, set for release on Oct. 6, is being described as a \u201clove letter to Oakland.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOakland is the soil,\u201d Lynch says in a news release. \u201cThis story is for Da\u2019 Town, ya feel me? It\u2019s for the people who look out for each other, them ones that do it for family and community. \u2018Beast Mode 510\u2019 on some different (expletive). It\u2019s hella action, you read the book, look at the dope illustrations, and it\u2019s like you can see it happenin\u2019, like damn near for real.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, the stories have heart and realness. Oakland ain\u2019t just a backdrop in this, it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBeast Mode 510\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
So, how does Lynch fit into all of this? Turns out he served as the guiding light for the whole project.<\/p>\n
\u201cInspired by Lynch\u2019s larger-than-life persona and backed by the Oakland icon himself, the title transforms the \u2018Beast Mode\u2019 mentality into a cinematic new comic book hero rooted in loyalty and community,\u201d according to the news release.<\/p>\n
The central character in the graphic novel is \u201cBeast Mode,\u201d who is described as \u201cthe 510\u2019s legendary fixer and freelance sleuth whose rough exterior hides a code of loyalty and willingness to deal with problems others won\u2019t touch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019ve got a problem the authorities won\u2019t handle, Beast Mode will,\u201d the news release promises. \u201cNo invoices. No contracts. Just results.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cover of “Beast Mode 510,” the debut graphic novel from Oakland football legend Marshawn Lynch. (Cover art by Rahzzah, courtesy DKC)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Want to know a little bit about the storyline? Here\u2019s what we know thus far from the promotional material:<\/p>\n
\u201cIn \u2018Beast Mode 510,\u201d Lynch\u2019s legendary \u2018Beast Mode\u2019 mentality becomes mythic,\u201d the news release says. \u201cMost 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt AWA, we champion bold, original storytelling that reflects culture in real time,\u201d Alonso says. \u201cSheldon, Marshawn, Denys and Dexter have crafted an unapologetic, hilarious, explosive, and deeply personal story set in a universe unlike anything you\u2019ve ever seen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Marshawn\u2019s help, we are tapping into his unique mystique to tell a story only he could anchor.\u201d<\/p>\n