Penny Arcade and Cryptozoic Entertainment have announced the launching of a new comic book series, Lookouts, which is based on the Penny Arcade webcomic.  The first issue will be previewed at Comic-Con and then released to comic book shops nationwide on August 31st.  The series will combine the fantasy and gaming preoccupations of Penny Arcade with the format and story structure of the modern comic book.

 

The storyline of the Lookouts comic was developed by Penny Arcade’s Jerry Holkins, Cryptozoic’s Cory Jones, and Choker writer Ben McCool. McCool is writing The Lookouts comic with Robb Mommaerts providing the art.  The Lookouts #1 will debut at Comic-Con with two exclusive covers, one by Penny Arcade’s Mike Krahulik and one by Doug TenNapel (Earthworm Jim). The version shipped to comic shops in late August will have a cover by series artist Robb Mommaerts.

 

The Lookouts will be organized around six-issue arcs.  Each story arc will follow the adventures of a group of young boys who join the Boy Scouts-like Lookouts who have to learn the secrets of the magical Eyrewood Forest and earn merit badges as part of their training.  Each arc will focus on a different merit badge, starting with the "Riddle" badge in the first arc.  Every issue will also include a two-page spread from The Lookouts Handbook, which features information on the mysteries of Eyrewood forest and on additional badges.

 

Cryptozoic is also working on several game projects including a board game based on The Lookouts.  Though the board game was originally announced first (see "Penny Arcade's 'Lookouts' Head to the Hobby"), Cyptozoic now plans to establish The Lookouts comic book series first and then follow-up with the board game.

It is interesting to note that in deference to Penny Arcade's online popularity, the first issue of Lookouts comic book was released last Friday in digital format by comiXology, well before its print debut at Comic-Con.