Fan favorite artist Chip Zdarsky has been making quite a name for himself in the comic book community. Aside from staying well connected to his legions of fans through social media, his live appearances are things of legend. For instance, how many people do you know that crash panels on a regular basis? His fun-loving disposition combined with his unique brand of storytelling lead him to contributing a story to Marvel anthology series ‘Original Sins,’ but now he’s making his proper debut with a journey from the Quiet of ‘Sex Criminals’ to Duckworld in the Marvel Universe.

After making a splash in the post-credits scene of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ earlier this year (and his largely forgettable solo film from the 1980s), Howard the Duck is flying back to the pages of Marvel Comics with a brand new ongoing series written by Zdarsky with art by Joe Quinones of ‘Savage Wolverine’ and ‘Harley Quinn.’ The new book will see Howard take on the roll of a New York City private investigator, but editor Will Moss said in a press release that he isn’t sure how much of the web-footed wonder’s antics will make it to your local comic book shop:

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Howard back to the stands! The stuff Chip & Joe have planned for this series…well, to be honest, I don’t know if we’ll be able to publish most of it. But the stuff that does clear with legal is going to be amazing! Plus there’ll be some backup stories starting in issue #2 by a dream-team of guest contributors — a lot of people are eager to take a shot at this duck!”

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zdarsky expanded a bit more on Howard’s adventures, which are set to include run-ins with Black Cat, She-Hulk, and a few Guardians of the Galaxy:

“He’s an everyman who happens to be a duck! He’s angry, exasperated, and he’s had it up to here with the world around him, but he’s trapped here! Infinitely relatable!

I love the contrast of Howard against both the normal world of us hairless apes and the weird worlds of Man-Things and Dr. Stranges and Spider-Mans. Cause he doesn’t fit into either, really. I’m just going to continue exploring those contrasts, but my ultimate goal is to make it funny. Marvel has taken chances on funny books and injecting humor into superhero titles, so I want to make sure this is worth some chuckles here and there. God, I’m picturing the reviews now: ‘Some chuckles here and there.’ Shoot for the stars, Chip!”

Finally, in classic Zdarsky fashion, he sums up the title in a way that only he can:

“Expect a humorous tale of time and sexuality! I’ve basically just copied Matt [Fraction]’s first three ‘Sex Criminals’ scripts and replaced characters with Howard and some C-level superheroes.”

I never thought that I’d say this, but ‘Howard the Duck’ might be one of my most anticipated books of next year. Being a big fan of Chip Zdarsky, I’m predicting that this series will be must-read material. If you’re as enthusiastic about it as I am, keep an eye out for Howard on the shelves of your local comic shops in March.

HOWARD THE DUCK #1

Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art & Cover by JOE QUINONES
Variant Cover by CHIP ZDARSKY

On Sale March 2015!