Writer Brendan Hodgdon, artist Balazs Valyogos, and cover artist Sara Knaepen—all Top Cow Talent Hunt winners—will release ARES IX: DARKNESS, an all-new one-shot, this December.

In ARES IX: DARKNESS, readers will witness the untold chapter of a demigod’s story. After the Ascension of the IXs, Ares finds himself drawn to a mysterious catacomb. What he finds there will redefine his past, his future, and the entire IXth Generation.

“I’m thrilled to have my first comic book published by Top Cow and to be able to contribute to this exciting universe,” said Hodgdon. “And I’m honored to have Balazs as my collaborator on this issue! Here’s hoping the audience enjoys reading ARES IX: DARKNESS as much as we enjoyed making it!”

ARES IX: DARKNESS (Diamond code: OCT180046) hits comic book stores on Wednesday, December 12th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, November 19th.

ARES IX: DARKNESS will also be available for purchase across many digital platforms, including the official Image Comics iOS app, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play.