Schkade & Wagner team for Portland-based superhero series SAINT JOHN from Dark Horse

Portland, OR-based publisher Dark Horse Comics is about to introduce readers to a new superhero for their hometown. The publisher has teamed with clothier Portland Gear to create Saint John, a new superhero series that will also spotlight what the Rose City has to offer. The four-issue miniseries comes from the creative team of co-writer/artist Dan Schkade, co-writer/colorist Brennan Wagner, and letterer Frank Cvetkovic.

Here’s how Dark Horse describes Saint John:

Cynical Manhattan writer Tori Slate travels to Portland, Oregon, to track down the enigmatic Saint John–a masked man who roams the city doing good deeds for strangers, appearing at random and vanishing without a trace. Who is he? Why does he do it? And what is his seemingly supernatural connection to the City of Roses? Tori aims to put these questions to the man himself … unaware that the answers will change her life forever.

In a statement announcing the series, Portland Gear founder/owner Marcus Harvey and Wagner both elaborated on their goals in bringing Saint John to readers:

“A few years ago, I set out to create a positive storyline for the city and utilize the connections I’ve had in town for many years.” said founder and owner of Portland Gear, Marcus Harvey. “With the assistance of Brennan, Dan, and Mike Richardson, the idea of a superhero for Portland came to life—an individual radiating positivity and dedicated to community building. Portland is a magical place, and I believe that employing the medium of a comic book would provide a unique opportunity to share its wonders with the world.”

“When Marcus approached me about doing this project, I knew I had to pull in my longtime collaborator and dear friend—Dan Schkade,” said series artist Brennan Wagner. “We were immediately hooked by the concept and wanted to be a part of it.  Portland is the perfect stomping ground for an adventure like this. We can’t wait to introduce the world to Saint John.”

Along with a main cover by Schkade and Wagner, Saint John #1 (of 4) will also be available with a variant cover by Matt Wagner and Brennan Wagner. Check that out below, and look for the miniseries to arrive in stores and digitally on Wednesday, September 20th.