February 20, 2024—New York, NY— Comixology Originals, a pioneer in the digital comics space, proudly unveils a groundbreaking debut: the first-ever comic book appearance of Martha Chainey. Stemming from the vivid imagination of acclaimed crime novelist Gary Phillips, Martha Chainey springs into the visual realm with “Cold Hard Cash: A Martha Chainey Escapade.” This gripping narrative, illustrated by the talented Adriana Melo, invites readers to embark on a thrilling five-part series, set to premiere digitally today, February 20, 2024, exclusively on Amazon’s Comixology Originals platform.
“I’m thrilled to bring my tough as nails protagonist Martha Chainey to the pages of a comic,” expresses writer Gary Phillips, his excitement palpable. “Seeing her navigate the gritty streets of LA and the high-end tech world in this fast-paced crime thriller illustrated by Adriana is surreal and I hope people dig it.”
Martha Chainey, a towering six-foot woman of color with a mastery of martial arts, emerges from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, leaving behind her days as a showgirl to carve a new path as a courier of illicit funds—cold, hard cash. When an old acquaintance, Rena Solomon, herself a former Vegas showgirl, beckons Martha to partake in a covert mission to recover ten million dollars in stolen funds, Martha doesn’t hesitate to accept the challenge.
Rena leads the Urban Collaborative, a noble nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the conditions of South Central Los Angeles. In a recent partnership with Zentech, a prominent Silicon Beach firm, the Collaborative was poised to spearhead a transformative initiative. However, disaster strikes as the organization falls victim to a sophisticated cyberattack, resulting in the disappearance of the allocated ten million dollars earmarked for a groundbreaking tech training and job placement center.
As Martha immerses herself in the investigation, the trail of clues leads her on a riveting journey across California, from the desolate expanse of the Salton Sea’s Slab City to the pristine corridors of the Zentech campus. Along the way, she encounters a motley crew of adversaries, including ski-masked hacktivists and the militant alt-right group, the Reclaimers, all vying for control of the elusive fortune.
Will Martha’s tenacity and street smarts be sufficient to navigate the treacherous landscape and reclaim the missing cash? The answer lies shrouded in the shadows of deceit and betrayal, awaiting discovery amidst the pulse-pounding action of “Cold Hard Cash: A Martha Chainey Escapade.”
About the Creators:
Gary Phillips: A luminary in the realm of crime fiction, Gary Phillips has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape with his gripping narratives and multifaceted characters. From his acclaimed prose novels “High Hand” and “Shooter’s Point” to his foray into comics with DC Comics’ “Angeltown” and Boom! Studios’ “High Rollers,” Phillips continues to captivate audiences with his unique storytelling prowess. His work on FX’s “Snowfall” further solidifies his status as a master storyteller, delving into the intricate web of crime and politics in 1980s South Central Los Angeles.
Adriana Melo: A visionary artist whose dynamic illustrations breathe life into every panel, Adriana Melo is a force to be reckoned with in the world of comics. With an impressive portfolio spanning DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse, and Image Comics, Melo’s contributions to titles such as “Fantastic Four,” “Star Wars: Empire,” and “Birds of Prey” have garnered widespread acclaim. Her collaboration with Comixology Originals on “Cold Hard Cash: A Martha Chainey Escapade” marks yet another milestone in her illustrious career, promising readers a visual feast of unparalleled intensity and sophistication.
About Comixology Originals:
Comixology Originals stands at the forefront of digital comic book distribution, offering readers unparalleled access to a diverse array of original content. Available to members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, and Comixology Unlimited, Comixology Originals’ exclusive digital offerings encompass a vast spectrum of genres and styles, catering to every conceivable taste and preference. With a commitment to innovation and accessibility, Comixology Originals continues to redefine the boundaries of storytelling in the digital age, inviting readers to embark on unforgettable journeys through the boundless realms of imagination.
As readers eagerly await the debut of “Cold Hard Cash: A Martha Chainey Escapade,” the stage is set for an electrifying saga of intrigue, suspense, and unbridled adventure. Join Martha Chainey as she navigates the labyrinthine corridors of power and deception, forging a path illuminated by the glimmer of truth amidst the shadows of corruption. The countdown begins, and the world holds its breath in anticipation of the next chapter in Martha Chainey’s indomitable quest for justice.
