Dan Dare has been an icon since 1950. Elaborate stories of his space travel and galactic battles defending people of the universe captivated post-War baby boomers. Dan Dare’s adventures burst to the forefront of pop culture, selling nearly 1 million copies each week in the pages of the Eagle Comic. “Dan Dare is the quintessential British hero.  He’s our Captain America, our Superman, our Batman, he’s all of them rolled into one.  He’s the original and the best.” said Garth Ennis, recipient of several National Comics Awards for the best in UK comics and Will Eisner Awards for the best in US comics. “Dan Dare is an heroic, thoughtful and fiercely independent character; I was an avid reader of his epic journeys. It is a pleasure for Virgin Comics to be involved with such a legendary character – one of the original great aviators” said Sir Richard Branson. “Dan Dare is the real original Super Hero.  In the 50’s, on the front page of The Eagle, he was selling one million copies a week.  Today, his impact and appeal to readers across the UK and around the world can be even greater with Virgin Comics. 

"This is a perfectpartnership.” said Colin Frewin, CEO of The Dan Dare Corporation.  "Superman, Batman and Spider-Man beware – Dan Dare – Pilot of the Future is back to protect us all. Virgin Comics’ Dan Dare is set in the future, albeit not too many decades from the present day."  Colonel Dare is still vibrant and courageous – but now he’s retired. His retirement is a self-imposed exile, the result of his disgust with politics and the post-nuclear warfare that has destroyed North America and much of Asia – leaving the UK as the world’s last remaining superpower.  Readers familiar with Dan Dare stories will recognize many of the original cast including a wiser and more experienced Digby; the innovative, brilliant and beautiful Professor Peabody; and of course the enemy of all that is good, the super-intelligent ruler of the Treens – The Mekon, together with a mix of galactic evil beings. 

“Dan Dare and Virgin are a perfect combination – two iconic UK brands.  We are thrilled to be working with Colin and Garth to redefine this quintessential character for a new generation of readers around the world.” said Sharad Devarajan, Virgin Comics’ CEO. “Dan Dare + Garth Ennis = AWESOME,” explains Gotham Chopra, Virgin Comics’ Chief Creative Officer.  “There’s not much more to say because this is a combination that doesn’t require hype – great comic heroes plus great comic writers equal a great time for all of us."  Expect nothing less.

Well, in fact, you can have a look at the quality of what's in store for you with this sensational comic - below are some of the stunning images of artwork from issue 1, including a variant cover by Greg Horn. Personally, I can't wait! Bring on the Mekon, and how about Professor Jocelyn Peabody - what will Garth Ennis make of her, I wonder? This is terrific - the best thing to happen to comics for decades.