Marvel’s Founder David Maisel Launches Ekos Volume 2 Kickstarter on Oct. 21 — Grell Returns in Reimagined Epic
David Maisel, the founder of Marvel Studios, is helping revive the work of creators Michael Turner and Geoff Johns with a new Kickstarter for Ekos Volume 2, set to launch on Oct. 21. The project reimagines Turner’s character Grell and brings together characters from Soulfire and Fathom, while promising new art and alternate covers from several collaborators.
- What is Ekos?
- Ekos Volume 2: new story and changes
- Artists and alternate covers
- Kickstarter launch and related links
- Maisel’s goals and quotes
- Context: MCU references
What is Ekos?
Ekos began as a six-page comic by Michael Turner and Geoff Johns published in Wizard magazine in 2004. It introduced Grell, originally a gliding, feline humanoid whose planet was invaded by humans. Turner later co-created Fathom and Soulfire, and his characters have continued to have a following after his death in 2008 at age 37.
Ekos Volume 2: new story and changes
The new edition, produced after a 2024 Kickstarter that raised $238,000, reimagines Grell not as an alien but as a distinct species living on an isolated island on Earth. In this volume, Grell teams up with characters from Soulfire and Fathom to try to avert a planetary disaster. Rather than battling extraterrestrials, Grell uses empathic powers to connect people and raise awareness about war and mass extinction.
Maisel has described the character’s approach as focusing on understanding and connection rather than brute force.
Artists and alternate covers
Aspen Comics released a new version of the art from the original Wizard cover updated by Ekos colorist Peter Steigerwald, which will be one of several alternate covers available to Kickstarter backers. Other announced collaborators include David W. Mack (known for work on Daredevil and Jessica Jones) and Alexander Lozano (Namor, Wolverine).
Art and presentation
The project will offer multiple alternate covers and updated artwork, and Aspen has provided preview images tied to the campaign. The updated visuals echo Turner’s original designs while positioning the story for a broader Earth-based setting.
Kickstarter launch and related links
The Kickstarter for Ekos Volume 2 is scheduled to go live on Oct. 21. For campaign details and backing options, see the Kickstarter page.
Maisel also presented a vision for an animated Ekos movie and shared a trailer for that concept at San Diego Comic-Con.
Maisel’s goals and quotes
Maisel, who led the official launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008, is spearheading the effort to bring Turner’s characters back through Aspen Comics and a collaboration with Aspen co-owner Peter Steigerwald. He has said:
“Michael was such a beloved figure,” Maisel said. “He obviously passed away way too soon, so people are really excited about something that has Michael’s heritage.”
On the book’s theme, Maisel also said: “Everyone wants to protect their home and everybody wants to be understood. Grell’s power is to be able to do both of those things,” and added, “It’s not always strength that solves issues. Sometimes the strongest way you can be is to understand somebody and try to connect to solve a problem. That’s not talked about a lot.”
Maisel has expressed interest in turning Ekos into an animated movie and pointed to examples like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as proof that adult-appealing animation can work.
Context: MCU references
The report notes Maisel’s background with Marvel and mentions recent MCU box office challenges. Specifically, it cites coverage of weaker openings for some recent MCU releases. For context, see reporting on box office performance from TheWrap and on opening weekend results from The Guardian.
Maisel commented on the MCU’s ups and downs: “It’s like asking me about my children,” he said. “Sometimes your children are not always doing exactly what you want them to do, but you love them. I pinch myself every day when I see how widespread the MCU mythology has become, whether I’m traveling to other countries or seeing parents and kids watching the movies together in the right order from the timeline. I was optimistic, but it’s still amazing that it’s worked out in this way and that people are so into these stories.”
