Warning: contains potential spoilers for Red Riding, Rise of the Alpha Huntress!
The legend of Little Red Riding Hood gets an awesome makeover in Red Rising: Rise of the Alpha Huntress, from John Carpenter’s Storm King Comics. Since its founding, Storm King has brought fans some of the best horror and dark fantasy comics on the market. Publishers John Carpenter and Sandy King have a keen eye for the genre, and Red Rising: Rise of the Alpha Huntress, the publisher’s 50th release, proves their instincts are correct.
The story of Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most well-known fairy tales. Like all stories of its type, her legend has changed over time, but in nearly every version there is an evil wolf who eats Red Riding Hood’s grandmother. How events play out after that varies: in some, the wolf also consumes Red Riding Hood, and in others she and her grandmother are freed. Many interpretations of the story exist, and like many fairy tales, it has been greatly sanitized for children. Her story has also inspired countless pop culture riffs and pastiches.
Among Edmund’s acting credits include an impressive stint in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise.
One of these is Neo Edmund’s A Tale of Red Riding, Rise of the Alpha Huntress cycle of novels, published by WildFire Press. So far, one book has appeared, with four more planned. Edmund, who was a child actor before turning to writing and film-making, shakes up the story of Little Red Riding Hood, giving the story a “dark fantasy” vibe. Now, Storm King Comics is bringing Red Riding, the Alpha Huntress to comics.
Neo Edmund Brings Their A Tale of Red Riding, Rise of the Alpha Huntress To Comics
Red Rising, Rise of the Alpha Huntress was adapted to comics by Edmund from their novel, and drawn by the legendary Jan Duursema. Together, they bring the world of Wayward Woods and the Alpha Werewolves to glorious life. Young Red Riding has spent her childhood in orphanages, with no memories of her family, birth or even her real identity.
Then, one night, Red Riding’s life changes forever. A mysterious stranger pays a call at the orphanage, with a message for Red Riding from her long-lost grandmother to return home. Something bad has happened, and Red is needed. Intrigued by this clue to her past, Red sets out to Wayward Woods on her motorcycle. Along the way, Red meets a variety of characters, including Wolf Boy, a potential paramour. Red rediscovers her heritage as an Alpha Werewolf, the most powerful of her kind.
Rise of the Alpha Huntress Is an Original Work of Werewolf Fiction
Red’s Journey Through the WayWard Woods Is the Story of Growing Up
Red’s story in Rise of the Alpha Huntress deftly blends dark and epic fantasy elements, creating one of the most original works of werewolf fiction in recent memory. Edmund and Duursema continually subvert readers’ expectations: Grandma, usually portrayed as old and fragile, is here a powerful, but ultimately good, witch. Wolf Boy, whose allegiances remain vague and his own, becomes one of Rise of the Alpha Huntress’ best characters.
Then there is Little Red Riding Hood herself. As noted earlier, Red Riding Hood’s story and characterization fluctuates with the telling, with her dying in some incarnations. The Red Riding Hood of Rise of the Alpha Huntress would not have proven as easy a prey for monsters as her fairy-tale counterpart. Growing up in an orphanage, Red learned how to fight early on, which gives her an edge over both goblins and the Ice Seether alike. Red’s fighting skills are on constant display throughout Rise of the Alpha Huntress.
The Red Riding Hood of Rise of the Alpha Huntress would not have proven as easy a prey for monsters as her fairy-tale counterpart.
Finally, Red Riding, Rise of the Alpha Huntress’ story is one of the most relatable in all fiction: that of growing up and finding yourself. Red Riding Hood is a confused mess at the orphanage, with no knowledge of her true self. Her journey through the WayWard Woods, and the colorful characters she meets along the way, help push Red further into adulthood. Red learning of her destiny coincides with physical changes in her body as well, namely claws and fangs. Rose is officially a werewolf.
John Carpenter Is Shaking Up Horror Comics, and Rise of the Alpha Huntress Is Another Winner for Storm King
John Carpenter has given fans some of the most terrifying horror films of the past 50 years. Classics such as Halloween, The Thing and They Live changed the course of the horror genre, and continue to resonate with audiences today. Recent years have seen him turn to music as a creative outlet, as well as comics with Storm King. Running the company with longtime partner Sandy King, Carpenter is now changing up the game for horror comics, and Red Riding, Rise of the Alpha Huntress continues Storm King’s hot streak.
Red Riding, Rise of the Alpha Huntress is on sale June 9 from Storm King Comics!