Last year, I interviewed writer B. Clay Moore, who mentioned that he was bringing back his intriguing “tropical noir” Hawaiian Dick series as an ongoing color monthly.

Hawaiian Dick #1

Now, the specifics have been announced. Issue #1 will be 32 pages for $2.99, due out November 21. It can be ordered from next month’s Previews catalog with code SEP07 1953. Scott Chantler (Northwest Passage) will be the lead story artist, with original illustrator and co-creator Steven Griffin providing backups.

Here are the press release quotes:

“HAWAIIAN DICK has always been my favorite series to write,” says writer B. Clay Moore. “It hits all of my favorite interests – the ’50s, cocktails, and the supernatural. While I’m very proud of ‘Byrd of Paradise’ and ‘The Last Resort,’ I always felt a little restricted in the miniseries format. I wanted to allow plotlines to develop more naturally. After years of mulling it over, everything came together when Steve and I met Scott Chantler.”

Hawaiian Dick #2

This newfound freedom allows Moore to flesh out the world of Byrd, a disgraced Stateside detective who lands in Hawaii to forget his recent troubles. However, forces both criminal and supernatural force him out of his self imposed retirement. Byrd’s new cases will be drawn by Scott Chantler in the lead story while Steven Griffin will provide covers and a six-page back up every issue.

Image Comics Executive Direction Eric Stephenson adds, “To see HAWAIIAN DICK go from fledgling miniseries to a franchise strong enough to support an ongoing means a lot. We couldn’t be prouder of this title, or more excited for Clay, Steven, and Scott.”

I’ve loved Griffin’s unique look, but I’ve gotten the impression that he isn’t the fastest creator. Chantler’s done terrific historical work, so this is great news. I’m looking forward to a timely release schedule helping the series gain more attention, as it deserves.

Update: I’ve added the cover to issue #2.