Jim Shooter’s Defunct Classic, ‘Schism,’ Has Finally Been Published After 30 Years

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As a dedicated comic enthusiast with over three decades of immersion in the world of sequential art, I can confidently say that the revival of Jim Shooter’s long-forgotten masterpiece, “Schism: Be Careful What You Dream,” is a monumental event for me and countless others who cherish the rich tapestry of comic book history. This project, originally conceived by Shooter in 1994 and now being brought back to life through a successful Kickstarter campaign, promises to deliver a captivating tale that will undoubtedly resonate with fans old and new alike.

Having followed the ups and downs of the comic book industry since my early days as a young reader, I can recall vividly the disappointment when Defiant Comics’ ambitious project never saw the light of day. But now, thanks to the tireless efforts of Jay Weaver, Jay Hollister, Scott Braden, J.C. Vaughn, and many others, we will finally get a chance to explore the complete storyline that was meant to tie together all of Defiant Comics’ characters in one epic shared storyline.

The opportunity to delve into this long-lost chapter of comic history is truly a dream come true for me, and I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as I imagine the thrill of holding the completed series in my hands. The fact that it features Shooter’s original plot, paired with restored and remastered artwork by some of the industry’s greats like Charlie Adlard, David Lapham, JG Jones, and Dave Taylor, only serves to heighten my anticipation.

I eagerly await the final outcome of the Kickstarter campaign, and I hope that it surpasses its goal so that we can all experience this piece of comic book history together. In the meantime, I’ll be counting down the days until March 2, when the journey through “Schism” begins anew!

Oh, and as a little inside joke for fellow comic fans, let me just say: “I’ve always wondered what would happen if the Dogs of War met the Warriors of Plasm – I guess we’ll finally find out!

The forgotten comic book “Schism: Be Careful What You Dream,” written by Jim Shooter, is being brought back to life after over three decades. Initially intended for publication in 1994 by Shooter’s defunct company, Defiant Comics, the project was never completed—but that has changed now.

Thanks to a Kickstarter campaign, this long-lost story is being restored and brought back to life.

The Kickstarter fundraising event is ongoing until March 2nd and has managed to gather more than $11,600 so far towards its target of $61,200. This comic will showcase Shooter’s original storyline combined with newly revitalized and enhanced artwork. Approximately 160 pages from 1994 will be featured, along with previously undisclosed work by artists such as Charlie Adlard, David Lapham, JG Jones, and Dave Taylor.

Originally, the comic series titled “Schism” was planned as a four-part story arc, intertwining all of Defiant Comics’ characters within a single narrative thread. This idea mirrored the achievements of Jim Shooter with Marvel’s “Secret Wars” and Valiant’s “Unity” crossovers in the past.

To put it another way, just two stories (namely, “Dogs of War” #5 and “Warriors of Plasm” #13) were released prior to the closure of Defiant Comics.

The exploration and revival of “Schism” was primarily driven by Jay Weaver, the host of the popular podcast “Midnight, On Earth”, along with some prominent personalities within the comics industry.

Participants in this endeavor encompass Jim Hollister, the curator at the Arizona Defiant Comics Museum, and Scott Braden, a seasoned comic book journalist. Additionally, figures such as J.C. Vaughn from Diamond Comics and Defiant co-creator J.J. Jackson held significant positions.

In 1993, the creator behind Defiant Comics entered the scene with financial support from The River Group, following his departure from Valiant. Defiant’s primary series, titled “Plasm”, initially appeared as collectible trading cards that combined into a comic book format once assembled.

Nevertheless, a contentious lawsuit with Marvel Comics over the title (which was eventually renamed “Warriors of Plasm”) depleted Defiant’s financial resources. Winning in court wasn’t enough to save them; the company shut down in 1995 due to escalating legal expenses.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the elusive cinematic journey, Schism: Be Careful What You Dream, is now live on Kickstarter! This unique opportunity gives us, the passionate fans, a chance to revisit a forgotten piece of comic book history in a way only movies can deliver.

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2025-01-04 17:44