Thomas Bruin. A man plucked from obscurity by circumstance, who saves his town from an alien scout team, and then makes an unholy bargain to save the world from the invasion that follows. This alchemy of actions and secrets makes Bruin a worldwide celebrity, which he leverages to his advantage, but there’s just one problem– the clock’s ticking. Because only Bruin knows that he didn’t truly defeat the aliens so many decades ago, and as he reaches the twilight of his career, the bill comes due.

After he fends off an alien invasion, Thomas Bruin goes from a nobody security guard to Earth's greatest hero! He's got a supercharged launchpad and no ceiling. Bruin rises from celebrity to congress, then to the head of the planet's first orbital security force. He's married into one of the country's most powerful political families, he's surfing a wave of endorsements, and he's the very symbol of human resilience. So why is Bruin nervous? Because only he knows his great victory is a lie. When the aliens return to Earth, stronger than ever, Bruin has no choice but to be the hero he's fooled the whole world into thinking he is...or die trying.

About The Author

Steve Orlando

Steve Orlando has written for every major American comic book publisher. He’s received Eisner Award Nominations for OUTLAW TERRITORY (Image Comics), SWEET PAPRIKA: BLACK, WHITE, AND PINK, and RAINBOW BRIDGE (AfterShock Comics), as well as participating in the Eisner-Winning LOVE IS LOVE (IDW Publishing). He’s received a Ringo Award Nomination for RAINBOW BRIDGE (AfterShock Comics), and wrote for the Ringo-Winning DC PRIDE (DC Comics). As well, his MIDNIGHTER and MIDNIGHTER AND APOLLO were both nominated for GLAAD Media Awards. As a localizer, Orlando contributed to SWEET PAPRIKA, winner of a 2022 Harvey Award.

About The Illustrator

Marco Perugini

Marco Perugini worked in communication and advertising for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, IBM, Nokia and FOX, before turning to a full-time comic artist, working for Italian publishers Sergio Bonelli Editore and Bugs Comics and French publisher Glénat. He is currently developing independent projects for the US and UK markets, including Heavy Metal.