NEWS RELEASE: Actor Chad Michael Murray Ponders the Apocalypse in Debut Graphic Novel‏

Chad Michael Murray’s Everlast Announced for November Release

Debut Graphic Novel From the One Tree Hill Star Tells the Story of Survival in Mankind’s Most Desperate Hour

For Immediate Release:

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA  (October 10,2011)  - Award-winning graphic novel publisher, Archaia Entertainment, announced a November release for the highly anticipated graphic novel, Everlast. Written by television and film actor Chad Michael Murray, (One Tree Hill, Freaky Friday.)  Everlast is an adventure that follows the story of earth as it reaches the End of Days. Pre-orders for the title are being accepted now at comic book shops and wherever books are sold.

A pre-apocalyptic tale, Everlast (paper-over-board hardcover, 104 pp, $19.95, ISBN: 978-1-932386-97-4) follows Derek Everlast, a man whose destiny in life is guiding others to a place of rebirth for mankind called Haven. Following an instinct called the Nudge, bestowed on him by a higher power, Derek is guided to the next chosen human destined to survive, a little girl named Melissa. In a harrowing adventure, he must deliver her safely to Haven before the End of Days. Everlast tells a story of choice, love, friendship, and, most of all, survival. The graphic novel is illustrated by several of the most talented artists in the industry, including Trevor Hairsine (X-Men), Andrew Huerta (Batman Beyond), Robbi Rodriguez (Moon Lake), J.K. Woodward (Fallen Angel) and Danijel Zezelj (Luna Park).

Creator Chad Michael Murray is best known for his role as Lucas Scott in the hit television series, One Tree Hill. Murray will be appearing at New York Comic Con (Oct. 14-15) and is preparing a signing tour nationwide with the first stop at  the Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side  in New York City  on Friday, October 14.

“Everlast has been a passion project of mine for eight years now.” Chad states, “Every aspect of creating this world and journey has been incredible. I've been fortunate to learn from great people along the way and sought help from top artists to bring in the visuals we use to tell this story. Here's to an adventure I can’t wait for the fans to embark on and hopefully hold onto as much as I do.”

Phoenix, an exclusive, supplemental short story to Everlast written by Murray and illustrated by Woodward, is available for free download now on Chad Michael Murray’s official website at http://www.thechadmichaelmurray.com/everlast-2. For more information on Everlast or other Archaia titles, please visit http://www.archaia.com.

About Archaia Entertainment

Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 50 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Gunnerkrigg Court, Awakening, The Killer, Days Missing, Tumor, Syndrome, Artesia, Engineer, and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year according to Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, and was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations. Archaia has also successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media.