ALTERS (2016)

"From a diverse team of creators composed of differing genders, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations comes a groundbreaking new series featuring the world's first transgender superhero! As the world struggles to accept the emergence of a new kind of mutant species known as alterations, or 'Alters,' a young woman begins her transition from male to female only to find herself also transitioning into a powerful Alter. Faced with persecution by the multi-powered fascist known only as Matter Man, she will face the world as Chalice--a hero for a new age. But as Chalice navigates the path to becoming her true self, she must juggle the complications of her civilian life and the responsibilities of her newfound power. This groundbreaking series--years in the making--begins the saga of a young woman who can only really be herself whenever she is not herself."

"The Story of Chalice, A Powerful Woman Chapter Two - Je Suis Charlie As more and more Alter mutations are reported across the country, a terrified population begins to react with fear and mistrust. But Chalice is dealing with issues of her own: can she continue her personal transformation while protecting herself and her family from the dreaded despot known as Matter Man? The answer may come in the form of the Gateway Army: a group of Alters who have sworn to uphold the peace. But in choosing to align herself with these heroes, she may turn herself into a target. "

"writer: Paul Jenkins artist: Leila Leiz color: Tamra Bonvillain letterer: Ryane Hill cover: Brian Stelfreeze Chapter 3: Hello, Goodbye Reeling from the tragedy surrounding her first interaction as an Alter, Chalice must reconcile her public persona and her civilian identity. Her transformations are now set in motion, and she struggles to deal with both. Yet in the midst of this turmoil, new Alters are revealed including one undergoing alteration very close to home. Continue the journey with Eisner Award-winning writer PAUL JENKINS (Wolverine: Origin, Sentry, Inhumans) and incredible artists LEILA LEIZ and TAMRA BONVILLAIN!"

"CHAPTER 4: The Rising Tide-As she juggles difficulties in her home and public lives, Charlie Young must now decide whether or not to take on her most important role so far: as a spokesman for the Gateway Army, and Alters everywhere! When in costume as Chalice, she is quickly becoming an icon. However, this makes her a target for the demented super-Alter known as Matter Man. Charlie's new responsibilities as Chalice may act to unite a nervous populace struggling to come to terms with alteration but they are going to put Charlie and her family firmly in the crosshairs! From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry, and Hellblazer."

"The Story of Chalice, A Powerful Woman Chapter Five - Sixty One Seconds Trapped and outnumbered, Chalice has a final showdown with the dreaded Fascist, Matter Man, and his band of domestic terrorists. The entire Eastern seaboard may be at risk, and there seems no way to stop this madman. A new secret threatens to tip the scales - Chalice's plan may be the craziest gambit of all time but it may just work. And the entire thing rests on the shoulders of a young woman who is only just beginning to come to terms with her brand new powers. From the writer of WOLVERINE: ORIGIN, SENTRY, and HELLBLAZER."

"With her nemesis, Matter Man, finally under control, Chalice begins a new chapter of her life as spokeswoman and primary recruiter for the Gateway Army. However, when she encounters a brand new Alter living in extreme poverty, she is forced to recognize that not everyone wants to be found, giving her a new perspective on the complexity of her own situation. From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry, and Hellblazer. "

"The story of No-Damn-Name, a loving mother Chapter 2: Reflections Sensing that time is running out on the safety of the world's newest Alter, Chalice expands her search. But as she closes in, new complications arise: Chalice finds herself juggling impossible responsibilities to her family, her Alters family, and an impoverished, now-homeless family she barely even knows. As past guilts intensify, she must stand fast against the pressure of her new responsibilities, or be consumed. 'In essence, any superhero comic where the hero has a secret identity, can be seen as a metaphor for identity issues. However, Alters ramps this metaphor up to eleven.' -Andy Hall of comiccrusaders.com From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry and Hellblazer with artwork by 2007 Russ Manning Award finalist Leila Leiz!"

"The story of No-Damn-Name, a loving mother Chapter 3: Mother Stands for Comfort Chalice has successfully convinced the newest Alter to join the Gateway Army but the decision has come at a severe cost: a group of altered anarchists has taken the very thing that our new Alter prizes the most, her oldest child. And as Chalice tries to work through her feelings of guilt and frustration to save the child, inspiration comes from the least likely source possible at the ultimate price. 'In essence, any superhero comic where the hero has a secret identity, can be seen as a metaphor for identity issues. However, Alters ramps this metaphor up to eleven.' -Andy Hall of comiccrusaders.com From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry and Hellblazer with artwork by AfterShock's very own Leila Leiz! "

"Reeling from the fallout of Morph's decision, Chalice must first tend to her duty as a hero: to help their newest member protect her two little boys. But this means an encounter with the vicious killer Patient Nein, and his sinister sidekick, the disfigured girl known only as Cottonmouth. From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry and Hellblazer with artwork by AfterShock's very own Leila Leiz! 'The visuals are beautiful and deserve attention, while the story looks to be addressing something avoided in American society. Overall grade: A' - Patrick Hayes of scifipulse.net"

"Faced with the loss of her child, or the loss of her own life, the newest Alter on the team may find her career ended before it has ever begun. The is the climactic end to the story of No Damn Name, where the emergence of the most powerful and dangerous Alter yet may change the balance of power, or even lead to the entire destruction of Earth. From the writer of Wolverine: Origin, Sentry and Hellblazer with artwork by AfterShock's very own Leila Leiz! 'The visuals are beautiful and deserve attention, while the story looks to be addressing something avoided in American society. Overall grade: A.' - Patrick Hayes of scifipulse.net"