Ares
The origin of the Sons of Ares, written before Darrow's story began.
The Sons of Ares comic series, published by Dynamite Entertainment in 2017, explores the origins of the rebel group known as the Sons of Ares from Pierce Brown's Red Rising novels. Written by Pierce Brown and Rik Hoskin with art by Eli Powell, this six-issue prequel is set before the events of Darrow’s story. The narrative centers on a pivotal historical shift: when a Gold falls in love with a baseborn Red, changing the course of history within an all-powerful Society ruled by Golds at the expense of lower castes.
- Role
- Founder of the Sons of Ares
- Affiliation
- Sons of Ares
- First Mentioned In
- Red Rising novels (as a historical figure)
- Status
- Unknown
- Significance
- Origin story of the Sons of Ares rebel group
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Set in the freshly colonized solar system, this series details how the founding members of the Sons of Ares began to destroy society from within. The story is described as a fast-moving exploration of an inflexible regime and its effects on key figures who strive against a dehumanizing system. Rik Hoskin noted that while the story remains true to the books, it offers a unique perspective on the limits of humanity in such a harsh, cruel, and unfair environment. Pierce Brown emphasized that the series is made for both new and veteran readers, serving as a dream come true to bring this specific era of the Red Rising universe to comic book form.
In Their Own Story
The plot focuses entirely on the origins of the Sons of Ares rebel group before Darrow's timeline. It depicts a future where Golds rule the universe until one falls in love with a baseborn Red, an act that alters history. The narrative spans the vast canvas of the solar system, capturing the struggle against a system designed to beat individuals down. While specific battles or character names beyond 'Ares' and 'Apollo' are not detailed in the provided source text, the tone is described as occasionally uplifting despite being harsh and cruel. The series consists of six distinct issues released between May 10 and October 25, 2017.
Reader's Guide
The Sons of Ares comic runs for exactly six issues, published by Dynamite Entertainment throughout 2017. The first issue was released on May 10, with the final issue arriving on October 25, 2017. Created as a prequel to the Red Rising novels, it was announced in July 2016. Beyond the print run, a full-cast dramatized audiobook of the graphic novel was later released by GraphicAudio in 2020. The creative team includes writer Pierce Brown, co-writer Rik Hoskin, and artist Eli Powell.
Did You Know?
- The series consists of exactly six issues released between May 10 and October 25, 2017.
- Pierce Brown co-wrote the series with Rik Hoskin to explore the origins of the Sons of Ares before Darrow's story began.
- A full-cast dramatized audiobook version was released by GraphicAudio in 2020.
- The plot is triggered when a Gold falls in love with a baseborn Red, changing history.
More in Characters & Cast
Elsewhere in the Red Rising universe
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