Friday the 13th (comics)

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The popularity of the Friday the 13th film series and its main character, Jason Voorhees led to several comic book series based on the franchise. The first Friday the 13th comic books did not appear until 1993 when New Line Cinema acquired the franchise and licensed it out to Topps Comics. Topps Comics would only release two series on the franchise before ceasing operations in 1998. After the success of Freddy vs. Jason and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake film in 2003, New Line Cinema created their "House of Horror" licensing division which licenses the Friday the 13th franchise to Avatar Press for use in new comic book stories, the first of which was published in 2005.

[edit] Topps Comics

After New Line Cinema's acquisition of the Jason Voorhees character from Paramount Pictures, it was licensed out to Topps Comics for use in comic book stories. Since New Line Cinema's deal with Paramount only covered use of the Jason character, the Friday the 13th title could not be used in films or licensed media, such as comic books. It wasn't until several years after production of the Topps titles that New Line Cinema also obtained the Friday the 13th title.

The first comic book appearance of the Jason Voorhees character was in the fourth issue of the Satan's Six comic book, published in July of 1993. Jason is summoned by the character, Odious Kamodious, Esq., to work for him. Instead, Jason attacks Odious Kamodious and the Satan's Six team. The battle lasts no more than two pages before Odious Kamodious sends Jason on his way to hell. Despite the fact that Jason only appears briefly, the character's trademark hockey mask is featured prominently on the cover in an obvious attempt to boost sales. The dialogue within the book even makes humorous references to Jason's appearance being used only as a promotional gimmick.

That very same month, Topps Comics published the first of a three issue adaptation of the Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday film. The story was written by Andy Mangels and was adapted from the shooting script of the movie. As a result, several elements, not used in the theatrical or video versions, appear in the comic book.

In 1995, Topps made one more foray into the Friday the 13th franchise when they published Jason Vs. Leatherface. The three issue series saw Jason accidentally transported to Texas where he comes face to face with Leatherface and his cannibalistic family from the The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film franchise, also owned and licensed out by New Line Cinema. Written by Nancy A. Collins, the series, which takes place directly after Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives, and before Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood sees Jason uncharacteristically befriend Leatherface and his family before several events lead to a battle between the two horror franchise stars.

[edit] Avatar Press

In May of 2005, Jason Voorhees returned to comic books, for the first time in ten years, with the Friday the 13th Special written by former Chaos Comics founder, Brian Pulido and published by Avatar Press in association with New Line Cinema's "House of Horror" licensing division.

Towards the end of 2005, Avatar would publish two issues of the three part Friday the 13th: Bloodbath, once again written by Brian Pulido. Due to Avatar's erratic publishing schedule, the third and final issue of the series was not released until April of 2006.

Avatar also began publishing comic books based on the Jason X film in which Jason awakes in outer space, 455 years in the future. In October of 2005, Avatar released the Jason X Special written by Brian Pulido. The Jason X Special would create its own continuity spinning off from the final moments of the film. In 2006, Avatar would publish the two part Friday the 13th: Jason Vs. Jason X series, with story and art by Mike Wolfer. The series picks up where the Jason X Special left off and pits the original version of Jason against his 25th century counterpart.

[edit] Wildstorm Comics

Starting in December 2006, Wildstorm Comics will release an ongoing Friday the 13th comic series, following The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

The Friday the 13th Series

Films: Friday the 13th • Friday the 13th Part 2 • Friday the 13th Part 3 • Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter • Friday the 13th: A New Beginning • Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives • Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood • Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan • Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday • Jason X • Freddy vs. Jason Major characters: Jason Voorhees • Pamela Voorhees • Tommy Jarvis • Roy Burns Other topics: Comics • List of Deaths • Timeline • Video Game