A timeless story of the battle for freedom through patriotism is retold in a new form in IDW Publishing's graphic novel Nevsky (978-1-61377-181-5, $24.99), an original graphic novel adaptation of Sergei Eisenstein's 1938 film Alexander Nevsky. Written by Ben McCool (Memoir, Choker) with art by Mario Guevara (Victorian Undead), this full-length graphic novel is a re-imagination of Eisenstein's famed film.

Alexander Nevsky–decidedly the most popular figure in Russian history–is a much-loved historical leader who helped establish the Russian nation by defeating the Teutonic Knights. These invaders were the last vestiges of the Holy Roman Empire and drove out from Germany bringing oppression and religious intolerance with them. In 1242, Nevsky with an army of soldiers and citizens, defeated the Teutonic Knights in a spectacular battle on the frozen Lake Peipus, an achievement celebrated in Russia to this day.

Eisenstein was a revolutionary figure who is to Russian film what Chekhov and Tolstoy are to its literature. In 1938, Eisenstein, already celebrated for his groundbreaking films Battleship Potemkin (1925) and October (1928), brought the story of Nevsky's battles to life in a stirring epic that featured a score by the great composer Sergei Prokofiev.

"Nevsky was as much a leader as he was a warrior," says McCool. "His story isn't just a page of little known history; it's an inspiring tale full of strategy and battles and the fight for freedom."

Nevsky is scheduled for release in July and is suggested for Young Adult (13+) readers.