“Being a huge Gears of War fan, I couldn't pass the opportunity to draw a cover for the series, said Jim Lee. “It’s the most visceral yet elegant game I've ever played, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute something new to the ever expanding mythos of Gears!”

“We’re ecstatic to have Jim Lee on board for the Gears of War comic book series,” said Dr. Michael Capps, president, Epic Games. “We've been huge fans of his artwork for years, and can't wait to incorporate his latest character design into the Gears universe.”

Gears of War #9 will be authored by Capps and Joshua Ortega, the lead author of the comic book series and scriptwriter for the Gears of War 2 game, and interior illustrations will be provided by renowned comic book artist Liam Sharp. An alternate cover for Gears of War #9 will be provided by Chris Perna, art director of Epic Games.

The Gears of War ongoing comic book series was one of the most popular launches for DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint in 2008. According to WildStorm, high demand for Gears of War #1 was answered with broad circulation.

“We’re quite pleased with the continued success of the Gears of War comic that kicked off with the widely distributed premiere issue,” said Hank Kanalz, vice president and general manager of WildStorm. “We hope to maintain that momentum, leading up to the collected hardcover edition releasing later this year.”

Both Gears of War #1 and Gear s of War #2 sold out and went back to press with a special flip book reprinting of both issues combined into one volume. Slated for release this summer is also a Gears of War Sourcebook featuring some of comics’ best and brightest talent, plus amazing pieces by select artists of Epic Games.