Cowboy Ninja Viking is an Image Comicscomic book created by writer A.J. Lieberman and artist Riley Rossmo. The series debuted in 2009, released through Image Comics' partner studio Shadowline.
Publication history
The first appearance of the comic characters is in a 6-page preview in Bomb Queen Vol 6 issue 1 published in September and the 1st issue of the main titlecoming out in October. Writer A.J. Lieberman describes the creation of the series:
Plot synopsis
The series revolves around a counter-intelligence unit of multiple personality disorder patients, formed by psychotherapist Dr. Sebastian Ghislain, who are transformed into agents known as Triplets. It is hinted that this is possible through experimental psychiatric conditioning and treatment, psychotropic drugs, and past life regression therapy. After the unit falls apart, its various members are turned into hired killers. Duncan, a Triplet who channels the skills of a Cowboy, Ninja, and Viking, is sent to find and stop the rogue Triplets.
Major Characters of CNV
Program Staff
Dr. Sebastian Ghislain - The Creator of the Government's Triplet Program. While not a triplet himself his personality appears as a brilliant psychotherapist and a womanizing playboy/boozehound. He also has a penchant for professional backgammon.
Sara Nix - Assistant to Dr. Ghislain, Sara plays Duncan's love interest who recruits him and travels with him on their mission to find the other triplets for Dr. Ghislain and protect them from the antagonist Dr. Blaq. But a character plot twist awaits at the end of Vol.1
Dr. Johann Blaq - Ghislain's former protege and antagonist of the story. His motives are not yet known.
Sashsa - Ghislain's personal pilot and body guard.
Triplets
Duncan' - The titular character and most effective assassin the program produced.
Carl' - Duncan's brother and also one of the most effective assassins as all 3 personalities revolve around combat. it is hinted that Duncan killed him in San Cristobal previous to the plot of volume 1 to prevent him from killing Missionaries during their trial mission. His Highlander Persononality claimed to be *"Seamus McManus of the clan McManus. Born to Angus of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Schiel."
Xia Xia Xian'
Steed Malbranque'
Peyton Vermeer'
Philippe De Montebello' - Gunned down by Duncan in Volume 1.
Emerson Blancpain'
Lara St. Britt'
Johnny Vellum'
Toffler Almric'
Patrick O'Fallon' - Decapitated by Duncan at the end of volume 2.
Viscount Wölfer'
Yashitiko Ammo' - Arguably one of the most centered characters within the plot.
Grear Fulkirk' - Duncan's ex-wife and a rival to Nix.
Blancpain Emerson
Collected editions
The series has been collected into trade paperbacks:
Volume 1
Volume 2
Film adaptation
In 2010 it was announced that Disney had purchased the rights to make a film adaptation of the comic book. Zombieland screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese were slated to pen the film's screenplay. Disney dropped the film in turnaround and Universal acquired the rights in 2012, with World War Z director Marc Forster attached to direct, and Craig Mazin attached to write the script. On November 20, 2014, Chris Pratt was cast as the lead. On January 29, 2015, John Wick directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski were in early talks to replace Forster, who left the project. On January 31, 2018, Michelle MacLaren was confirmed as director for the film. On May 19, 2018, Dan Mazeau and Ryan Engle were brought on board to work on the screenplay. In June 2018, Pratt confirmed MacLaren and members of the production team were in Berlin testing actors, with filming to commence in July. On July 30, 2018, Priyanka Chopra was cast in the lead female role opposite Pratt. The film was set to release on June 28, 2019 but was pulled in August 2018 from its release schedule. As of August 2018, it is considered in active development, the delay accommodating production scheduling and script concerns.
