Rise of the Allies
Powered by Performance Paradigm, Rise of the Allies is a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion program focused on improving the human condition through storytelling. Partnering with iD8 Entertainment, an independent comic book publisher, founded by Jonathan A. Rheingold, Rise of the Allies, will be available in print and digital formats to various businesses worldwide. The comic book is co-written by esteemed editor and writer Joseph Illidge (MPLS Sound, Judge Kim and the Kids' Court), and Reggie Butler, with illustrations by superstar artist ChrisCross (Xerø, Captain Marvel).
Rise of the Allies follows the superhero Chroma, who uses her powers to combat supernatural enemies responsible for psychic manipulation and nurturing microaggressions in the corporate workplace. Alongside Illidge, Butler, and ChrisCross, the creative team includes colorist Walt Barna (Dark Blood) and letterer Saida Temofonte (DCeased, The X-Files). The comic book features a main cover by artists Yvel Guichet (Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero) and Wil Quintana (Green Lantern), with a variant cover by ChrisCross and Sebastian Cheng (Amazing Spider-Man).
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Rise of the Allies
“Our current society is polarized by extreme differences in perspective and lived experience. Stories matter. That’s why I’ve teamed up with iD8 Comics and their esteemed team of veterans from DC Comics and Marvel to leverage the undeniable power of comic books as a communicative art form to highlight the injustices and inequities that divide us. Through powerful original characters in our story, Rise of the Allies, we hope to activate the hero in all of us and show that progress is possible if we take a stand and do our part.”
— Reggie Butler
“With iD8 Comics and its legion of veteran comic book industry creators led by highly regarded storytellers Joseph Illidge and Darren Sanchez, and Performance Paradigm’s one-of-a-kind human-capital consultancy, creating original characters and producing impactful stories through the comic book medium is a sophisticated way to provide their clients with custom storytelling solutions only this unique partnership could create.”
— Jonathan A. Rheingold
“Utilizing my experience in publishing — from working on DC Comics’ Batman books to editing magazines for legendary publisher Heavy Metal — to craft the Rise of the Allies comic book has been really fulfilling. I’m excited to take these fantastic ideas and characters into the real world and make an impact by challenging readers to unleash their own true superpowers of empathy, emotional intelligence, and decisive action.”
— Joseph Illidge