In a significant development for fantasy literature enthusiasts and collectors alike, Bill Willingham, the renowned creator behind Fables and Elementals, has announced the upcoming release of his new fantasy novel trilogy, Outrider, set to debut in 2027. This marks a notable transition for Willingham as he shifts his storytelling from graphic novels to prose, attracting attention within both literary and collectible spheres.
Bill Willingham, celebrated writer and artist, is transitioning from acclaimed works like Fables from DC/Vertigo, and Elementals from Comico, to a more traditional narrative format with his new series, the Outrider trilogy. Published by Raconteur Press, the first installment, titled The Giant, The Witch, and The Warlord, will be available in January 2027. Additionally, segments of this inaugural novel can currently be previewed on Bill Willingham’s Substack.
Reflecting on his creative journey, Willingham shared, “About two years ago I took a year off from all other work to write three prose novels about a questing hero known only as The Outrider.” The trilogy will comprise three stories: The Giant, the Witch, and the Warlord (Book One); The Sorcerer (Book Two); and The King of the West (Book Three). After his initial publishing agreement fell through, Willingham sought out a new platform for this ambitious project and considered crowdfunding as a viable option but ultimately found a partnership with Raconteur Press.
Significantly echoing C.S. Lewis’s beloved The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, the Outrider series promises classic epic fantasy features, including morally complex characters embedded in a narrative deeply rooted in heroism and dedication. This return to the sword and sorcery genre highlights Willingham’s love for prose storytelling, where he remarked, “This is the fantasy I grew up reading. Getting to write it…on my own terms — that’s exactly what this is.” Such sentiments resonate with a community of collectors and readers eager for authentic and engaging literary works.
Moreover, Raconteur Press, founded by seasoned law-enforcement officer Ian McMurtrie in 2022, has established a reputation for transparency and collaborative author relationships. Willingham’s choice to work with them is indicative of a broader industry shift towards more favorable author contracts and rights management. He expressed relief at moving away from less favorable agreements after a long history of challenging publishing contracts. “It mattered,” he emphasized.
McMurtrie, in support of Willingham’s vision, stated, “We understand why he came to us, and we intend to honor that trust by doing the job right.” Raconteur Press has swiftly garnered attention by publishing over a hundred titles since its inception, indicating a commitment to quality and author-centric approaches.
This announcement comes on the heels of Willingham making headlines with claims regarding the fate of his past works, including stating that his comic series Fables should be considered public domain. His vocal stance on these topics signifies a movement toward greater autonomy in creative work, capturing the interest of both fans and collectors who are keenly watching how these developments unfold in the marketplace.
The cover art for The Giant, The Witch, And The Warlord is currently in development, with a full reveal slated for June 2026 and pre-orders expected to open on August 1, 2026. This timeline sets the stage for collectors who appreciate the intersection of graphic narratives and fantasy literature.
Based on reporting by https://www.facebook.com/richard.james.johnston. Read the full story at https://bleedingcool.com/comics/fables-bill-willingham-announces-his-fantasy-novel-trilogy-outrider/.