This April, acclaimed Syracuse-based comic book publisher AHOY Comics will publish the trade paperback collection of ANCESTRAL RECALL, a historical science fiction comedy from writer Jordan Clark (Aquaman, Star Wars Adventures) and artist Atagun İlhan (Poison Ivy, Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet) about an eccentric abstract painter who taps into the literal power of Black History to solve a series of supernatural disappearances with the help of his wife and preteen neighbor.
The gripping new saga from the two Milestone Initiative members uses science fiction and comedy to explore the importance of Black history, the connections between the past and present, and learning to push through difficult life changes. The trade paperback will feature a cover by Atagun İlhan and be published on April 15, 2026.
The Plot: When History Becomes a Superpower
Melvin Warring is a famed abstract painter, known for some groundbreaking work in the late 80s, who now lives a reclusive life in East Oakland with his wife and business manager June. One day as he’s picking up June’s prescription after her hip surgery a force suddenly overcomes Melvin, displacing him from time itself. Meanwhile Myran Kang, Melvin and June’s preteen nextdoor neighbor, has noticed a string of disappearances: a few unhoused people who normally set up in the park, some people at her grandmother’s nursing home, a few of the bus drivers on her normal route… She has a feeling it’s more than a coincidence but can’t get anyone to listen to her — until June disappears too.
As Melvin and Myran dig deeper into the mystery, Melvin finds he’s literally able to tap into the power of Black history when under duress and access the knowledge and abilities of Black people throughout time — everyone from writers and musicians to sword fighters and acrobats, transforming Black history into an actual super power. Will it be enough for Melvin and Myran to discover and disrupt the plans of the mysterious organization disappearing people and find a way to bring them back?
Why AHOY Comics is the Perfect Home for This Saga
AHOY Comics is the renowned Syracuse-based publisher dedicated to satirizing horror, space opera, social satire, sword & sorcery, and superhero stories with critically acclaimed titles like THE TOXIC AVENGER by Matt Bors and Fred Harper, BABS by Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows, SECOND COMING by Mark Russell and Richard Pace, and many more
Take a look at the ‘Ancestral Recall‘ preview:
Critical Acclaim and Industry Buzz
The industry response to the early look at this series has been loud. High-profile creators and outlets are already weighing in on why this book deserves a spot on your pull list.
“Come for the propulsive adventure and masterfully expressive art; stay for the miracle that is Clark’s ingenious conceit for exploring and reframing diasporic history.” — Ezra Claytan Daniels, Upgrade Soul
“ANCESTRAL RECALL combines Black History with Everything Everywhere All at Once.” — IGN
“Right out of the gate, I loved ANCESTRAL RECALL! Here’s a team with a certified fresh idea that knows how to get every single ounce of it. It’s SINNERS meets QUANTUM LEAP, as a struggling artist’s quest to solve his wife’s disappearance careens into a cross-time war to preserve his culture! He might be fighting in the present, but Melvin Waring has the skills of every ancestor on his side—and he’s not stopping until his family’s whole again!” — Steve Orlando
“[A] time-hopping, existential exploration of art, identity, technology, and the arc of the Black experience… The art is packed with joy and kinetic might but also so much more nuance and texture… A magical deep dive into the center of life itself.” — AIPT
“Steeped in mystery and wonder, Jordan Clark’s ANCESTRAL RECALL, takes us on an action-packed adventure you never want to end!” — Che Grayson
“Black history is infused on the pages… Beautifully illustrated by Atagun İlhan… This is a premise that sings as it celebrates Black history… Smartly written with beautiful art and some inspired paneling.” — Comics Beat
“Jordan Clark is doing the thing. He quickly pulls the reader in through the mundane that becomes a maniacal mystery in minutes, which went by almost too fast, because by the last page—I needed more! Buy ANCESTRAL RECALL now.” — Kwanza Osajyefo, creator of BLACK
“Quite the meal for comics fans. It’s a unique fusion of supernatural adventure and historical celebration that reminds me of why the comic medium is so essential and how we can utilize it to remember our past while envisioning a boundless future.” — Stephanie Williams
“Brilliant… ANCESTRAL RECALL is a fun, inventive story that cleverly combines a lot of disparate elements into a smooth piece of work.” — Black Nerd Problems
“ANCESTRAL RECALL is beautifully deceptive. It’s thought provoking while always being fun. It’s heavy while also feeling dreamlike. It’s smart while staying so damn cool. This is one of those books that will stick with you in all the best ways.” — Matthew Rosenberg
