Joe the Barbarian is an eight-issue comic book limited series written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Sean Murphy. It was published in 2010-2011 by Vertigo Comics.
Morrison has discussed the inspiration behind the series:
The first issue was released in January 2010 (cover dated March 2010).
Plot summary Joe is a teenage boy with Type 1 diabetes. When his blood sugar drops and he enters a state of hypoglycemia, he begins to hallucinate, and enters a fantasy world populated with his toys and other fantasy characters. Here he becomes embroiled in a war with King Death, while in the real world he searches for a soda to fix his blood sugar. He knows there is one in the kitchen downstairs, but it is extremely far away, made farther by his medical condition affecting his mobility.
Collected editions The series was collected into a single volume: Joe the Barbarian (224 pages, DC Deluxe Edition hardcover, September 2011, )
Reception The first issue had estimated sales of 25,543, placing it at number 77 in the American comics market sales rankings.January 2010 Comic Book Sales Figures, The Comics Chronicle The second issue had 17,512 estimated sales and slipped to 97th in the sales lists,February 2010 Comic Book Sales Figures, The Comics Chronicle after which sales then stabilised with issue three estimated to have sold 17,674 (119 in the rankings),March 2010 Comic Book Sales Figures, The Comics Chronicle 17,102 for issue #4 (108 in the rankings),April 2010 Comic Book Sales Figures, The Comics Chronicle 16,725 with #5 (118 in the rankings),May 2010 Comic Book Sales Figures, The Comics Chronicle and 16,219 with #6 (118 in the rankings).June 2010 Comic Book Sales Figures, The Comics Chronicle
Adaptation The comic has been optioned for a film adaptation by Thunder Road Pictures.
Notes
References
External links Joe the Barbarian on the Graphic Content blog, DC Comics.com
Reviews
Review: Joe the Barbarian #1, Comic Book Resources Sunday Slugfest: Joe the Barbarian #1 Review, Comics Bulletin Joe the Barbarian #1 Review, IGN Joe the Barbarian #1 -- Hot Ink Advance Review, ComicsAlliance Joe the Barbarian #1 Review, Comics Should Be Good!, Comic Book Resources Joe the Barbarian #2 Review , Comics Bulletin Joe the Barbarian #2 Review, IGN Joe the Barbarian #2 Review, Comics Should Be Good!, Comic Book Resources Joe the Barbarian #3 Review , Comics Bulletin Joe the Barbarian #4 Review , Comics Bulletin