It has been untold years since the Giants-That-Were disappeared, leaving behind the animals forever changed by their strange science. Now, granted the gifts of intelligence and self-awareness, the valiant Hamster Aquatic Mercenaries struggle to keep their horde alive in the dangerous new world.

In The Underfoot: The Mighty Deep, H.A.M. has been hired to save their badger allies from dangerous flooding, but first they’ll need new recruits. Only the best of the best can join the ranks of H.A.M., and the colony’s most ambitious young hamster pups compete for their chance at glory and prestige. Those who succeed, however, soon discover that life outside their burrow is not the grand adventure they imagined, but instead find a world of deadly threats and conflicting stories about their species’ origins.

Combining heroic battles, dark mysteries, and heartfelt friendships, The Underfoot: The Mighty Deep is the beginning of an epic sci-fi trilogy chronicling the animal kingdoms left to rise and fall in the absence of the Giants-That-Were. When the hamsters learn the truth about their past, will they find the strength to overcome the forces aligning against them, or will their tiny horde be wiped from the earth?

"Emily and I began taking turns building a backstory for one of her pet hamsters that eventually spiraled into emails," said Fisher when asked about the origins for the story.

"[It] grew from our shared sense of whimsy and apparent desire to spend our valuable Adulting time talking to each other as hamsters on social media. However, there is no question that tales we grew up with have influenced our imaginations and work," said Whitten continued. "I’ve also been a fan of anthropomorphic action animal stories, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, for as long as I can remember." For the full interview, click here.

The Underfoot Volume 1: The Mighty Deep is the first book in the graphic novel trilogy published by Lion Forge. Written by Ben Fisher and Emily S. Whitten and illustrated by Michelle Nguyen, The Underfoot Volume 1 will be available everywhere April 23, 2019.

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