Madureira would love to revisit Battle Chasers … maybe … eventually

Joe Madureira says he would like to return to Battle Chasers, his wildly popular but famously never-completed fantasy series. Maybe. A long time from now.

Debuting in 1998, the WildStorm/Cliffhanger title was plagued by now-legendary delays, including a 16-month gap between issues 6 and 7, before disappearing with Issue 9 which, appropriately enough, ended on a cliffhanger. That was nine years ago. The comic re-emerged in August with the solicitation for a $100 hardcover collection initially set for release last week. Now, however, the Battle Chasers Anthology is shooting for release on Dec. 1. Or Dec. 15.

Interviewed ahead of his appearance at last weekend’s Wizard World Austin Comic Con, Madureira was asked about the collection, and the chances of the characters’ return.

“I’m totally excited about the release of the hardcover,” he told The Austin Chronicle. “Over the years I’d always hear from fans that had trouble locating some of the issues. This is the first time it’s all been collected into one volume. We’ll see what kind of reception it gets. I’d love to do something with the characters again someday, but it’s a long way off. I have creative-ADD, too much stuff lined up before then!”

Until then, fans will have to be content with the hardcover, which debuts … soon.