Munich, 24 June 2016.
From now on, BMW Motorrad not only travels the roads of the real
world but pursues fictional paths, too. In collaboration with the
publisher Panini Verlags GmbH, a graphic novel entitled “Riders in
the Storm” is currently being created with publication planned for
October 2016.
The text and story are being provided by Croatian author and
illustrator Darko Macan. For the illustration of this
limited-edition work it was possible to gain the services of the
Italian Riccardo Burchielli, who has worked for more than 15 years
as a comic book artist for major publishers in the USA such as DC
Comics, Marvel and Dark Horse. “Many of us have been familiar with
comics since childhood, and we have seen superheroes and fantasy
worlds adapted for the big screen, too. The people behind these
stories are equally fascinating. Riccardo Burchielli is a
motorcycling enthusiast himself and through him we are able to
provide insights into how a comic story comes into being. And of
course we ensure his heroes are equipped with suitable bikes,” says
Dr. Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Marketing and Product Management BMW Motorrad.
So who are the heroes battling against evil on their
motorcycles? Makani – inspired by real-life tattoo model and human
work of art Makani Terror – is a policewoman. Her companions are a
wolf with exceptional powers, the passionate racing rider Eve and
the rather out-of-the-ordinary street artist Nikki Animah. Then
there are the mysterious Black Riders of course – they too are
inspired by real-life characters. “This is a very special project
for us, and it’s a great honour and pleasure to be able to
collaborate with BMW Motorrad,” says Hermann Paul, managing director
of Panini Verlags GmbH. “The author and illustrator are having
enormous fun, and we very much look forward to overseeing this
extravagant and stylish blend of fantasy, adventure and mystery. The
comic is conceived as a limited edition, so it will be a really
great item for collectors worldwide,” adds Paul.
“Riders in the Storm” is very special to Riccardo Burchielli at
a personal level, too: in addition to his passion for illustration,
the Italian is also an avid motorcyclist. His hobby provides him
with inspiration for his stories, which often take place in unusual
settings where the heroes are initially confronted with dark forces
before ultimately rising like a phoenix from the ashes to enter a
whole new world. As Burchielli himself says, motorcycling is all
about “how you relate to your natural surroundings and the
landscapes you pass through. It’s a feeling of freedom that comes
from your ability to move freely in the world like a cowboy. It’s
also about your connection with your motorcycle, which is rather
like a loyal friend. And not least it’s about total relaxation. When
you’re riding your bike, that’s all you’re focused on. There’s no
room for anything else in your head – you’re totally free at that
moment.” In “Riders in the Storm” he is able to bring together his
two great passions together for the first time: illustrating and motorcycling.
BMW Motorrad and Panini will be presenting their project for the
first time at Comic Con Germany in Stuttgart on 25 and 26
June, 2016. Tattoo model Makani Terror will be in
attendance at the Panini Verlags GmbH trade fair stand, and there
will be an exclusively designed Art Bike of the new BMW G 310 R on show.
Riccardo Burchielli will also be signing autographs at the
upcoming BMW Motorrad Days from 1 to 3 July, 2016
in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
You will find visual material on “Riders in the Storm”
here.
The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the
world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles
and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global
company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities
in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and
nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the
financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues
amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group
had a workforce of 122,244 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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