Zack Snyder’sRebel Moonis returning with a comic book prequel from all-star writer Gail Simone, continuing the franchise in spite of the Netflix original’s mixed reception from audiences, who praised some elements of the space opera series, while criticizing other aspects. Now, the latest comic book extension of theRebel Moonuniverse hopes to win a new batch of fans over.
As reported by Variety,Rebel Moon: Nemesis, written by Gail Simone, with art by Federico Bertoni, will bea prequel focusing on the backstory of the eponymous character Nemesis, who was a stand-out character from the 2023 film, but whose story was cut short by being killed off in the 2024 sequel.
Readers will now get to learn more about the “sword-wielding partly-mechanical assassin,” and comic book fans know that with Simone at the helm, the character is in more-than-capable creative hands.
Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon” Franchise Is Back In Comic Book For With A “Nemesis” Prequel
Rebel Moon: Nemesis#1; Written By Gail Simone; Art By Federico Bertoni; Available June 14, 2025 From Titan Comics
Zack Snyder’s attempt to capture the magic ofStar Warscan be praised for its ambition its attempt at the grandeur and scope fans have come to associate with George Lucas’s OG space opera, but the chief criticism levied at the series is that it has, so far, failed to balance that out with memorable, resonant characters in the same wayStar Warsdid, especially the Original Trilogy. For some viewers,Nemesis was perhaps as close as theRebel Moonfilms came to doing this, and so it is fitting that she will return in the upcoming comic book prequel.
Author Gail Simone is currentlyin the midst of revitalizing Marvel’sUncanny X-Men, and her work for both Marvel and DC over the past several decades has made her into one of the most prominent creative voices in the industry. As she told Variety, she immediately gravitated toward the character of Nemesis when watchingRebel Moon, and so the chance to expand the character’s story is an exciting one. Simone stated:
I feel like this story was a little bit destined to happen, somehow. My family and I were watching ‘Rebel Moon’ and really enjoying it, and I just immediately focused on Nemesis…I loved the badassery of her, but also the way she addressed grief, and recognized it in others. I just was completely smitten with her, and I actually said to my family: Man, I would love to write her someday.
Well, someone was listening because I get this message that Zack would like to talk to me about writing that exact character. Who am I to argue with fate? She’s a powerful, powerful character, she leaps off the page (and screen) and I cannot even explain how much I enjoyed playing in this sandbox.
Though it is, of course, too soon to tell, adding Simone’s voice to theRebel Moonmultimedia project could potentially help take it to the next level.
Gail Simone’s “Nemesis” Prequel Could Signal A Fresh Start For “Rebel Moon”
Zack Snyder’s Franchise Is Still Developing
A negative, or even lukewarm, reception to a new franchise, especially abig-budget enterprise like Zack Snyder’sRebel Moon, can suffocate the fledgling series before it truly has an opportunity to grow into itself. If there is one lesson Snyder and Netflix can learn from the response to the first twoRebel Moonfilms, it is that focusing onexpanding the story in other mediums, and developing a fanbase through novels and comics, in particular, could be more beneficial than rushing out more cinematic installments.
If [Gail Simone’s] work on the prequel can establish Nemesis as even more of a fan-favorite character, while also drawing in new fans, it could be parlayed into further comic book success for the franchise.
In fact,Gail Simone’sNemesisprequel comic could help revitalize the franchise more than its creators realize, if Simone’s comic book fans are willing to follow her to a new, less-than-beloved franchise. If her work on the prequel can establish Nemesis as even more of a fan-favorite character, while also drawing in new fans, it could be parlayed into further comic book success for the franchise, which in turn could work to establish a stronger reputation forRebel Moonoutside of the films, possibly leading to improved interest in future entries in the series when they do launch on Netflix.
