Imagine a 13-year-old kid daring to pitch a comic book idea so bold, it involved dragons attacking the White House. That kid was Mark Millar, and now, over four decades later, his childhood dream is finally coming to life. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just a nostalgic revisit—it’s a full-blown, modern reimagining of a story that’s equal parts Independence Day and Game of Thrones. Yes, you read that right.
Back in the day, young Millar sent his proposal for Conquered to DC Comics, complete with a drawing of a dragon laying siege to the most iconic symbol of American power. His pitch was simple yet audacious: a portal opens, unleashing fantasy creatures that conquer America. DC editor Julius Schwartz politely rejected it, but little did he know that this Scottish kid would grow up to become a comic book legend with hits like Kick-Ass and Kingsman. Fast forward 43 years, and Conquered is no longer just a childhood fantasy—it’s a reality, thanks to a Kickstarter campaign launching today.
And this is the part most people miss: the project isn’t just a passion piece; it’s a massive undertaking. Artist Valerio Giangiordano, known for his work on Nemesis: Rogue’s Gallery and Spawn, has been quietly bringing Millar’s vision to life since early 2025. He calls it his most ambitious project yet, depicting an entire world at war with mythical invaders. But here’s the controversial bit: while the story is packed with dragons, orcs, and barbarians, Millar insists it’s grounded. How? That’s the million-dollar question—and one that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
In a video announcing the project, Millar describes it as ‘Independence Day meets Game of Thrones’—a portal opens in New York City, and hordes of fantasy creatures pour out, determined to take down America and set their sights on the rest of the world. It’s a high-concept, high-stakes narrative that feels both timeless and eerily relevant. The Kickstarter campaign runs through October, with the first of four volumes coming from Side Hustle Comics.
What’s equally intriguing is how Conquered fits into Millar’s broader career. This project stands apart from his Netflix ventures, which include adaptations of Jupiter’s Legacy and The Chosen One after the streaming giant acquired Millarworld in 2017. Earlier this year, Millar and Kick-Ass collaborator John Romita Jr. successfully raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter for Psychic Sam, proving that Millar’s independent projects still pack a punch.
But here’s the question that’ll keep you up at night: Can a story rooted in childhood imagination truly resonate with today’s audience? And more importantly, can it live up to the hype of Millar’s past successes? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Conquered destined to be a modern classic, or is it a nostalgic dream best left in the past? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
