At a Glance
- The Port turns reggae icon Shaggy into a swagger-filled pirate captain, Artemis Slay.
- The supernatural adventure will debut in 2026 at bookstores worldwide.
- The project is a collaboration between writer Rodney Barnes, artist Jason Shawn Alexander, and music executive Martin Kierszenbaum.
- Why it matters: It fuses music, history, and fantasy in a fresh comic format, offering fans a new way to experience Shaggy’s legacy.
Shaggy’s latest venture takes the form of a graphic novel that blends Caribbean lore, ghostly revenge, and reggae rhythm. The Port follows pirate captain Artemis Slay-modeled after Shaggy’s unmistakable swagger-as he leads a ghostly crew out of the death realm to confront the haunted city of Port Royal, Jamaica.
The Birth of a Pirate Captain
Shaggy, whose real name is Orville Richard Burrell, said the project felt both “scary and fun.” He explained that the character’s swagger mirrors his own stage presence: “I love the concept and story of The Port. It’s an unpredictable adventure that takes place in the Caribbean, but not how you might expect.” The comic’s writer, Rodney Barnes, praised the setting, noting that Port Royal’s history of pirates and revelry provides a perfect backdrop for a tale of redemption, rebellion, and rhythm.
Setting the Stage: Port Royal
Port Royal was a bustling pirate haven until an earthquake in 1692 sank two-thirds of the settlement under the sea. The city’s dramatic end has made it a popular mythic setting for storytellers. The novel’s synopsis describes a city where buried sins and restless souls collide.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1692 | Earthquake submerges Port Royal |
| 1700s | City becomes a ghost-filled legend |
| 2026 | The Port slated for release |
The Creative Alliance
Barnes and Alexander first teamed up on the 2022 horror-thriller Killadelphia, which was nominated for an Eisner Award. The duo’s chemistry carried over to The Port, where Alexander’s art brings the supernatural Caribbean to life.
The graphic novel is the first step in a “creative alliance” between Barnes, Shaggy, and Martin Kierszenbaum, CEO of CherryTree Music Company, which represents Shaggy. The project will be published by Zombie Love Studios, founded by Barnes.
> “Nothing makes art better than making it with friends,” Barnes said of the collaboration.
What Readers Can Expect
- A ghostly revenge mission led by a pirate captain with reggae flair.
- A blend of history, fantasy, music, and suspense.
- Themes of redemption, rebellion, and rhythm set against a haunted Caribbean backdrop.
- Art that captures the eerie beauty of Port Royal’s underwater ruins.
Release and Availability
The Port will debut in 2026 wherever books are sold, from physical bookstores to digital platforms. Fans of Shaggy, comic enthusiasts, and lovers of Caribbean lore will find a fresh narrative that bridges music and visual storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- Shaggy’s persona is central to the pirate captain Artemis Slay.
- The story takes place in a historically rich, supernatural version of Port Royal.
- The project unites creators from comics, music, and publishing in a unique partnership.
- Release is scheduled for 2026, offering a new genre blend for readers.
The Port promises to be a standout entry in the graphic novel landscape, marrying reggae swagger with ghostly adventure in a way that only Shaggy and his collaborators could achieve.
