The Terminator franchise has had a long-standing relationship with Dark Horse Comics, and 2010 marks the twentieth anniversary of this partnership. Throughout the years comics have pitted these killer robots against Aliens, Predators, RoboCop, and Superman. On March 31, 2010 the comics return to their roots, paying homage to the James Cameron film that started what would become one of the most successful film franchises in the world.

It’s 2029, thirty-two years since the computer system Skynet became self-aware and launched a nuclear strike against humanity on August 29, 1997—Judgment Day. In the aftermath remain colonies of people looking to survive in a desolate and vulnerable world. Three individuals stand apart from the rest in their fight against the machines—Kyle Reese and his closest friends, Ben and Paige. These three join forces in the enduring fight against Skynet’s army of Hunter-Killer drones and lethal Terminator cyborgs.

The first three issues of The Terminator: 2029, by Zack Whedon and artist Andy MacDonald, examine the events preceding the first Terminator film and provides valuable insight into the life of Kyle Reese, who ultimately becomes the father of John Connor—eventual leader of the resistance against the machines. A second story arc will follow the 2029 series, aptly titled The Terminator: 1984, launching in September. Kyle Reese travels back in time to prevent a human-looking cyborg from killing Sarah Connor. This story may sound like a familiar one, but it promises to reveal new adventures, twists, and turns that no one will see coming. Time travel is a funny thing.

I grew up watching the Terminator films—the first, my favorite. It’s a privilege to explore the world that James Cameron brought to life over twenty-five years ago, and attempt, with all my might, to create something true to that film. There was only one writer that I wanted onboard for this project—Zack Whedon, whom I’d gotten to know while working on the short Dr. Horrible–related stories for the anthology MySpace Dark Horse Presents. I didn’t think he’d take the gig and was shy to ask. He writes fancy TV shows with fancy producers like J. J. Abrams. He co-created a funsical musical that won an Emmy. I bit the bullet; I called Zack and told him about this rad project that he’d be perfect for. I was not proud. I laid it on pretty thick for about ten minutes until he interjected with, “So what’s the project?” Heh. Right. Forgot that detail amidst my blubbering. Terminator. THE TERMINATOR. Conveniently Zack had watched the film the week prior, and we spent the remainder of the call talking about how cool that film was and why we love the Terminator saga. He was in. I was pleased.

Last year at San Diego Comic-Con, Zack and I were able to plot the series. Together we battled the mind-boggling potential for time travel tapped into the psyche of one incredible soldier—Kyle Reese.

We were lucky to snag Andy MacDonald, whose work on this series continues to exceed expectations, as he contributes just as much intrigue, drama, and action as Zack’s scripts.

We’re a team and we love comics.

Whether long-standing Terminator fan, or new to this epic saga, readers will find themselves immersed in an all-out great story. This is the most fun I’ve had editing comics. I’m exceedingly proud of this project and hope readers will enjoy the work and love we’ve put into this little-known universe.

-Freddye Lins