Acclaimed artist Jill Thompson is joining writer James Robinson for issue #8 of his upcoming 12-part THE SHADE miniseries, starring the former-villain-turned-reluctant-hero from Robinson’s STARMAN series. The special standalone issue — set in Paris in the early 1900s — is something Robinson wrote specifically for Thompson. And even though the issue’s still months away, we’ve got a first look at her work. “James wanted to work with me, and I wanted to work with him. We ran into each other and he said that he had a specific project with me in mind – which is ultimately how this issue came about,” said Thompson. “I'm thrilled to be working with Jill, after loving her work for so many years in Sandman and Invisibles, as well as her own creations such as Scary Godmother and Beasts of Burden,” said Robinson. “I feel fortunate to have her among the talented artists on this book and I love her wonderful interpretation of the Shade.” THE SHADE miniseries starts in October, with #8 on sale next May. To tide you over until then, check out our first look at Thompson’s art from #8.