Arriving October 6, the 21st-Century Action-Packed Comedy Set in Oakland, CA, Unites NFL Legend Marshawn Lynch with NAACP Image Award-Nominated Writer Sheldon Allen and Eisner Hall of Fame Artist Denys Cowan
When Oakland calls, Beast Mode answers. Artists Writers & Artisans (AWA) today announced BEAST MODE 510, a bold new 120+ page graphic novel conceptualized by AWA Chief Creative Officer Axel Alonso, written by NAACP Image Award-nominated author Sheldon Allen (THEY CHOOSE VIOLENCE), and inspired and guided by NFL legend and cultural icon Marshawn Lynch. Launching October 6 and set in Oakland, CA, BEAST MODE 510 is a mythic, irreverent, and deeply personal love letter to the city that raised Lynch and continues to define the former running back and Super Bowl XLVIII champion. Inspired by Lynch’s larger-than-life persona and backed by the Oakland icon himself, the title transforms the “Beast Mode” mentality into a cinematic new comic book hero rooted in loyalty and community.
Blending stylized action, interconnected mystery, and sharp social satire, BEAST MODE 510 channels the just-retribution of The Equalizer with the comedy and social satire of Atlanta, with a healthy dose of West Coast swagger. At its center is Beast Mode: the 510’s legendary fixer and freelance sleuth whose rough exterior hides a code of loyalty and willingness to deal with problems others won’t touch. If you’ve got a problem the authorities won’t handle, Beast Mode will. No invoices. No contracts. Just results.
Written by Sheldon Allen with art by legendary Eisner Hall of Fame artist Denys Cowan (ILLUMINATI), BEAST MODE 510 assembles a powerhouse creative team that translates Lynch’s unmistakable presence and Beast Mode mythology into a vivid, kinetic graphic novel epic. The title reimagines the Beast Mode mentality as a bold new storytelling universe rooted in Oakland, grounded in truth and elevated to myth. The book is colored by Chris Sotomayor (X-MEN, SPIDER-MAN) and inked by Dexter Vines (SUPERMAN, BATMAN), with cover art from Rahzzah (THEY CHOOSE VIOLENCE, BLACK PANTHER) and chapter break art by Ron Ackins (MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN, MOON KNIGHT).
“Oakland is the soil,” said Marshawn Lynch. “This story is for Da’ Town, ya feel me? It’s for the people who look out for each other, them ones that do it for family and community. BEAST MODE 510 is on some different shit. It’s hella action, you read the book, look at the dope illustrations, and it’s like you can see it happenin’, like damn near for real. At the end of the day, the stories have heart and realness. Oakland ain’t just a backdrop in this, it’s a main character, it plays a role, and serves a purpose. Our goal was to create something that celebrates that spirit in a way only graphic novels can.”
In BEAST MODE 510, Lynch’s legendary “Beast Mode” mentality becomes mythic. Most of the time, Beast Mode is Level One cool: laid back, sharp-minded, enjoying a glass of Hen and a freshly rolled blunt. But faced with enough bother, the dial can turn all the way to Level Six, and an unrestrained force of nature is unleashed. What starts as a super-secret birthday surprise for his mother spirals into a globe-spanning conspiracy involving three missing young women, a Silicon Valley slavery ring, Yakuza assassins, reptilian billionaires, a million-dollar bounty on his head, a world economy-shattering takedown, and so much more. As enemies close in and chaos escalates, Beast Mode must protect his family, defend his city, and confront powerful forces threatening the community he loves.
“At AWA, we champion bold, original storytelling that reflects culture in real time,” said Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer at AWA. “Sheldon, Marshawn, Denys, and Dexter have crafted an unapologetic, hilarious, explosive, and deeply personal story set in a universe unlike anything you’ve ever seen. BEAST MODE 510 isn’t just a thoroughly entertaining adventure; it’s an epic love letter to Marshawn’s hometown. With Marshawn’s help, we are tapping into his unique mystique to tell a story only he could anchor.”
Beyond the page, Marshawn Lynch is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in modern sports culture. Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Lynch rose to national prominence as a Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, earning the nickname “Beast Mode” for his relentless and unstoppable style of play. His legendary playoff run, including the iconic “Beast Quake” touchdown, cemented his place in NFL history. But Lynch’s impact now spans far beyond the gridiron. In recent years, he has built a growing presence across film, television, and digital media, appearing in major studio comedies (Bottoms, He Bled Neon), hit streaming series (Lopez vs. Lopez, Euphoria), and national campaigns that showcase his sharp comedic timing and magnetic screen presence. In past projects, Lynch has often stolen the show. With BEAST MODE 510, he is the show. As a producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate, he continues to expand his creative footprint while investing in youth programs, local businesses, and initiatives that uplift Oakland. Lynch now brings that crossover energy into the world of graphic storytelling with BEAST MODE 510, helping shape a project that reflects his voice, his humor, and the city that shaped him.
Additional BEAST MODE 510 programming, creator appearances, exclusive merch, and more will be announced in the coming months as AWA and Lynch build towards an unforgettable debut.
BEAST MODE 510 will be available online and in stores wherever graphic novels are sold on Tuesday, October 6. For more information on the title and other projects, follow AWA Studios on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and visit AWAStudios.com.