The novel is currently being created and its publication is being planned for release in October.
Burchielli has worked for more than 15 years as a comic book artist for major publishers in the United States, which includes DC Comics, Marvel and Dark Horse.
“Many of us have been familiar with comics since childhood, and we have seen superheroes and fantasy worlds adapted for the big screen, too. The people behind these stories are equally fascinating. Riccardo Burchielli is a motorcycling enthusiast himself and through him we are able to provide insights into how a comic story comes into being. And of course we ensure his heroes are equipped with suitable bikes,” said BMW Motorrad head of marketing and product management Dr Ralf Rodepeter.
Terror - inspired by real-life tattoo model and human work of art Makani Terror - is a policewoman.
Her companions are a wolf with exceptional powers, the passionate racing rider Eve and the rather out-of-the-ordinary street artist Nikki Animah.
Then there are the mysterious Black Riders of course - they too are inspired by real-life characters.
“This is a very special project for us, and it’s a great honour and pleasure to be able to collaborate with BMW Motorrad,” said Panini Verlags managing director Hermann Paul.
“Riders in the Storm” is very special to Burchielli at a personal level, too: in addition to his passion for illustration, the Italian is also an avid motorcyclist.
His hobby provides him with inspiration for his stories, which often take place in unusual settings where the heroes are initially confronted with dark forces before ultimately rising like a phoenix from the ashes to enter a whole new world.
Illustrator Riccardo Burchielli
As Burchielli himself says, motorcycling is all about “how you relate to your natural surroundings and the landscapes you pass through. It's a feeling of freedom that comes from your ability to move freely in the world like a cowboy. It’s also about your connection with your motorcycle, which is rather like a loyal friend. And not least it’s about total relaxation. When you’re riding your bike, that’s all you’re focused on. There’s no room for anything else in your head - you’re totally free at that moment.”
In “Riders in the Storm” he is able to bring his two great passions together for the first time: illustrating and motorcycling.
BMW Motorrad and Panini will be presenting their project for the first time at Comic Con Germany in Stuttgart from June 25 to 26.
Tattoo model Terror will be in attendance at the Panini Verlags trade fair stand, and there will be an exclusively designed Art Bike of the new BMW G 310 R on show, while Burchielli is available for autographs at the upcoming BMW Motorrad Days from July 1 to 3 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
