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Fledgling US comics publisher Aftershock joins “Comics Uncovered” line-up in September

By John Freeman on May 1, 2015 • ( 1 )

Aftershock Comics, the major new American comic book publisher registering high on the Richter scale of comics and graphic novels movers and shakers, are coming to the UK this September in search of talent.

Former Marvel Comics Executive Editor Michael Marts has taken up the post of Editor In Chief at Aftershock Comics, joining former Marvel Comics writer Joe Pruett and former senior executive at Facebook and head of development at Fog City Pictures Michael Richter and reality TV producer Jon Kramer who are serving as joint CEOs, as well as former film executive Lee Kramer and Silicon Valley investor Jawad Qureshi, who Hollywood Reporter notes take positions as president and SVP investor relations, respectively.

The new comic company describes itself as “a hybrid comic book company combining the creative edge of an independent comic book publisher with the strengths and experience of a traditional powerhouse” and says they plan to release “creator-driven comics from the industry’s top writers and artists,” while also “building a shared universe of characters and stories” — following the same business model as another recent (re)launch, Valiant Entertainment.

The fledgling publisher is set to be a major player in the comic book and graphic novels market,with Michael Marts having spearheaded several of the industry’s most popular franchises including Batman, the X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy within his 20 years of editorial experience.

“I could not be more excited about my future and the creative adventures that lie ahead of me,” said Michael Marts after his appointment was announced last month. “After years of honing my skills at the two best publishers in the business, I am breaking to build a fun, safe, creative and competitive new home.”

As well as signing up top talent from the industry the new Editor In Chief will be making an exclusive UK visit to the International Comic Industry Conference Comics Uncovered, which is taking place on Sunday 6th September at The Studio Venue in Birmingham City centre, in an effort to find talented artists among the many British and European hopefuls attending the conference.

As an honoured guest at the conference, Marts will be conducting one to one portfolio reviews with aspiring comic artists as well as taking part in a panel introducing Aftershock Comics to the UK readers.

“This is a unique opportunity for artists with drive and ambition to have their work considered by a major new American publisher at the very early stages of their development and to also benefit from the feedback and advice of one of the most respected and experienced editors in modern comics,” commented conference director Shane Chebsey.

The conference will also attended by professionals from all of the other major publishers, including Image Comics, DC Comics, Marvel Entertainment, Rebellion, Titan Comics and many more besides.

As we reported last month, well as portfolio reviews aspiring artists and writers can expect exclusive seminars and master classes from world famous professionals such as The Walking Dead’s Charlie Adlard and Comics Laureate and Watchmen artist and co-creator Dave Gibbons.

• To find out more and to book tickets, (which start at just £20 per person) visit the conference website at: www.comicsuncovered.co.uk

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.