British creators – including Neil Gaiman – will be among those working on new comics to be published by the ambitious US publishing start-up AfterShock Comics.
As we reported back in May, the Editor In Chief Michael Marts of the new company will be making an exclusive UK visit to the International Comic Industry Conference Comics Uncovered,
Announced writers so far include Garth Ennis (2000AD, Preacher), along with several creators well known for their US work – Frank Barbiere (Avengers), Marguerite Bennett (Batgirl), Amanda Connor (Harley Quinn), Phil Hester (Ant-Man, Mythic), Paul Jenkins (Spider-Man), Justin Jordan (Superboy) and Jimmy Palmiotti (Deadpool).
“You get to see me vicious and unfiltered for the first time in my life,” commented Bennett as the news broke via Twitter.
“We are about to do an amazing project to get things moving,” enthused Paul Jenkins. “So happy to be on this project!”
Former Marvel Comics Executive Editor Michael Marts was announced as Editor In Chief earlier this year, 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 took 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.
Media site Deadline has reported that Neil Gaiman will also contribute a short story to AfterShock’s first prose anthology, which will also include stories from Jim Starlin, Amy Chu, and Brian Stelfreeze.
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.
• To find out more about International Comic Industry Conference Comics Uncovered and to book tickets, (which start at just £20 per person) visit the conference website at: www.comicsuncovered.co.uk
• Bookmark http://aftershockcomics.com or find the company on Facebook here or follow them on Twitter @AfterShockComix
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.
Categories: Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, US Comics
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