DC Ink and DC Zoom imprints set to offer graphic novels for young readers

By John Freeman on February 5, 2019

US comics publisher DC Entertainment have released more details of the world-class roster of bestselling authors who’ve created original graphic novels that aim to bring the company’s iconic super heroes to a whole new generation of young readers.

DC Ink and DC Zoom, first announced last year, form two new imprints with a stellar lineup of authors and artists that includes Laurie Halse Anderson, Meg Cabot, Melissa de la Cruz, Shea Fontana, Kami Garcia, Minh Lê, Marie Lu, Lauren Myracle, Michael Northrop, Danielle Paige, Ridley Pearson, Mariko Tamaki and Gene Yang, creating graphic novels for Young Adults and middle grade readers.

Both original graphic novel lines are now set to launch on 2nd April 2019, and will introduce DC’s most iconic Super Heroes to a new generation of fans with stories told by some of the most successful authors from the middle grade and young adult publishing space.

“Superheroes are more popular than ever, so it only makes sense to bring these DC characters to an entirely new generation of young readers,” stated Jim Lee, chief creative officer and publisher at DC.

“The first comic books created decades ago were for kids, and as the business evolved and matured, it became more focused on adult readers. DC Ink and DC Zoom present an exciting new opportunity to grow our publishing business and ensure beloved stories built around iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are cherished as part of the fabric of childhood for years to come.”

“Two of the recent areas of growth in publishing include graphic novels and books for young readers—we’re bringing those formats together with DC Ink and DC Zoom,” said DC publisher Dan DiDio. “We’ve already experienced tremendous success with our DC Super Hero Girls graphic novels.

“The new DC Ink and DC Zoom slate, paired with a stellar author lineup, presents a major business growth opportunity, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

DC Zoom targets middle grade readers ages 8-12 and will tell stories focused on friends, family, and growing up. The line will debut in April 2019 with Super Sons: The PolarShield Project, written by award-winning middle grade author Ridley Pearson and illustrated by Ile Gonzalez.

The complete list of creative teams for the first wave of DC Zoom titles includes (all links to Amazon affiliate):

Super Sons: The PolarShield Project (April 2019) – written by Ridley Pearson and illustrated by Ile Gonzalez
This story is the first instalment of a multi-part series by New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson (Kingdom Keepers), and also marks the author’s first graphic novel.
Jon Kent and Ian Wayne are opposites in every way except one—they are the sons of the World’s Greatest Heroes, Superman and Batman! To uncover a global conspiracy, this unlikely duo will need to learn to trust each other and work together. But who is the mysterious Candace, and what secrets does she hold that could be the key to everything?The team is dealing with a precarious climate disaster—the polar ice caps have nearly melted away, causing devastation to coastal cities. Erratic, deadly weather forces everyone inland, tearing families apart. Violence and anarchy have become commonplace. Earth is facing its greatest crisis, and with Superman and Batman nowhere to be found, it will be up to the Super Sons to save the world!

DC Super Hero Girls: Spaced Out (June 2019) – written by Shea Fontana and illustrated by Agnes Garbowska

Later releases this year will be

Dear Justice League (August 2019) – written by Michael Northrop and illustrated by Gustavo Duarte
Superman of Smallville (Autumn 2019) – written and illustrated by Art Baltazar and Franco

Black Canary: Ignite (Autumn 2019) – written by Meg Cabot and illustrated by Cara McGee

DC Ink will publish thought-provoking stories for young adults, readers ages 13+, that focus on everyday aspirations, struggles, and triumphs. The line will also launch in April 2019 with the highly anticipated Mera coming-of-age tale, Mera: Tidebreaker, from New York Times bestselling YA author Danielle Paige and artist Stephen Byrne.

Complete creative teams for the first round of DC Ink graphic novels include:

Mera: Tidebreaker (April 2019) – written by Danielle Paige and illustrated by Stephen Byrne
Princess Mera is teenage royalty and heir to the throne of Xebel, an undersea colony ruled by Atlantis. Her father and the entire kingdom are expecting her to marry and introduce a new king. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown…
When the Xebellian military plots to overthrow Atlantis and break free of its oppressive regime, Mera seizes the opportunity to take control of her own destiny by assassinating Arthur Curry – the long-lost prince and heir to the kingdom of Atlantis. But her mission gets sidetracked when Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love.
Will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera’s side, or will he die under her blade as she attempts to free her people from persecution?

Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale (May 2019) – written by Lauren Myracle and illustrated by Isaac Goodhart
From Lauren Myracle, the New York Times bestselling author of books like ttfn and ttyl, comes a new graphic novel that tells the story of a teenage Catwoman as she struggles to find her own identity while living on the streets of Gotham City.

Later releases this year will be

Teen Titans: Raven (July 2019) – written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo

Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass (Fall 2019) – written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Steve Pugh

Home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and more), DC Vertigo (Sandman, Fables and other) and MAD, DC is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia. DC works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games.

Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

• Follow DCInk and DC Zoom with: #DCInk #DCZoom @DCComics @DCComicsKids (Twitter, Facebook) @DCKids (Instagram)

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.