Bolstered by the sales success of an SFX comics special last year, UK publishers Future have announced a March launch for Comic Heroes, a premium-priced quarterly magazine title that promises to take an in-depth look at the latest superhero movies, videogames and of course, the comic books themselves – with news, previews, reviews and comprehensive features.

Featuring all-new editorial on all things comics, the launch of Comic Heroes has been spurred by interest in superheroes at an all-time high, and follows the huge success of a “superheroes special” from sister-title SFX, one of the most successful specials in the seven year plus run of one-offs.

Future’s Comic Heroes will deliver all-new editorial covering everything associated with the superhero universe and although the format is still even now being finalised, a Future spokesperson told downthetubes they also hoped to include preview comics from a variety of publishers as part of the package.

Edited by Jes Bickham, whose previous credits include work on titles such as PC Gamer and N64 Magazine, Comic Heroes is the latest magazine launch from Future in music and film – specialist sectors where it holds strong market positions.

“Our success in launching two new monthly magazines and a number of specials in 2009 was thanks to our in-depth knowledge and editorial expertise in the specialist sectors we launched into,” explained Robert Price, Future UK Chief Executive. “We’re leaders in film and science-fiction media, so this launch makes absolute sense for us, particularly given the incredible popularity of the superhero genre at the moment.

“The interest in superhero movies is at an all-time high,” added Stuart Galbraith, Associate Publisher of Comic Heroes, and its sister-title SFX, “and with a massive slate of new movies in development it really looks as though we are entering the decade of the superhero – with new Batman, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor and X-Men movies due within the next few years, as well as the forthcoming Avengers film which brings many of Marvel’s biggest characters together in one epic.

“SFX readers have always maintained a healthy interest in superheroes but their recent special demonstrated an appetite from enthusiasts for more.

“Comic Heroes is a premium-priced magazine that promises to give die-hard fans a very special package.”

• The 132-page quarterly launch issue of Comic Heroes will lift the lid on summer blockbuster Iron Man 2 in March. It will retail at £7.99

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.

Categories: Uncategorised

Tags: Comic Heroes Magazine, Future Publishing, SFX