Humanoids reveals UK publishing plans as company’s 40th anniversary nears

By John Freeman on October 31, 2013

Following up on our news item yesterday about the roll out of their UK-dedicated social media program, Humanoids Inc., the international publisher of high quality graphic novels, is has announced that its titles are now available directly in the UK for the first time.

Teaming up exclusively with Turnaround Publisher Services (who also distribute Marvel, Kodansha and smaller comic publisher’s titles), Humanoids, whose UK arm will be based in London, are now set to publish a dazzling range of titles here for the first time – from gritty crime noir, hilarious slice-of-life stories, horror, and autobiographies, to erotica, steampunk and ground- breaking science fiction by creators such as Alexandro Jodorowsky and Mœbius.

Initial titles scheduled for UK direct release include Retroworld written by Patrick Galliano, with art by Cedric Peyravernay and Bazal, a rich sci-fi saga adapted from the work of Julia Verlanger, one of the most celebrated authors of the French science fiction movement and Basil and Victoria, London Guttersnipes, the creation of Edith and the legendary Yann – a magnificent and funny social fable in pure Dickensian tradition set in Victorian England.

Also in the pipeline is Fogliatto, the first work by Nicolas de Crécy (The Celestial Bibendum, NBM’s Salvatore series, Glacial Period) – a lyrical and gorgeously illustrated dark tale, described as nothing short of a milestone of its time. In order to revive the image of the town of Eccenihilo, a big carnival is organized with as a grand finale, the homecoming of the local golden child, the famous opera star and eunuch Foligatto. The artist’s return to his roots, however, triggers a whirlwind series of dark and eccentric tribulations…

Milan K Part One: The Teenage Years, by Sam Timel & Corentin, tells the story of how Michka Khodorov’s life as the young heir to a Russian oligarch is turned upside down when his father is arrested on the orders of the Russian President.

It’s the end of his life in the most private and protected Swiss boarding school in the world. Michka will become a fragile fugitive, hunted by one of the world’s most powerful nations.

Directly inspired by the life of the Russian oligarch Mikhaïl Khodorkovski, who’s still paying today for his opposition to Vladimir Putin, Milan K is a new series created by an American journalist writing under the name of Sam Timel, and the elegant design of promising artist Corentin – who’s barely 24 but already critically acclaimed by fellow comic artist François Boucq.

Humanoids will start releasing titles direct into the UK early next year, according to Humanoids UK Liaison, Tim Pilcher, with the company’s impressive back list, which includes titles such as the stunning steampunk tale Clockwerx, available to order.

Tim tells us Humanoids plans to release three to four titles every month from April 2014 onwards.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to bring some of the world’s best graphic novels to a brand new audience, he says. “Those that are already aware of Humanoids know that it’s a byword for quality and distinction, and those that don’t are in for a mind-blowing treat!

“Bringing these titles directly to the UK means that they are now more affordable and accessible to a rapidly growing readership who are hungry for intelligent, challenging and beautifully designed graphic novels.”

Humanoids Inc. Publisher, Fabrice Giger, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity, not only to establish stronger ties with British readers, but with UK creators as well.”

Les Humanoïdes Associés was founded in 1974 by legendary French comic creators, Mœbius, Jean-Pierre Dionnet, and Philippe Druillet, in order to publish the anthology magazine, Métal Hurlant (Heavy Metal). The subsequent publications revolutionized the comics industry, and inspired generations of authors and filmmakers, including Ridley Scott’s vision for Blade Runner.

Humanoids Inc. was founded in the United States in 1998 by Fabrice Giger, as the American counterpart to Les Humanoïdes Associés in order to publish French classics, as well as original American titles. Recently, the two companies merged to form a unique group, producing high quality graphic novels covering a wide range of genres by an international rostrum of acclaimed writers and artists. 2014 sees the group celebrate its 40th anniversary. Humanoids has offices in Paris, Los Angeles, and now, London.

• Bookmark Facebook and Twitter accounts, where they’ll be posting news of releases, competitions, events Website: www.humanoids.com

• French website: www.humano.com

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.