Editor’s Note: previously, we reported that the Field Museum of Natural History owned the mark in question. While it is true that a mark of the same name is owned by the Field Museum of Natural History, there is a more direct conflict with that owned by Mark Pacella.
Announced this morning via a press release from Image, Ben Dewey and Kurt Busiek’s comic “Tooth & Claw” that debuted last month to (well deserved) rave reviews will be changing its name.
Apparently brought on by a bit of unfortunate oversight, “Tooth & Claw” was already trademarked by Mark Pacella for his Image series of the same name, meaning that they couldn’t trademark it themselves. As such, the book will now be officially called “The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw” starting with issue #2 — and to help ease confusion, the book’s first issue second printing will reflect the new title with a new logo, as such:
It’s not a bad new name, and Busiek teases that “the idea of the ‘autumnlands’ is central to how the series works and is going to progress.” While most of us will still probably call it “Tooth & Claw” by force of habit at this point, the best news is is that the first issue of the comic is still awesome, and the second equally great issue of this new series is in stores today alongside that second print of #1. So, you know, now’s the best time to hop on board, and all that.
For the full press release from Image Comics, please see below.
Image Comics Press Release
The first issue of the richly written and drawn fantasy TOOTH & CLAW will go back to print, but under a new title: THE AUTUMNLANDS. The bombshell launch by bestselling writer Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Astro City), artist Benjamin Dewey (I Was the Cat, Tragedy Series), Eisner-winning colorist Jordie Bellaire (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, PRETTY DEADLY), and letterer John Roshell of Comicraft will also boast an alternate cover on issue three by artist superstar Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of Oz).
“The launch of our new series has gone beautifully,” said Busiek. “We couldn’t be happier. Well, maybe just a little happier. I’m still not sure how we managed to screw up the trademark search. But as it turns out, the title we thought was clear for use is in fact registered to someone else, which is embarrassing as all hell. Oops.
“So as of #2, the book will be titled The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw,” he went on, “and we’ll do our best to make sure people won’t miss it on the racks, or think it’s some wholly-different series. As you’ll see, we did make sure the logo will still be recognizable to the readers who snapped up #1.
“We’re also thrilled that #1 sold through as fast as it did, because that means a new printing,” said Busiek. “Retailers have been asking me since #1 sold out how soon a new printing would be available, and I’m very pleased to be able to say it’s on the way. Plus, it’ll have the new logo on it, so that gets us the right title on the book, even on a printing of #1.
“Plus,” Busiek added, “the idea of the ‘autumnlands’ is central to how the series works and is going to progress. Now readers can get a jump on figuring out just what that means…”
Best described as Conan meets Kamandi with a Game of Thrones-style storytelling experience, Comic Book Resources says of THE AUTUMNLANDS, “each panel is worth the cover price all by itself, but combined this is a comic book that simply cannot be missed,” while Multiversity Comics raves, “This is the beauty of creativity and collaborative storytelling.”
In THE AUTUMNLANDS, a secret conclave of wizards brings a legendary champion forward through time from the forgotten past to save the world—with disastrous consequences. The story features swords, sorcery, beast-wizards, gods, sprawling animal empires, golems of radioactive decay, crystalline badlands, con women, ancient armories, young love, mystery, blood and death and treachery and destiny.
In the AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #3, readers will meet Goodfoot the Sly. But is she really here to help the wizards… or herself?
Continued belowTHE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #1, 2nd printing (Diamond Code OCT148281) will be available on 1/7 as a double-sized 44-page issue with no ads for only $2.99.
THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #2 Cover A by Dewey is available today, 12/3, and can be ordered with Diamond Code OCT140609. Cover B by Alex Ross is available with Diamond Code OCT140610.
THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #3 Cover A by Dewey will be available with Diamond Code NOV140692 on 1/21/2015. Cover B by Skottie Young will be available with Diamond Code NOV140693.
