Welcome back to The Rundown, our daily breakdown on comic news stories we missed from the previous day. Have a link to share? Email our team at rundown@multiversitycomics.com.
– Mike Marts, the editor-in-chief at AfterShock Comics, revealed that he would be stepping down from the role this past Friday, September 30. It was later announced he will be Mad Cave Studios’ new Executive Vice President and editor-in-chief. Marts described starting the role at AfterShock when it was founded in 2015 as the “opportunity of a lifetime,” stating that he will be “forever grateful” for the experiences that the role has provided for him. It is not yet known who will be taking over from Marts, but in his statement, Marts described the individual as “someone you all know and are familiar with,” with the transition to their stewardship expected to be “seamless.” In a statement, Mad Cave CEO/COO Mark London called Marts “a proven leader and a gifted storyteller with an eye for talent and quality,” with “30 years worth of editorial experience.” He continued, “As Mad Cave continues to establish itself in the growing comic book and graphic novel industry, we can’t think of a better person than Mike to take the role as Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief.”
– Bad Idea announced that their ‘B-Sides’ back-up stories are returning, and will be part of two of their upcoming releases: “Escape to Wyoming” #1 will feature “Powder Day” by writer Jody LeHeup and artist Justin Mason, whilst “Orc Island” #1 will feature “Ark Story” by writer M.R. Carey and artist Kano. The publisher revealed little about the ‘B-Sides,’ with the preview pages only showing that “Powder Day” will feature two snowboarding protagonists involved in military operations, and “Ark Story” is a satirical depiction of the story of Noah’s Ark, with anthropomorphic animals aboard the vessel. “Escape to Wyoming” #1 (with “Powder Day”) and “Orc Island” #1 (with “Ark Story”) are scheduled for release on November 2.
– Marvel revealed the next big X-Men story will be ‘The Sins of Sinister,’ which will introduce readers to “an entire universe” that has been “cursed” by Mister Sinister. The teaser image released shows a multitude of mashed-together characters, such as Wolverine/Nightcrawler, and Captain America marked with Mister Sinister’s diamond icon. Further details, such as the creative teams involved, are set to be unveiled as part of Marvel’s ‘Next Big Thing’ panel at New York Comic Con on October 8. ‘The Sins of Sinister’ is set to debut in January 2023. The teaser image can found on Marvel Entertainment’s Twitter.
– Drawn & Quarterly revealed they will be publishing “Are You Willing to Die for the Cause?” by Chris Oliveros in the Fall of 2023. The graphic novel will chronicle the early days of the FLQ, the Front de libération du Québec, which translates as the Quebec Liberation Front. Initially a socialist movement intending to push back against the influence of English-speaking bosses and their impact on French workers’ rights, the FLQ transformed into a militant group that violently sought to separate Quebec from Canada entirely. In their announcement, D&Q describe the graphic novel as being “at times humorous, other times dramatic, and always informative,” with its intentions being to highlight “just how little it takes to organize dissent and who people trust to overthrow the government.” You can check out a cover and a preview page from “Are You Willing to Die for the Cause?” here.
– Middle-grade graphic novels “Pearl of the Sea” (by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donne, and Willem Samuel) and “Kariba” (by Daniel Clarke, James Clarke, and Daniel Snaddon) will be the first two titles from Catalyst Press’s relaunched Panel & Page imprint, it was reported. “Pearl of the Sea” will follow Pearl, a girl from South Africa, who comes face to face with an ancient sea monster called Otto whilst diving for abalone. Being the only one who can save Otto from his enemies, Pearl will have to face her fears in order to do so. “Kariba” will see protagonist Siku, who has water-bending abilities, discover she is the daughter of the Great River Spirit, Nyaminyami, whilst trying to find her father, Tongai, who went missing travelling the Zambezi River towards the Kariba Dam. Uncovering her heritage, Siku has to handle the responsibility of being the only person capable of restoring balance to the Zambezi. “Pearl of the Sea” has a publication window of January 2023, with “Kariba” following in June 2023.
– Webtoon announced that Lucian Gallacane’s fantasy series, “Scale Hunters,” was the winning entry in the 2022 Call to Action Contest, with Cyartlee’s “Flagbearer” and Midoryka/Coconut’s “Code grace” coming second and third, respectively. “Scale Hunters” follows a Scale Hunter named Thomas, who is seeking redemption by protecting the fairies in a magical forest, in contrast to the many Scale Hunters that target fairies in the hope of getting a magical scale from their wings. The three individuals who finished in the podium places of the 2022 Call to Action Contest will receive deals to become Webtoon Originals creators, as well as a two-year license for Clip Studio Paint EX and prize money, with $50,000 being awared to Gallacane. In addition to the largest sum of prize money, Gallacance will also have “Scale Hunters” adapted into an animated series. You can read the full list of contest finalists here.
– Finally, GlobalComix will partner with Ox Eye Media in 2023 to provide an on-demand comic printing service, called GC Press, to readers and creators, Newsarama reported. Currently, distributor GlobalComix exists exclusively in the digital space through its PDF-based distribution, but will now open up the “access” of printed comics, and seek to connect creators with fans “worldwide that otherwise would have limited to no options… [to] enjoy and collect print comics,” according to Christopher Carter, the GlobalComix CEO and founder. The first comics set to be available via GC Press will be an unspecified selection of Ox Eye Media’s Source Point Press comics, with the catalog set to expand through 2023.
