Fan Expo HQ and Ghost Machine—the recently launched creator-owned and operated media company from celebrated creators Brad Anderson, Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Rob Leigh, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter Snejbjerg, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut, published by Image Comics—has agreed to a series of exclusive appearances for the Ghost Machine creators at Fan Expo HQ’s upcoming 2024 North American conventions, including:
MEGACON Orlando – February 1-4, 2024
FAN EXPO Philadelphia – May 3-5, 2024
FAN EXPO Denver – July 4-7, 2024
FAN EXPO Chicago – August 16-18, 2024
FAN EXPO Canada – August 22-25, 2024
Under the exclusive appearance agreement, Ghost Machine will have a branded booth and a number of its creators will attend signings and other activities in the course of each aforementioned convention. Additionally, Ghost Machine will design one Fan Expo variant cover for each attended event which will retail exclusively at the Fan Expo Store.
Danish comic book artist Peter Snejbjerg is the latest artist to join Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut at Ghost Machine, the recently launched, media company and the line of comics, published by Image Comics, co-owned and co-operated by all of its creators. The addition of Snejbjerg comes on the heels of last week’s major announcement that Brazilian superstar artist Ivan Reis had also joined the collective.
In his long and varied career, Snejbjerg has established himself as a prolific artist for DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint working with bestselling writers such as Neil Gaiman and Garth Ennis, before moving on to DC Universe titles like Starman and JSA, and horror titles including the Hellboy-spinoff, BPRD for Dark Horse. He also illustrated a number of children’s books showcasing his trademark blend of dark humor and horror.
At Ghost Machine, Snejbjerg will reteam with Peter J. Tomasi—the duo had previously created DC Comics’ supernatural war story The Light Brigade—on Hornsby & Halo, part of Ghost Machine’s Family Odyssey universe. In Hornsby & Halo, nothing less than peace between Heaven and Hell is at stake, as demon daughter Rose Hornsby and angel son Zach Halo are at the center of a cosmic family swap. It’s Nature versus Nurture, as the age-old battle of Good and Evil is as simple as who speaks louder: the angel on Rose’s shoulder, or the demon trying to crack Zach’s halo. Teenage hormones have never been more epic.
In Ghost Machine, creators co-own all the characters and universes developed for Ghost Machine, sharing in all publishing, media, merchandise, and beyond—a move the creatives of Ghost Machine see as a natural evolution within the entertainment landscape, allowing them to retain creative control and meaningfully participate in the success of their properties like never before.
(W) Si Spurrier (A) Wilton Santos, Marcus To (CA) Francis Manapul Rated T+ In Shops: Nov 29, 2023 SRP: $5.99
THE DEFINITIVE NIGHTCRAWLER ORIGIN STORY! This is the one you can’t miss, True Believer! You think you know how the beloved blue devil came into this troubled world? You think you know the tale of his mendacious mamma Mystique? You don’t! Mother and son reunite in a mold-shattering tale that exposes secrets held for decades and redefines both characters forever. A collector’s item in the making.
(W) Si Spurrier (A) Wilton Santos, Marcus To (CA) Francis Manapul Rated T+ In Shops: Nov 29, 2023 SRP: $5.99
THE DEFINITIVE NIGHTCRAWLER ORIGIN STORY! This is the one you can’t miss, True Believer! You think you know how the beloved blue devil came into this troubled world? You think you know the tale of his mendacious mamma Mystique? You don’t! Mother and son reunite in a mold-shattering tale that exposes secrets held for decades and redefines both characters forever. A collector’s item in the making.
Skybound and Universal Products & Experiences have unveiled the stunning covers and interior pages from the second issue of Universal Monsters: Dracula.
From the all-star Department of Truth duo of James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds, Universal Monsters: Dracula #2continues the four-issue limited series that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the iconic world of Dracula. The second issue will be available in comic book shops on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
As Lucy Weston suffers from a mysterious ailment, Dr. Seward calls upon Professor Abraham Van Helsing, and Dracula’s thirst goes unquenched…
In addition to Dracula himself, this series also features some popular characters from the original Universal Pictures film from 1931, including R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more. Tynion IV and Simmonds deliver fresh twists, chilling encounters, and a dive into the dark corners of these timeless villains’ narratives.
In addition to the main cover by series artist Martin Simmonds, Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 will feature an open to order variant from superstar Francis Manapul.
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 (Lunar Codes Below | SRP: $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
The full list of covers is below:
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 Cover A by Martin Simmonds (Lunar Code 0923IM461)
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 Cover B by Francis Manapul (Lunar Code 0923IM462)
Ghost Machine officially launched at New York Comic Con 2023. It dubs itself as a first-of-its-kind creator-owned and operated media company. Creators co-own all the characters and universes developed for Ghost Machine, sharing in all publishing, media, merchandise, and beyond. The pioneering creator collective consists of Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut. The company plans to announce additional talent in the months ahead, including one major superstar creator. All creators will be exclusive to Ghost Machine for their comics work after completing their already committed to projects.
From the announcement:
As the recent Hollywood strikes have shown, creatives are disenfranchised with the traditional industry model—creators seek increased empowerment as a natural progression to an ever-changing entertainment landscape. Ghost Machine’s enterprising business model is at the forefront of this evolution with the characters and full company ownership shared by its creators in every way.
Ghost Machine’s titles will be published through the original champion of creator-owned comics – Image Comics – which launched in 1992 when seven of the top comic book creators left Marvel Comics to own their own work and ideas.
A two-issue prequel series, Geiger: Ground Zero by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, ships in November and December before Ghost Machine’s first official release in January 2024 withGhost Machine #1, a 64-page special which will introduce its FOUR SHARED UNIVERSES of characters: 1) The Unnamed; revealing a mysterious group of genre heroes from across history, featuring characters and titles like Geiger, Junkyard Joe, Redcoat, and First Ghost. A Geiger series, based on Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s hit comic of the same name, is already in development at Paramount TV with director Justin Simien. 2) Rook: Exodus; a sprawling sci-fi epic which takes place in the far future, on a world where every aspect of nature is controlled by humanity. 3) The universe of Family Odysseys centering around the time displaced family, The Rocketfellers, and their friends. And 4) An epic Horror Universe co-created and illustrated by one of our secret superstar artists to be announced, currently under contract. Following Ghost Machine #1, Ghost Machine’s titles will begin shipping in April 2024 with an all-new ongoing Geiger series, Redcoat and Rook: Exodus.
Skybound has revealed a first look at Universal Monsters: Dracula #1, the debut issue of a new extra-length four-part comic book limited series from the best-selling team of Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV and artist Martin Simmonds, who have earned multiple Eisner Award nominations for their hit series The Department of Truth. The issue will be available in comic book shops on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds re-team to tell a new tale of the monster who started it all and inspired by Universal Pictures’ 1931 film – Dracula! When Dr. John Seward admits a strange new patient into his asylum, the madman tells stories of a demon who has taken residence next door. But as Dr. Seward attempts to apply logic to the impossible…his surrogate daughter Lucy begins to fall under the spell of the twisted Count Dracula!
In addition to “Dracula” himself, this series features popular characters from the classic original film, including R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more. Both long-time and new fans of the Universal Monsters movies can expect new twists, encounters, and a deep dive into the darkest corners of this timeless villain’s narrative.
Universal Monsters: Dracula will be followed by all-new limited series spotlighting iconic Universal Monsters from some of the biggest names in comics. Each series will feature variant covers from some of the best artists working in comics today—Joshua Middleton, Francis Manapul, Julian Totino-Tedesco, and Jenny Frison.
Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 (Lunar Codes below | SRP: $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
The full list of covers is below:
Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover A by Martin Simmonds (Lunar Code 0723IM809)
Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover B by Joshua Middleton (Lunar Code 0723IM810)
Skybound has revealed an impressive lineup of variant covers and a first look at interior pages of Daniel Warren Johnson’s anticipated Transformers #1. The second series in the recently launched Energon Universe, Transformers will debut on shelves in comic book shops beginning October 4, 2023.
Transformers #1 begins an all-new era for the iconic Transformers franchise from Daniel Warren Johnson and colorist Mike Spicer. Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. Humanity’s only hope for survival is Optimus Prime.
The recently announced rosters of Autobots and Decepticons headlining the first story arc of the all-new Transformers series include Autobots Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Wheeljack, and Decepticons Starscream, Rumble, Skywarp, Laserbeak, and Soundwave.
In addition to the already-iconic main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, the stacked list of variant covers for Transformers #1 includes Autobot and Decepticon covers by Johnson and Spicer, a cover by iconic artist Ryan Ottley, a 1:10 incentive variant that kicks off a connecting cover series by Orlando Arocena, a 1:25 incentive variant by Cliff Chiang, a 1:50 incentive variant by Francis Manapul, a 1:100 incentive variant by Ian Bertram, and finally, an open-to-order blank sketch cover.
Transformers #1 (Lunar Codes Below | $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
The full list of variant covers is below:
Transformers #1 Cover A by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code 0623IM805)
Transformers #1 Cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Autobot) (Lunar Code 0823IM287)
Transformers #1 Cover C by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Decepticon) (Lunar Code 0823IM288)
Transformers #1 Cover D by Ryan Ottley (Lunar Code 0823IM289)
Transformers #1 Cover E (1:10 Copy Incentive – Connecting) by Orlando Arocena (Lunar Code 0823IM290)
Transformers #1 Cover F (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Cliff Chiang (Lunar Code 0823IM291)
Transformers #1 Cover G (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Francis Manapul (Lunar Code 0823IM292)
Transformers #1 Cover H (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Ian Bertram (Lunar Code 0823IM293)
Transformers #1 Cover I Blank Sketch Cover (Lunar Code 0823IM294)
Skybound Entertainment has unveiled the stunning covers for the second issue of Universal Monsters: Dracula. From the all-star Department of Truth duo of James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds, Universal Monsters: Dracula #2continues the four-issue limited series set to take readers on a thrilling journey through the iconic world of Dracula, inspired by Universal Pictures’ 1931 film. The second issue will be available in comic book shops on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
As Lucy Weston suffers from a mysterious ailment, Dr. Seward calls upon Professor Abraham Van Helsing, and Dracula’s thirst goes unquenched…
Bringing a fresh perspective to one of pop culture’s most beloved villains, Universal Monsters: Dracula marks the beginning of a line-up of Universal Monsters comics. Each series will feature variant covers from some of the best artists working in comics today—Joshua Middleton, Francis Manapul, Julian Totino-Tedesco, and Jenny Frison.
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 will feature main cover art from series artist Martin Simmonds, along with an open to order variant from superstar Francis Manapul.
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 will be available at comic book shopsand digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
The full list of covers is below:
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 Cover A by Martin Simmonds (Lunar Code: 0923IM461)
Universal Monsters: Dracula #2 Cover B by Francis Manapul (Lunar Code: 0923IM462)
Skybound Entertainment in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, has announcedUniversal Monsters: Dracula, a new four-issue comic book limited series from the best-selling, Eisner Award nominated team of James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds. The first issue will be available in comic book shops on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
This collaboration between Skybound and Universal is the latest milestone in a near decade long relationship that encompasses film and video games, and now comic book publishing.
The comic book miniseries will unfold over four suspenseful issues, with the first installment plunging readers into the eerie world of Dr. John Seward after he admits a seemingly delusional new patient to his asylum. Recounting chilling tales of a demonic entity residing next door, the skeptical doctor attempts to rationalize the unexplainable, but his adopted daughter Lucy mysteriously succumbs to the malevolent influence of the enigmatic Count Dracula.
In addition to Dracula himself, this series also features some popular characters from the original film, including R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more. Expect fresh twists, chilling encounters, and a dive into the dark corners of these timeless villains’ narratives.
Universal Monsters: Dracula will be followed by more new limited series spotlighting the iconic monsters from some of the top creators in comics.
Each series will feature variant covers from some of the best artists working in comics today—Joshua Middleton, Francis Manapul, Julian Totino-Tedesco, and Jenny Frison.
The full list of covers is below:
Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover A by Martin Simmonds (Lunar Code 0723IM809)
Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover B by Joshua Middleton (Lunar Code 0723IM810)
