Tag Archives: lion forge comics

Stiletto from Palle Schmidt is Out from Lion Forge in March 2019

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Lion Forge gives comic book fans another reason to be thankful this holiday season, with news that the 2013 hard-boiled crime noir series Stiletto, from writer/artist Palle Schmidt, will be translated and expanded for release in the United States next year!

Additionally, the St. Louis–based publisher of comics for everyone unveils a brand-new storytelling format with this series to help expand the serialized reading experience, with three action-packed 48-page issues at just $5.99. This will give fans and retailers a low-risk way to jump on board with a brand-new original series! In addition to value pricing, Lion Forge will offer the first issue of this limited series as FULLY RETURNABLE to retailers!

A crime story with a twist. The brutal slaying of two police officers guarding a material witness pin detectives Alphonse and Maynard against their toughest adversary yet. But as they get further into their investigation, they uncover a leak inside the police department known only as “Stiletto.”

What appears to be a gritty police drama takes unpredictable turns as our heroes race against the clock to solve this double homicide and flush out the mole that puts them all at risk to the criminal underworld.

Stiletto will be released in March 2019. This three-issue limited series features a brand-new expanded 48-page reading experience at a value price of $5.99, with the first issue being offered to retailers as fully returnable.

Lion Forge Promotes Syndee Barwick to Vice President of Marketing & Product Development

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Lion Forge has gained traction in the US market and beyond under the direction of comics publishing and merchandise veteran Syndee Barwick in her role as Director of Marketing. Lion Forge has announced her promotion to vice president of the department she has led since joining the company in 2016.

For nearly two decades at DC Comics, Syndee Barwickwas Director of Marketing and established DC Direct. As Director of Product Management – DC Direct, she led a team that quickly became the innovative, in-house toys and collectibles division of DC, developing both in-house properties such as Batman and Wonder Woman into collectibles, as well as licensed properties such as HBO’s True Blood, Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft, and many others. Prior to DC Comics, Barwick was a music business professional in artist management.

Upgrade Soul Gets Los Angeles Area Events

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Following the nationwide book tour supporting the release of Ezra Claytan Daniels’ Upgrade Soul, winner of the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics, recently optioned for film by Aperture Entertainment, and voted as one of the best books of the year for 2018 by Publisher’s Weekly, Lion Forge announces Daniels’s return home to Los Angeles with three special events.

First, Daniels will appear at the Los Feliz neighborhood bookstore, Skylight Books, accompanied by tourmate and Ignatz and DiNKy Award–winner Ben Passmore.

Following that, Ezra will appear in two more Los Angeles area stores leading into the weekend, wrapping up his nationwide book tour:

For their 45th anniversary, Hank and Molly Nonnar decide to undergo an experimental rejuvenation procedure, but their hopes for youth are dashed when the couple is faced with the results: severely disfigured yet intellectually and physically superior duplicates of themselves. Can the original Hank and Molly coexist in the same world as their clones? This page-turning graphic novel follows Hank and Molly as they discover the brutal reality that only one version of themselves is fated to survive.

Lion Forge Partners with Magic House for Neener Neener Neener!

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Lion Forge Labs, creative agency and sister company of Lion Forge Comics, has partnered with The Magic House in St. Louis for Neener Neener Neener! 

This adorable new comic, written by Paul Manchester with art by Lorenzo Lizana, tells the extraordinary tale of siblings Wisteria and Wilby Wiggins and their new alien friend. The three problem-solvers must try to stop some cute and mischievous visitors from another planet, known as the Neeners, from taking over The Magic House and causing complete chaos. The Wiggins siblings help save the Neeners using the scientific process, based on lessons they learned at the museum.

The Magic House is a not-for-profit participatory museum that provides hands-on learning experiences for children and families and encourages experimentation, creativity, and the development of problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder, joy, and magic. Regular museum admission is $12 per person. Children under the age of one are free.

Neener Neener Neener! is a fun-filled read for parents and children alike. It’s the perfect companion to a visit to the beloved St. Louis institution where it will be exclusively available for sale starting October 19 for $9.99!

NYCC 2018: Katie Green Makes Her First Stateside Appearance

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Lion Forge has announced artist Katie Green in her first-ever consumer convention appearance stateside at New York Comic Con!

Katie Green’s 2017 Lion Forge graphic novel is nominated for the Harvey Award for Book of the Year, with the award to be given out on Saturday, October 6.

Lighter Than My Shadow is a hand-drawn story of struggle and recovery, a trip into the black heart of a taboo illness, an exposure of those who are so weak they prey on the weak, and an inspiration to anybody who believes in the human power to endure and to eventually find happiness.

Lighter Than My Shadow, Green’s moving memoir, will be available for purchase in the Lion Forge booth, with signings throughout the show. Days and times are outlined below:

Thursday, October 4
Health and the Challenges That Inspire Authors
Many graphic memoirs share a common theme of mental health issues that the subject has encountered as a spouse, child, or family member, or that they have overcome or continue to deal with. This session will explore the ideas that inspired these creators to share this experience. How can educators and librarians use these stories as a way to either instill compassion and empathy or to help that reader find a way to resolve their own challenges?
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: New York Public Library, 476 5thAve. – Trustees Room
Speakers: Lys Galati, Andi Green, Katie Green, Tracy White, Ezra Claytan Daniels, Chris Hunt

Friday, October 5 
Lighter Than My Shadow signing (Booth #1936)
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 6
Lighter Than My Shadow signing (Booth #1936)
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 7
Lion Forge Presents: Representation in Graphic Storytelling—From the Comic Shop to the Tabletop 
Lion Forge Comics strives to publish comics and more that everyone—regardless of background, ethnicity, or gender identification—can connect with. With multiple imprints, including an entire line of books for younger readers and one of the most diverse superhero universes in comics history, the St. Louis publisher makes good on that promise every Wednesday. Join Lion Forge’s Senior Publicist Jeremy Atkins, Rolled & Told editor Christina “Steenz” Stewart, Katie Green (Lighter Than My Shadow), writer and artist Joel Christian Gill (Strange Fruit), writer David F. Walker (Superb), and McDuffie Award winner Ezra Claytan Daniels (Upgrade Soul) for a discussion on what inclusivity and representation truly means for the worlds of comics, gaming, and pop culture at large.
Time: 3:45–4:45 p.m.
Location: 1A02
Speakers: Jeremy Atkins, Christina “Steenz” Stewart, David F. Walker, Katie Green, Ezra Claytan Daniels, Joel Christian Gill

Ezra Claytan Daniel’s Upgrade Souls is Optioned by Aperture Entertainment

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Just ahead of the release of Ezra Claytan Daniels’ Upgrade Soul, for which he was the recipient of the 2017 McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics, Lion Forge has announced that the moving work of interactive science fiction will be developed by My Friend Dahmer producer Adam Goldworm’s Aperture Entertainment, with Ezra Claytan Daniels to serve as an executive producer.

Upgrade Soul is the story of an elderly couple who become the guineapigs of a visionary procedure that aims to revivify them by filtering toxins from their bodies on a molecular level. When the procedure experiences a fatal complication, the couple is faced with severely deformed, though intellectually superior, duplicates of themselves. Soon, it becomes clear that only one version of each individual can survive, and the psychological battle for dominance begins.

Upgrade Soul will be released in finer bookstores everywhere on September 18.

Lion Forge Partners with Fantasy Books Inc. and Star Clipper for Crit for Compassion

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Lion Forge continues a mission of comics and gaming for everyone, partnering with all of Fantasy Books Inc. locations, including the Eisner award-winning Star Clipper for a weekend of fun for a good cause, Crit for Compassion to benefit the Megan Meier Foundation.These retailers will host events throughout the weekend of September 7-9 at four different locations in the St. Louis area.

During the Crit for Compassion Anti-bullying Event you can play various games and make donations for extra dice rolls, additional card draws or special buffs that will help during your game. If gaming is not for you, any purchase made can be rounded up to the nearest dollar, or you can make a direct donation to the cause. All proceeds from these various forms of donations will go to the Megan Meier Foundation and a percentage of all weekend sales at Fantasy Books Inc. will be donated to the Foundation.

Your support will help raise money for Megan Meier’s programs including leadership workshops, speaking engagements and resource center that touch over 75,000 children, parents, educators and professionals throughout the year.

Each year, 13 million children are bullied or cyberbullied in the United States, and the consequences can be devastating.
Proceeds from the event will help support:

  • Students (Elementary School, Middle School, High School, & College) who are suffering the traumatic consequences of bullying or cyberbullying, some of which include depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideations.
  • Parents who are seeking resources for their child who is being bullied or cyberbullied.
  • Educators & Professionals (such as law enforcement and counselors) who play a key role in bullying situations and who should continue to be educated and brought up to speed on how to address situations.

The full schedule and details for Lion Forge sponsored events can be found below.

Heroic Adventures, Edwardsville will host an adventure on Saturday Sept 8 at 3pm and Sunday Sept 9 at 2pm.

D&D One-Shot Encounter 3:00 pm
Shortform Tomb of Horrors or Rolled & Told

  • Prize for survivors
  • Buff 1: $1 Reroll
  • Buff 2: $1 Gain advantage
  • Buff 3: $1 Give someone disadvantage
  • Buff 4: $3 Healing potion
  • Buff 5: $3 Refresh spell slots/powers
  • Buff 6: $5 Extra life, revive and come back at 10hp

D&D One-Shot Encounter 2:00 pm
Shortform Tomb of Horrors or Rolled & Told
Prize for survivors

  • Buff 1: $1 Reroll
  • Buff 2: $1 Gain advantage
  • Buff 3: $1 Give someone disadvantage
  • Buff 4: $3 Healing potion
  • Buff 5: $3 Refresh spell slots/powers
  • Buff 6: $5 Extra life, revive and come back at 10hp

Star Clipper will host Rolled & Told No. 0’s adventure “The Thunderlock Barcrawl” on Saturday Sept 8.

Star Clipper’s extended schedule
Friday Sept 7 -Friday Night 
6-10 PM
$15 draft
$5 adds a pack you personally get to add to your pool, proceeds go to charity

Saturday Sept 8 – Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition 
2 PM – 8 PM
Rolled & Told Adventure

  • $1 Get a copy of Rolled & Told #0:
  • $1 Advantage on any roll:
  • $1 Benefit from a short rest:
  • $1 Pick your character sheet:
  • $1 Increase an ability score (up to 20):
  • $1 Add a spell of any level up to your casting level to your known spells:
  • $5 Roll your character yourself:
  • $5 Gain a level (up to level 6):
  • $5 Benefit from a long rest:
  • $20 Turn any attack roll into a critical hit:

Sunday Sept 8 – Smash Up
1 PM – 5 PMSmash Up

  • $10 Get a Titan promo pack proceeds go to charity
  • $50 Get the Titan promo playmat proceeds go to charity
  •  $1 Draw a card
  • $5  Take back your turn
  •  $10 Kill someone’s minion
  • $15 Get a victory point (only usable once per game)

Fantasy Books & Games, Fairview Heights will host D&D Rolled & Told Special Module at 3PM on Saturday Sept 8

  • $1 Get a copy of Rolled & Told #0:
  • $1 Advantage on any roll:
  • $1 Benefit from a short rest:
  • $1 Pick your character sheet:
  • $1 Increase an ability score (up to 20):
  • $1 Add a spell of any level up to your casting level to your known spells:
  • $5 Roll your character yourself:
  • $5 Gain a level (up to level 6):
  • $5 Benefit from a long rest:
  • $20 Turn any attack roll into a critical hit:

Fantasy Books in Belleville will host a Rolled & Told adventure on Sunday Sept 9 from 11 am to 4pm.

Full schedule and details for the weekend’s events can be found online. Rolled & Told is released using the Open Gaming License Version 1.0a and you should read and understand the terms of that license before using this material.

Andrew Gaska Joins Lion Forge as the Senior Development Editor

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Lion Forge expands in original content development for both publishing and entertainment with the announcement that franchise continuity and development veteran Andrew E.C. Gaska has joined the company as senior development editor.

Gaska has worked behind the scene with the company over the past year contributing to and creating several bibles for projects in development at Lion Forge. In this newly created position, Gaska will be responsible for the creation and development of new intellectual properties at Lion Forge. He’ll work with the creative teams and studios involved to ensure the vision isn’t lost in translation. Gaska will also bring his background to the company working with the licensing team as well as help bring historical and educational projects to life as graphic novels.

With two decades of experience in the comics and video game industries, author Andrew E.C. Gaska is the senior development editor at Lion Forge LLC. Having previously freelanced for Lion Forge’s Labs division as a script, pitch, and proposal writer, he now generates original IP for the brand, developing both comics and animation projects while working closely with creative teams to guide their vision to fruition.

He is founder/creative director of the guerrilla integrated media studio BLAM! Ventures and has worked as a freelance franchise consultant to 20th Century Fox for the past three years, writing series reference bibles, maintaining continuity, streamlining in-universe canon, and creating detailed timelines for the legacy franchises of Alien, Predator, and Planet of the Apes. Andrew was a production assistant and colorist for Vanguard Productions, where he restored valuable comic and genre artworks for archival reproduction. He was also a sequential storytelling instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and he served as a visual consultant to Rockstar Games for seventeen years on the Grand Theft Auto series, Red Dead Revolver, and all other releases.

His graphic novels and prose works include Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier, Space: 1999—Aftershock and Awe, Classic Space: 1999—To Everything That Was, HAWKEN: Melee,Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: The Draconian Fire Saga, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes, Planet of the Apes: Tales from the Forbidden Zone, and the upcoming novel Death of the Planet of the Apes.

Lion Forge will Publish Maia Kobabe’s Genderqueer: A Memoir in 2019

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Lion Forge Comics will publish cartoonist Maia Kobabe‘sGender Queer: A Memoir in spring of next year.

Maia Kobabe (who uses the pronouns e/em/eir) started Gender Queer Comics as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual. What e has created, however, is much more than just a personal story (though it is that), but a useful and touching guide to advocates, friends, and humans everywhere on genderqueer identity—what it means and how to think about it.

Gender Queer: A Memoir is another important addition to the catalog of the publisher that promises “comics for everyone,” documenting Maia’s journey of self-discovery and burgeoning confidence to tell the world who e really is. The book offers a deeply personal but also universal account of coming to terms with what it truly means to be the person you were born to be. Gender Queer: A Memoir will release in May of 2019.

Maia Kobabeis a graduate of the first-ever class in the MFA in Comics program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Eir first full-length book, Gender Queer: A Memoir, is due out from Lion Forge Comics in 2019. E is also the illustrator of Tom O’Bedlam, a single issue which was accepted into the Society of Illustrator’s Comic and Cartoon Art Annual and nominated for an Ignatz Award in 2016. Maia’s short comics have been included in the anthologies Alphabet (2015), Tabula Idem (2017), Mine! (2018), Gothic Tales of Haunted Love (2018), The Secret Loves of Geeks (2018), and the forthcoming Advanced Death Saves and Faster Than Light Y’all. Before setting out to work freelance full-time, e worked for over ten years in libraries and now writes book reviews for Publisher’s Weekly. E has been self-publishing comics and zines since 2010 and has attended over fifty comic conventions in that time. Eir work is heavily influenced by fairy tales, homesickness, and the search for identity.

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