Tag Archives: lion forge comics

SDCC 2018: Italian Artist Zerocalcare Gets a Visa Approval to Make it to the Show

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Earlier in 2018, Lion Forge published Kobane Calling, the autobiographical memoir of a young Italian cartoonist writing and drawing under the nom-de-plume Zerocalcare. Due to US immigration policies in place following travel to the Middle East, his attendance at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con seemed to be in jeopardy. BAO Publishing in Italy has notified Lion Forge that Zerocalcare’s travel to the states has been approved.

Zerocalcare will be appearing in the Lion Forge booth to sign copies of his moving memoir, Kobane Calling: Greetings from Northern Syria at the following times:

Thursday, July 19: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 21: 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Kobane Calling chronicles the cartoonist’s experiences volunteering with the Rojava Calling organization and heading into the Middle East to support and observe the Kurdish resistance in Syria as they struggle against the advancing forces of the Islamic State. He winds up in the small town of Mesher, near the Turkish-Syrian border, as a journalist and aid worker, and from there he travels into Ayn al-Arab, a majority-Kurd town in the Rojava region of Syria. As he receives an education into the war from the Kurdish perspective, he meets the women fighting in the all-female Kurdish volunteer army (the Yekeineyen Parastina Jin, or Women’s Defense Units), struggling to simultaneously fight off the Islamic State even as they take strides for Kurdish independence and attempt a restructuring of traditional patriarchal Kurdish society. In a story and style at once humorous and heartbreaking, Zerocalcare presents clear-eyed reportage of the fight against the Islamic State from the front lines.

Originally published in the Italian weekly International and then collected and expanded in an edition by Italian publisher BAO Publishing, Lion Forge published the first-ever English language edition earlier this year to rave reviews.

SDCC 2018: Gail Simone to Serve as the Architect for the Catalyst Prime Universe

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Just over one year since the Catalyst Prime Universe debuted to much acclaim throughout the landscape of pop culture, Lion Forge has unveiled the next phase in comics’ most inclusive and diverse group of heroes with the announcement of the addition of comic book thought leader Gail Simone serving as chief architect of the Lion Forge universe of titles.

Gail Simone is set to appear on the company’s “More than Marketing: Lion Forge Comics Fall Preview” panel taking place on Sunday, July 22, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 8. Attendees will be given insight into Gail’s plans for the Catalyst Prime Universe, as well as news and developments on the company’s other titles and imprints.

SDCC 2018: Lion Forge and Know Yourself Announce Debian Perl

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Days before the opening of the exhibit hall at San Diego Comic-Con 2018, Lion Forge has revealed a new series for middle-grade readers developed in conjunction with computer scientist and entrepreneur Tim Howe’s Know Yourself, the Oakland, California–based public benefit corporation dedicated to self-literacy in early education.

Megalopolis used to be the city hub for all the makers, doers, and dreamers. It was a better time according to Debian Perl, a technomancer known for her out-of-date computer programming skills. Now the city streets are filled with “Egg-heads,” those in thrall to the ease and simplicity of new technology as opposed to Debian’s way of doing things. Digits is one of those Egg-heads. She is a young social media guru and knows her way around all the newest, latest technology.

Debian and Digits cross paths when they both stumble across a one-hundred-year-old lost robot named Ray-Bot. They soon learn that Ray-Bot’s CPU was suspiciously overclocked, leaving him unable to perform basic functions and commands. To find out where the robot came from, Debian must teach Digits everything she knows about computer coding and programming. Along their journey to bring Ray-Bot home, they begin piecing together the mysterious puzzle about his malfunction and uncover some sinister secrets.

Debian Perl: Digital Detective is a five-book series in which middle-grade readers will join Debian and Digits on mystery adventures all while building practical knowledge of coding, algorithms, algebra, and logical problem solving. The comic features art by Katie Longua and co-written by Lauren Davis and Mel Hilario. The first volume in the series is due to arrive in summer 2019.

SDCC 2018: Lion Forge Announces its Exclusives and More

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One week ahead of the opening of the exhibit hall at San Diego Comic-Con 2018, Lion Forge has revealed a full slate of signings, giveaways, and exclusive variants available at booth #5543.

Throughout the weekend, and while supplies last, Lion Forge will offer fans two exclusive variant covers for $15:

Voltron Legendary Defender Vol. 3 No. 1 by Keezy Young (Limited to 400)

Superb Vol. 3 No. 1 by Anthony Piper (Limited to 400)

Fans will get ultiple chances to get these special Comic-Con exclusives signed throughout the show, with days and times outlined below:

Thursday, July 19
1:00–2:00 p.m.: David Walker, Superb

Friday, July 20
12:00–1:00 p.m.: Tim Hedrick & Mitch Iverson, Voltron Legendary Defender
2:00–3:00 p.m.: David Walker, Superb

Saturday, July 21
2:00–3:00 p.m.: Tim Hedrick & Mitch Iverson, Voltron Legendary Defender

In addition, Lion Forge will launch its new gaming imprint, Quillion, with a special free issue of the flagship publication Rolled & Told, available in the Lion Forge booth throughout the show (while supplies last).

For those looking to learn more about the publisher’s plans for this new hybrid of comics and gaming, join them at a special panel presentation on Thursday evening!

Representation in Gaming: From the Comic Shop to the Tabletop
Thursday, July 19, 7:00–8:00 p.m., Room: 32AB
Tabletop role-playing has been a staple in the nerd community, but it’s found a resurgence with podcasts like The Adventure Zone and Critical Role. Now, Lion Forge brings readers the perfect combination between a tabletop RPG magazine and a comic anthology with Rolled & Told, a monthly periodical that offers casual gamers fun-filled adventure modules, comics, art, and so much more. Join D20 Dames co-host Jen Vaughn and Lion Forge associate editor Christina “Steenz” Stewart, alongside artists Max Bare and Shing Yin Khor, and writer Josh Trujillo as we discuss where the tabletop gaming industry is going and how inclusive we can continue to make it! Attendees will receive a special exclusive Quillion dice bag (while supplies last)!

Additional Lion Forge–related programming outlined below!

Indie Creators: What’s Next? 
Friday, July 20, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Room: 4

The Antidote Trust (TAT), a collective of indie creators, presents a roundtable discussion with industry professionals on independent creators and career development strategies they can use to further hone their skills and position themselves to take that all-important next step forward. Moderator Barbara Kesel (editor, DC/Crossgen; writer, Shadowzone, Mine!) will explore what hiring professionals are specifically seeking in independents with Karen Kirkland (creative strategist and founder of The Breakk, VP of talent development, Nickelodeon),Ashley Woods (Artist, Lady Castle, Boom Studios; Tomb Raider: Survivor’s Crusade, Dark Horse Comics),Geoff Gerber (president, Lion Forge Comics—Lighter Than My Shadow, Amazon’s Best Graphic Novel of 2017), Quinn McGowan (creator, Project: Wildfire; artist, Menthu: The Anger of Angels), and TAT co-founder Robert Roach (creator, Menthu: The Anger of Angels; storyboard artist, Insomnia; concept illustrator, Lion: Origin of the Wailers).

Diversity and Inclusivity from the Perspective of Libraries/Publishing/Authors in the Industry
Friday, July 20, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Room: 8

In the age where the inclusion of positive representation for marginalized groups in all media has grown but the need has not diminished, how has the conversation of increasing diversity in literature changed? How has the ground that’s been covered changed the landscape? Join Lion Forge’s associate editor Christina “Steenz” Stewart and senior editor Amanda Meadows, alongside a panel of industry experts, including award-winning filmmaker and writer Che Grayson, teen librarian Kathryn Kania, Eisner Award–winning retailer Jenn Haines, and nonbinary cartoonist and creator of Genderqueer: A Memoir, Maia Kobabe, for a discussion on how to truly produce “comics for everyone.”

Roaring into Adulthood: Young Adult and Middle Grade Comics in the Classroom and Beyond
Saturday, July 21, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Room: Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

Lion Forge believes in publishing comic books for every reader at every age with stories to reflect the world at large. Middle grade and young adult fiction are the two fastest-growing categories in bookstores around the world, and the company’s Caracal and Roar imprints offer countless comic book tales in every genre for children, teens, and adults alike. The panel will discuss a broad range of titles from Lion Forge and other publishers, and offer librarians and educators expert advice on how to incorporate these books into schools, libraries, and living rooms. Join Lion Forge director of education outreach and collections, Jill Gerber, Lion Forge editors Jasmine Amiri and Carol Burrell, writers Rodney Barnes, Samuel Sattin, and David Walker, and Eisner Award–winning comic retailer and educator Jenn Haines for a discussion on how comics can be used as tools for education as well as entertainment.

Comics for Impact: Changing the World with Words and Pictures 
Saturday, July 21, 4:00–5:00 p.m., Room: Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

Comics for Impact and Social Good—Find out how comics educate, change attitudes, and otherwise make a difference by, among other things, depicting persons with disabilities in a different light, raising funds for charitable causes, providing a tribute for victims of hate crimes, and fighting for international human rights in a presentation and Q&A with panelists Geoff Gerber (president of Lion Forge), Kelley Allen (director of books at Humble Bundle), Sarah Gaydos (Love Is Love), and Josh Elder (executive director of Reading With Pictures) with moderator Russell Shilling (senior innovation fellow at Digital Promise).

Lion Forge’s “Comics for Everyone” Fall 2018 Preview 
Sunday, July 22, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Room: 8

Lion Forge Comics strives to publish comics 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. Lion Forge senior publicist Jeremy Atkins and senior editor Amanda Meadows give attendees an exclusive look at what’s to come from Lion Forge this fall and are joined by a cast of the industry’s top talent and a special surprise guest for an exclusive announcement that will echo throughout the San Diego Convention Center!

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – Dan Slott’s historic run is done and we’ve got a new creative team headed up by writer Nick Spencer. While Spencer has stumbled a lot lately, in numerous ways, his work on Superior Foes of Spider-Man was excellent. If we get more of that, then this will be a great run.

Come Again (Top Shelf/IDW Publishing) – Nate Powell’s new graphic novel. That’s all you need to know to say you need to get this.

Farmhand #1 (Image Comics) – Rob Guillory gave us some interesting concepts in Chew and it sounds like this one, a farmer who grows organs, will be just as off the wall.

Disney Pixar’s Incredibles 2 #1 Crisis Midlife & Stories (Dark Horse Comics) – Love the movies? We’re excited to get more of this world.

Mech Cadet Yu #10 (BOOM! Studios) – If you haven’t been reading this series, giant mechs and their kid pilots fight aliens, then you’ve been missing out. Enjoy the battles and drama or dive deeper into the concept of a military that uses children and aliens to do battle. It’s layered and so good.

Oblivion Song #5 (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics) – Much like Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead, Oblivion Song is about the characters and how a world has changed than the threat. It’s about trauma and PTSD. It’s so far fantastic.

Outpost Zero #1 (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics) – Skybound has been putting out some fantastic new series and this one sounds like an interesting one about the smallest town in the universe.

Ruinworld #1 (KaBOOM!/BOOM! Studios) – A new fantasy series that just looks awesome.

She Could Fly #1 (Berger Books/Dark Horse Comics) – The new Berger Books series focuses on a mysterious flying woman who suddenly explodes. Who was she? The concept sounds really intriguing and we want to find out more about this mystery.

Superman #1 (DC Comics) – Brian Michael Bendis’ Superman run really kicks off with this new ongoing series and the first issue picks up the pieces of The Man of Steel.

Transformers: Lost Light #20/Transformers: Optimus Prime #20/Transformers: Unicron #1 (IDW Publishing) – IDW’s end game for Transformers is beginning. We’ve been big fans of their entire run and can’t wait to see how it all wraps up.

Voltron: Legendary Defender Vol. 3 #1 (Lion Forge Comics) – Fan of the animated series? Check this out! It’s a great new take on the classic toy and animated line.

X-23 #1 (Marvel) – She’s back to being X-23 and we want to see where this new series takes Laura and how it makes her again stand out from the pack.

Lion Forge Reveals Jeff Weigel’s Quantum Mechanics, the First Title Under the Caracal Imprint

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Lion Forge has unveiled plans for the first title under the Caracal banner. Jeff Weigel‘s Quantum Mechanics will be the first comic to be released up the comic publisher’s imprint. The imprint is aimed at readers ages 8 to 12.

Growing up on her father’s salvage yard on a remote, barren asteroid, Rox has always wanted to experience more of the galaxy. Her best pal, the natural mechanic Zam, has always wanted better spacecraft to tinker on. When a space hauler arrives one day with a broken tractor beam, the kids think this might be just their chance to earn some money to repair one of the junked spaceships and set out on adventures. But when it turns out the captain of the hauler is none other than the dread space pirate known as Red Myk, adventure is exactly what they get!

After being kidnapped, Rox and Zam encounter a group of down-on-their-luck space truckers, forced into piracy after a shipping conglomerate took control of a wormhole and effectively put an end to transport operations in that region of space. A final confrontation with the shipping conglomerate will force the two to make decisions and alliances that will directly affect the future of their quadrant of space.

This fun new book will be released in finer comic shops everywhere on October 10, and in bookstores on October 23.

Brandon Easton Joins Lion Forge’s Incidentals

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Incidentals, created by writer/producer Ramón Govea and co-developed by Lion Forge co-founders David Steward II and Carl Reed, has been a cornerstone title in comics’ most diverse and inclusive universe since 2017.

Now, as the series moves into its third volume, Brandon Easton will co-write the title’s most ambitious storyline, in a first-person look at the culture of celebrity and superheroes. Two Hollywood veterans will tackle issues that have long terrorized Tinseltown behind the scenes, pitting heroes against their greatest fears in an arresting fictional account of the uglier side of filmdom.

The Incidentals are making their mark in Hollywood! Marko is managing the group as the initial offering from Luminous Talent Agency—Bo Vincent Chen’s latest entrepreneurial effort to recruit superhero talent. But rather than enjoy their new celebrity status, the Incidentals still struggle with their lack of communication, which threatens to unravel the team. Meanwhile, a mysterious new power player enters the fold with an eye to recruit our heroes . . . but can the Incidentals really trust him, or is something more sinister in motion? While the City of Angels may be caked in a layer of glitz and glam, the team finds themselves faced with what lurks just beneath the town’s shiny exterior.

The ninth issue of Incidentals debuted in stores last week and will return in an all-new series and volume on July 25, alongside the second collection of the previous series. Incidentals #10 pairs the new writing team with artist Jose Jaro and features covers by Ryan Brown.

Lion Forge Moves the Catalyst Prime Titles to Their Roar Imprint

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Just over a year since the Catalyst Prime Universe debuted to much acclaim throughout the landscape of pop culture, Lion Forge has announced they will move the existing title Superb, as well as the recently announced Quincredible, over to the company’s Roar imprint. Roar was launched along with another imprint, CubHouse, in 2016.

Superb was created by Lion Forge co-founders David Steward II and Carl Reed, and is produced in partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society in its portrayal of the character Jonah, a teenage boy with Down syndrome. The series has been a cornerstone title in comics’ most diverse and inclusive universe since 2017, and follows Jonah and his best friend Kayla, two teenagers coming to terms with their newfound superpowers. The series moves to Roar in its third volume next month, written by David F. Walker and featuring art from Alitha Martinez.

Quincredible, the newest series in the Catalyst Prime Universe, follows Quinton, your average high school sophomore, who also happens to be moonlighting as a superhero. While his fierce bravado may serve him, he’s still in dire need of the discipline to ensure he not only saves the day but minimizes the damage done in the process. Enter Maya, a member of her neighborhood watch, who takes him under her wing to give him a better understanding of the responsibilities of being a hero and what it means to save the day.

Quinton’s first real test comes when he faces off with Null, an embittered young man with a vendetta against Foresight Corp. and superheroes at large.

Quincredible features art by Selina Espiritu and Michelle Wong, and is set to debut under the Roar imprint later this year.

Lion Forge Has Launched a Middle-Grade Imprint Caracal

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Lion Forge has been making lots of changes in recent years recognizing new trends in the comic market and adjusting properly with such launches as their CubHouse imprint and Catalyst Prime superhero line of comics. The publisher will now provide a reading road map for parents and educators with a new imprint focused on middle-grade aged children. Caracal is a new imprint announced today under the Lion Forge umbrella, alongside CubHouse (early readers) and Roar (young adult).

Just like its namesake inspiration, the Caracal imprint for middle-grade readers is fast-paced, agile, leaps high to catch fresh concepts and ideas, and hunts down the best stories! Caracal will offer books for readers ages 8–12 focused on preteen characters in relatable situations across genres, including age-appropriate superheroes, science fiction, and fantasy. Select existing titles under the CubHouse banner will see a revised trade dress in second printings, and initial offerings through Caracal will begin publishing later in the year. Previously announced titles and series include:

  • Encounter by Chris Giarrusso, Art Baltazar, and Franco
  • The Wormworld Saga by Daniel Lieske
  • Sheets by Brenna Thummler
  • Glint by Sam Sattin and Ian McGinty

The focus of CubHouse will remain to publish graphic literature with the unique visual literacy development of young children in mind. Initial offerings include: picture books, hybrid or transitional graphic books, and early comic books, which have a limited number of panels on each page in a predictable sequence with corresponding word balloons.

Additional upcoming titles under the Caracal banner will be announced later this week, in correspondence with the publisher’s appearance at BookExpo America in New York City.

Lion Forge Adds Jill Gerber as a Director of Education Outreach and Collections

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Lion Forge has a reputation of being one of comics publishing’s most forward-thinking companies, with a focus on growing comic book readership across markets and their commitment to “comics for everyone.” This guiding principle has garnered the publisher tremendous success in the book trade, libraries, and in the core business of the comic book specialty market.

Today, the publisher adds Jill Gerber, longtime veteran and advocate of comic books as tools for education in a new position dedicated to providing teachers and librarians support for adding comics to their collections and curriculum. Gerber’s experience and expertise will also serve to develop and find content that will allow Lion Forge to expand its catalog in new and exciting ways.

Jill L. Gerber is an award-winning and Teaching All Kinds of Minds–certifiededucator of twenty-five years, and longtime advocate of graphic literature in curriculum. She began her career in education in 1993, moving into the classroom on a full-time basis in 1997. Since then, she has been published numerous times and presented at conventions in conferences around the country. Gerber is a University of Chicago graduate and a recipient of the following awards: Richard B. Kobusch Humanities Endowed Chair (2017), Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching (2002), ISSL Teacher of Distinction (2002), and Office Depot, Teacher Success Stories (2002).

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