Oni Press Announces Bad Machinery Pocket Editions

Bad Machinery Volume 1 Pocket Edition cover illustrated by John AllisonOni Press has announced the Pocket Editions of Bad Machinery, the widely acclaimed series by Eisner-nominated writer John AllisonAllison’s witty series about English schoolchildren solving mysteries is re-releasing in a new, easier-to-read (and easier to shelve) size.

Allison spoke with School Library Journal’s “Good Comics for Kids” about the decision to re-release Bad Machinery in a new, smaller format:

The large format is divisive. They’re great-looking library books. Kids love the big books, adult readers don’t so much, and Bad Machinery has something for both groups. I’ve met readers aged six, and aged 70. I think smaller versions will play well with a large part of that range.

Originally printed as large 9″ x 12″ books, these smaller 6″ x 9″ books will contain the same content as the larger editions, and will feature brand new covers illustrated by Allison. Bad Machinery will continue to print in both the original larger format and as the Pocket Editions.

The Pocket Edition of Bad Machinery Volume 1: The Case of the Team Spirit goes on sale March 15, 2017, and will be priced at $10.00. It will be available to order through Diamond, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.

The Case of the Team Spirit introduces readers to Jack, Linton, Sonny, Shauna, Charlotte, and Mildred: six kids navigating the treacherous waters of school and adolescence while also exploring the strange mysteries that abound in their peculiar English town of Tackleford. Jack, Linton, and Sonny look for cures to their football club’s unexplainable woes, while Shauna, Charlotte, and Mildred try to find a way for compassion and justice to triumph in the face of die-hard sports fanaticism. But all of them should probably be more concerned with keeping on the good side of their history teacher, Mr. Bough. That is, if he has a good side…