IDW Publishing has announced a partnership with Ominous Press to bring a new line of epic adventure comics to the market. The brainchild of comic art master Bart Sears, Ominous Press will tell stories of larger-than-life heroes and villains in fantasy and science-fiction settings.

Ominous Press had a brief, initial life in the mid-’90s, before the crash of the comic market brought down so many fledgling publishers. Now Ominous Press returns, releasing all-new material through IDW beginning in July. Ominous Press is comprised of Chief Creative Officer Bart Sears, Publisher Sean HusVar, Editor-in-Chief Ron Marz, and Art Director Andy Smith.

The initial lineup of Ominous Press titles is: Dread Gods, written by Ron Marz and drawn by Tom Raney, in which gods in a fantasy world discover they’re actually monsters in a post-apocalyptic hell;  Giantkillers, written and drawn by Bart Sears, telling the story of a broken warrior who must protect a child destined to be the universe’s last hope against the ultimate villain; and Demi-God, written by Ron Marz and drawn by Andy Smith, about a fame-seeking hero gaining great power, but forgetting the great responsibility part.

Each title will initially launch as a four-issue mini-series. Each series stands alone, intended to be read independently, but with connecting plot threads that create a larger canvas.

Dread Gods will be the first title, with issue #1 debuting in July. Dread Gods #1 will have a standard cover by series artist Tom Raney, a wraparound cover by Bart Sears, and incentive covers by Kenneth Rocafort (1-in-10) and the legendary Neal Adams (1-in-25). Dread Gods #1 will be an oversize 48-page issue, including the lead feature by Marz and Raney, a backup story by Bart Sears, and a wealth of additional content, all for $3.99. Giantkillers and then Demi-God will follow.

The marriage of Ominous Press and IDW was spearheaded by IDW Editor-in-Chief David Hedgecock.

Ominous Press will have a presence with IDW at July’s Comic-Con International as the publishing line launches.