Official Press Release

Viper Comics Takes A Bite Out Of Digital!

October 26, 2011 (Dallas, Texas) – This is the year for something old and something new at Viper Comics. Earlier this year, the Texas-based publisher enjoyed an uber-successful relaunch of classic comics Inspector Gadget and Johnny Test at this year’s Comic Con. But Viper will round out 2011 at the other end of the distribution spectrum: digital.

“Digital isn’t coming,” says Viper President, Jessie Garza. “It’s here. Not only has the economy hit the comic business but even our most hardcore fans want to read their comics with the same tools they use to work, create and communicate. Digital has so many possibilities. We just can’t wait to get started.”

Viper is leaping into the digital revolution in two ways. First, they will make their library of existing books-from oldies like Gadget to cult favorites like Middleman-available in digital format. This will ensure fans have ready access to their favorites at any time and a whole new fan base can discover Viper books they might have missed.

And second, Viper will begin to create a new line of comics expressly for digital distribution.

Beginning with Five Senses, a gritty crime story about a murder witness bent on solving the crime while trying to keep the mysterious killer from stealing his five senses, Viper’s entire catalog of comic books will be available in digital as well as paper formats.

“Our writers and artists are stellar,” says Editor-in-Chief, Dale Mettam, “and it’s time to give both our established and up-and-coming creators a new medium to really strut their stuff. We think our fans are going to love what we’ve come up with.”

Don’t worry though if you’re a print lover. “Over the years, Viper has built many lasting friendships with small comic stores. We still have books that will go straight to print on our slate of upcoming projects,” Mettam went on. “However, the digital technology allows us to take more risks with projects and open the door for more up-and-coming talent that perhaps wouldn’t get the chance otherwise.”

“We’re a small indie publisher,” added Garza, “so anything that allows us to push the creative limits is something we’re equally committed to explore.”

For Mettam, this new medium hits close to home as he is the author of Viper’s Halloween digital release, Nightmares in Oz, a modern-and pretty gnarly-spin on the Oz tales we all thought we knew.

Shannon Hilson, of MoreHorror.com said of Nightmares in Oz,

“Nightmares in Oz offers a fresh and frightening new twist on an old favorite. Stunning artwork and truly creepy characters help bring Osmann Grove, Kansas to life in a way horror fans and comic book lovers alike won’t want to miss.”

Additionally, Viper will release its reader app making downloading and launching a comic just a click away. Until then, readers will be able to get a hold of books via iVerse, Graphicly, Comixology, Kindle and the Viper website.

About Viper Comics

Viper Comics has been publishing comic books and graphic novels since July 2003. Their debut title, Dead@17, was an instant hit and was noted as a Top 10 Hot Comic in Wizard Magazine. Viper has since released a number of successful books, including Daisy Kutter, a critically acclaimed series that was nominated for a Harvey Award in 2006 and was also named a top pick for young adults by the American Library Association. Viper has published over 100 comic books and 40 graphic novels. Viper has had four graphic novels recommended by the American Library Association: The Middleman (ABC Family TV Show), Daisy Kutter, Emily Edison, and Oddly Normal.