Tag Archives: roar comics

Lion Forge Moves the Catalyst Prime Titles to Their Roar Imprint

Posted on by

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 Unveils a New Logo and Plans for Roar in 2017

Posted on by

With this year’s American Library Association Midwinter Conference in Atlanta on Friday, the self-described publisher of “comics for everyone” begins to roll out news of its upcoming spring lineup!

Lion Forge made headlines late last year with the announcements of its teen and younger readers imprints—Roar and CubHouse—as well as news of the acquisition of boutique publisher Magnetic Press. The publisher “roars” into 2017 with an ambitious and approachable slate of books to make good on the promise of diverse offerings for every reader at every age!

Lion Forge has kicked off a full week of announcements with news of the second volume of Antoine Ozanam and Joël Jurion’s celebrated were-animal epic, KLAW, part of the Magnetic Collection at Lion Forge!

Following the explosive origin events in volume one, young Angel Tomassini travels the globe, fleeing the secret forces that hunt him and the ancient were-tiger spirit he possesses. Things get more complicated as he discovers other new were-warriors with different animal spirits and abilities, many of whom are out to destroy the others in order to become the most powerful being in the world! It is all-out were-war in “The Second Cycle”!

KLAW Volume 2 is the first title to be announced from Lion Forge’s Roar spring season, with more to follow throughout the week, ahead of the ALA Midwinter show.

KLAW Volume 2 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ March 2017 Previews catalog for release in May.

klaw-vol-2

Lion Forge Comics hires Andrea Colvin as Roar Comics Senior Editor

Posted on by

andrea-colvinLion Forge Comics has added Andrea Colvin to their already impressive line-up of talent as Roar Comics‘ Senior Editor. Colvin’s experience includes VP of Content, Book Division, for Andrews McMeel, Director of Publishing Operations for Open Road Integrated Media, as well as Executive Managing Editor for ABRAMS. Colvin was an Adjunct Professor in NYU’s Graduate Publishing Program in 2011 and completed the Yale University Publishing Course in 2013.

She joins a killer group of new hires announced just before this year’s San Diego Comic-Con that included Rich Johnson, Syndee Barwick, Mark Smylie, Joseph Illidge, and Devin Funches.

With this latest hire, it’s clear this publisher has big plans for the future.

Magic, Mechs and Mayhem with The Castoffs

Posted on by

Lion Forge Comics announced today the expected release date of the latest title from their Roar Comics all-ages imprint, The Castoffs, featuring writers Brian Smith and M. K. Reed, and artist Molly Ostertag. This four-issue young adult miniseries centers on three female mages who accidentally restart an age-old war with a robot army. The first two issues will have battle wraparound variants that depict an historic conflict that took place in the lore of the world of the series. Variant cover artists are Rosemary Valero-O’Connell for issue #1 and Sloane Leong for issue #2. The Castoffs hits stores October 12 and will be available in print as well as digitally.

It’s magic vs technology in Roar’s newest miniseries. When three apprentice mages are sent to help a neighboring guild, they reignite a decades-old war with a robot army that nearly destroyed the world.

The Castoffs Cover #1 The Castoffs Variant Cover #1

Preview: Madballs #2

Posted on by

MADBALLS #2

by Brad McGinty, illo. by Brian Smith, backup stories by Gunsho & Sean Dove
Pages: 32
Format: Comic Book
SRP: $2.99
Publisher: Roar Comics (an imprint of Lion Forge)
Pub Date: May 18, 2016
Item Code: MAR161564

This month, our main story by Brad McGinty (Adventure Time) and Brian Smith (Stuff of Legend) continues as the divided Madballs prank each other into oblivion during the no-rules intergalactic competition known as the Bizarro Bowl. And if you remember the fabled Madballs Van — that crazy, towering rat rod playset that was advertised but never realized — you’re in for a treat! Two wild backup stories (and variant covers) by Gunsho and Sean Dove round out the issue, along with an illustrated history of the original toy craze, making for a packed little package the likes of which we rarely get for $2.99 these days.

MB_02_CvrA_McGinty_FNL

Preview: Madballs #1

Posted on by

MADBALLS #1

by Brad McGinty, illo. by Brian Smith, backup stories by Scarecrowoven & Dan Zettwoch
Pages: 32
Format: Comic Book
SRP: $2.99
Publisher: Roar Comics (an imprint of Lion Forge)
Distributor: Diamond Comic Distributors
Pub Date: April 20, 2016
Item Code: FEB161633

Freaky fun for everyone — if that rings a bell then you’re a fellow fan of those disgusting heads from the ‘80s, the Madballs. And if you’re still a little foggy, here’s the scoop: Madballs were sculpted rubber balls sporting outrageously gross faces, each with their own names and personalities, and what you did is . . . well, nobody really knew what to do with them. You just wanted them, and thus one of the earliest modern collectible toy crazes was born. Madballs combined the “gotta have it” impulse of trading cards with the fun of a toy you could hold and display, and the always great side benefit of earning your parents’ eternal disdain.

That cultural confluence is exactly where Roar Comics comes in with our new Madballs comic book series, a collection of gross-out gags from a curated lineup of today’s most cutting edge artists. And that’s not just me saying stuff. Seriously, here’s the whole list: on top of a main story by Brad McGinty (Adventure Time) and Brian Smith (Stuff of Legend), each issue features backups by Scarecrowoven, Gunsho, Dan Zettwoch, Jenny Zych, Sean Dove, Jesse Balmer, Jimmy Giegerich, and Matt Crabe. We crammed as much degeneracy into this as we could before we ran out of pages.

The first of four issues lands in comic shops next week with three variant covers, hot on the heels of new designer toys from Mondo and a crazy-looking apparel collection from Jeremy Scott. Madballs the comic book flows right along with this nostalgic resurgence for older fans (and precocious kids), bringing an art comics A-game that we rarely see in media tie-ins.

MB_01_CvrA_McGinty_FNL

NYCC 2015: Lion Forge Heads into Year Two

Posted on by

Lion Forge Comics will be celebrating its star-studded 2016 releases with fans at New York Comic Con, taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Center next week.

Roar Comics, the young readers imprint of Lion Forge, will unveil artwork from its 2016 Madballs™ comic book series which updates the smash hit American Greetings franchise with modern interpretations from over one dozen superstar artists including Scarecrowoven, Gunsho, and Matt Crabe. The team — joined by Madballs designer Jim Groman — will be on-hand to sign a convention-exclusive oversized art comic and two limited edition screen prints before a launch party Friday night at Brooklyn’s Desert Island Comics.

Actor Flex Alexander makes his first appearance at New York Comic Con at two signing events throughout the weekend, with free prints showcasing art from his new graphic novel, Joshua Run. The high-tech hacker thriller launches as an eBook exclusive on all digital comics platforms.

Lion Forge also has a special event in store for wrestling fans — an encore performance of its standing-room-only retrospective on Andre the Giant at this summer’s San Diego Comic-Con. The WWE Hall of Famer’s daughter Robin Christensen-Roussimoff will field questions about her father’s legacy along with comics editor and journalist Heidi MacDonald, cartoonist Jarrett Williams, writer Mike Kingston, and Shannon Eric Denton, editor of next month’s graphic novel biography, Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven.

PANELS & EVENTS

Andre the Giant: The Man Behind the Legend

Thursday, October 8, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. — Room 1A24

The beloved pro wrestler’s daughter Robin Christensen Roussimoff joins Shannon Eric Denton, editor of Lion Forge’s authorized graphic novel biography, to discuss the real man we all know as the Eighth Wonder of the World. With special guests Jarrett Williams (SuperPro K.O.) and Michael Kingston (Headlocked). Join us for fond reminiscences of one of sports entertainment’s most legendary figures! Hosted by Heidi Macdonald (ComicsBeat)

 

Madballs Comics Launch Party

Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. — Desert Island Comics, 540 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn

Join the superstar artists of next year’s brand new Madballs comics series (and this year’s Madballs convention-exclusive art book!) for a rousing good time at Brooklyn’s own Desert Island Comics. Featuring Jimmy Giegerich, Matt Crabe, Sean Dove, Sacrecrowoven, Gunsho, Jenny Zych, Chuck Forsman, Ulises Farinas, Lale Westvind, and Jim Groman!

 

SIGNINGS

Signings and free sketch sessions for fans will be held throughout the weekend at Lion Forge Booth #1659. Below times are subject to change and more events to be announced — stop by the booth for up-to-the-minute news!

Thursday

11:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. — JOSHUA RUN Signing —  Flex Alexander

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — ANDRE THE GIANT Signing —  Robin Christensen Roussimoff and Shannon Eric Denton

Friday

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. — MADBALLS Signing —  Jimmy Giegerich, Matt Crabe, Sean Dove, Sacrecrowoven, Gunsho, Jenny Zych, Chuck Forsman, Ulises Farinas, Lale Westvind, and Jim Groman

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. — JOSHUA RUN Signing —  Flex Alexander

Sunday

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — SAVED BY THE BELL Signing — Joelle Sellner

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. — PUNKY BREWSTER Signing — Joelle Sellner

 

EXCLUSIVES AND GIVEAWAYS

Additional posters, ashcans, and giveaways will be distributed throughout the weekend at Lion Forge Booth #1659. Featured items below are extremely limited and subject to availability.

MADBALLS OOZING ART WAD

  • Limited Print Run of 800
  • Two collectible dust jackets
  • $25
  • 44 Pages

The Madballs invasion has begun! Lion Forge found eight of the most reprehensible artists in the world to share their visions of an Earth overrun with these pus-filled, drool-spewing monstrosities, and the results are enGROSSingly disturbing! Flippable and reversible dust jackets envelop this oversized comic, with disgusting stories from Scarecrowoven, Dan Zettwoch, Gunsho, Jimmy Giegerich, Jenny Zych, Sean Dove, Matt Crabe, and Jesse Balmer. The Madballs Oozing Art Wad collects all eight backup stories and variant covers from the upcoming 2016 mini-series, adding artwork you’ll find in this edition ONLY, from James Groman (one of the original Madballs designers), Ulises Farinas (Judge Dredd: Mega City Two), Derek Ballard (Adventure Time), and up-and-coming alt-comix star Lale Westvind.

MADBALLS LIMITED EDITION SCREEN PRINTS

  • Two different prints by Scarecrowoven and Gunsho
  • Limited print run of 75 each
  • $50

MADBALLS TEMPORARY TATTOOS

  • Two different tattoos by Matt Crabe and Sean Dove
  • Limited print run of 500 each
  • Free!

AIRWOLF DOG TAGS

  • Replica “Stringfellow Hawke” dog tag
  • Limited print run of 500
  • Free!

Preview: Crystal Cadets Vol. 1

Posted on by

CRYSTAL CADETS

by Anne Toole, illo. by Katie O’Neill
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback
SRP: $12.99
Age Range: Middle Grade (8-12)
Publisher: Roar Comics (an imprint of Lion Forge Comics)
Distributor: IDW Publishing / Diamond Book Distributors
Pub Date: December 29, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-63140-431-3
Item Code: OCT150478

What kid doesn’t dream of finding out they’re secretly destined to greatness, with hidden powers passed down through the generations to their adventure-seeking hands? In Crystal Cadets, the new magical girl series from Roar Comics, we meet six young heroes who find their true calling to save the world, but this time they come from all walks of life to form the most relatable and diverse cast in the genre.

First up is adopted Zoe, who has always felt out of place. That is, until she finds a mysterious diamond left to her by her birth mother. Zoe soon realizes it’s no ordinary gem; it grants her powers of light and she’s not the only one. Her discovery creates a disturbance in the force (so to speak), and she soon finds new friends Jasmine, Gwen, Olivia, Liz, and Milena who come together to form the Crystal Cadets! Reading like an action-packed, modern love letter to Sailor Moon, Crystal Cadets invites girls from all over the world to join this team of power-packed teens as they take on the malevolent evil known only as The Darkness.

The charming, Studio Ghibli-esque adventure comes to us from writer Anne Toole and Tumblr superstar artist Katie O’Neill. Recalling both the fun of ‘80s Saturday morning cartoons and the thrill of the first manga explosion, Toole and O’Neill have updated all of that questing magic for today’s eager young readers.

LionForge-CC1_Cov

Preview: Punky Brewster Vol. 1

Posted on by

PUNKY BREWSTER, VOL. 1

by Joelle Sellner, illo. by Lesley Vamos
Pages: 112
Format: Trade Paperback
SRP: $12.99
Age Range: Middle Grade (6-10)
Publisher: Roar Comics (an imprint of Lion Forge Comics)
Distributor: IDW Publishing / Diamond Book Distributors
Pub Date: July 29, 2015
Item Code: MAY150458
ISBN: 978-1-63140-314-9

When the classic NBC series Punky Brewster went off the air in 1988, its charming story stayed in our hearts. I think it’s because Punky, her foster dad Henry, and her loyal dog Brandon may not look like a traditional family, but their irrepressible love for each other can overcome all obstacles. It’s a transcendent message that’s especially worth retelling today, and that’s exactly what Roar Comics has done with its all-new Punky Brewster graphic novel series for middle-grade readers.

Just like the original, the graphic novel Punky is a bright eight-year-old girl who has been abandoned by her mother and lives on the streets of Chicago with her puppy sidekick. Punky thinks she doesn’t need help, but after getting picked up by the police she enters a foster home where she meets Henry, a long-lost relative. Punky decides he’s the adoptive dad for her but she has to convince the foster home, judges and lawyers, and possibly Henry himself. Luckily, she’s got an unbeatable resource — her limitless reserve of Punky Power!

Television veteran Joelle Sellner (Teen Titans, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes) and breakout new art talent Lesley Vamos have crafted a fun, funny, and real story about one little kid’s unassailable optimism and indefatigable search for a place to call home.

LionForge-PUNKY_BREWSTER_01_Cov

SDCC 2015: Lion Forge’s Panel Lineup

Posted on by

LionForge-Roar_COMBO_LOGODigital-first publisher Lion Forge Comics is celebrating its debut lineup of print comic books and graphic novels with a full slate of programming at next week’s San Diego Comic-Con. Highlights include a star-studded Miami Vice 30th anniversary reunion panel, a special appearance by cosplay superstar Yaya Han with two Comic Con-exclusive prints, and free sketch sessions with Lion Forge artists throughout the weekend.

PANELS

Miami Vice 30th Anniversary Retrospective — Thursday, July 9, 6:00-7:00 p.m. — Room 29AB

Talent from the classic NBC primetime series will join creators from the current Lion Forge comics to discuss the enduring legacy of the show that spawned decades of neo-noir cop shows to follow. Series creator Anthony Yerkovich and actors Edward James Olmos (“Lt. Castillo”), Michael Talbott (“Det. Switek”), and Olivia Brown (“Det. Joplin”) will talk with Miami Vice graphic novel writer Jonathan London and Lion Forge editor Shannon Eric Denton about the music, the colors, the alligators, and the action that made Miami Vice such a hit.

Care Bears & Madballs: A Look Back and A Look Ahead — Friday, July 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Room 8

A lively look back at the mega-popular ’80s franchises that are seeing a resurgence with new entertainment in 2015. Fans will have a chance to meet members of the American Greetings creative teams behind both properties and learn about their journey from greeting card idea to global phenomenon. Clare Kramer of Geek Nation will unveil a treasure trove of history and news for fans with Rick Reising (Sr. Managing Editor, American Greetings), Carlos Villagra (Head of New IP & Illustration, American Greetings), Georgia Ball (Writer, Care Bears graphic novel), and Adam Staffaroni (Senior Editor, Roar Comics). Featuring sneak peeks at artwork from the new Lion Forge comics making their digital debut this month!

Andre the Giant: The Man Behind the Legend — Saturday, July 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Room 29AB

The beloved pro wrestler’s daughter Robin Christensen Roussimoff joins Brandon Easton, author of Lion Forge’s authorized graphic novel biography, and editor Shannon Eric Denton to discuss the real man we all know as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Join us for fond reminiscences of one of sports entertainment’s most legendary figures. Hosted by Andre Meadows of Black Nerd Comedy.

SIGNINGS

Signings and free sketch sessions for fans will be held throughout the weekend at Lion Forge Booth #2300. Below times are subject to change and more events to be announced — stop by the booth for up-to-the-minute news.

Thursday

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — MIAMI VICE Signing — Michael Talbott, Olivia Brown, and Jonathan London

Friday

11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — MIAMI VICE Signing — Michael Talbott, Olivia Brown, and Jonathan London

Saturday

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — ANDRE THE GIANT Signing — Robin Christensen Roussimoff and Brandon Easton

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. — CARE BEARS Signing — Georgia Ball

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. — YAYA HAN Signing (SDCC ‘15-exclusive prints for sale! Two for $25)

Sunday — Kids’ Day!

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — CRYSTAL CADETS Signing — Anne Toole

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. — SAVED BY THE BELL Signing — Joelle Sellner

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. — PUNKY BREWSTER Signing and FREE Sketches — Joelle Sellner and Lesley Vamos

« Older Entries