Tag Archives: the disavowed

Massive Publishing turns to Kickstarter for “Massive Pilot” Program

Posted on by
Massive Pilot

Massive Publishing has announced the launch of its brand-new initiative: The Massive Pilot program — a creator-first platform designed to help comic book creators launch new series by combining the power of crowdfunding with Massive’s publishing infrastructure.

The Pilot Program offers fans and collectors a unique opportunity to support and shape the future of independent comics. Each Pilot crowdfunding campaign features a high-end early release version of the series debut, and will be produced in limited quantities for collectability. These premium editions will feature upgraded paper stocks, specialty covers, exclusive content, and collectible treatments curated specifically for campaign backers who are investing in the future of the series.

This initiative gives fans early access to potential breakout series with backer-exclusive content, both physical and digital. Series that gain traction will be fast-tracked for full release and direct-market distribution. The crowdfunding to store shelves with upgraded limited editions isn’t new for publishers. What stands out about the announcement is that 100% of the initial funding goal goes directly to the creative team, covering production costs and supporting creators from day one. That would mean that Massive covers the credit card costs and crowdfunding platform costs as well as printing costs. Shipping would assumed to be paid by backers.

The first title to launch as part of the Pilot Program is The Disavowed, written by Josh Blaylock with art by industry veteran Pop Mhan. Blaylock has had previous success on Kickstarter with numerous series funded for his publishing venture, Devil’s Due. The Disavowed debuted at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 where an ashcan edition was released as well as a Backerkit campaign. The comic is a riff on G.I. JOE of which Devil’s Due used to publish the comics before they eventually went to IDW and then Skybound.

This debut issue will set the tone for what Massive’s Pilot Program is all about. Follow the campaign on Kickstarter and be notified when it goes live on Tuesday, June 17th.

The Disavowed

SDCC 2024: Massive Publishing and Devil’s Due team for a new mature reader series, The Disavowed

Posted on by
The Disavowed #1

Massive Publishing has announced The Disavowed, a new “mature reader” series from the mind of Josh Blaylock that deconstructs the ‘80s retro phenomena with a brutal twist. The series, described by early reviewers as G.I. Joe meets The Boys, features interior artwork from artist Pop Mhan. This new five-issue comic series follows the rise and fall of a 1980s military super team formed to stop an esoteric terrorist cult and its re-emergence in the present day.

The series will include an impressive list of guest cover artists, including Michael Golden, Tim Seeley, Dave Johnson, Steve Kurth, and Adam Riches– some of whom will be familiar to longtime fans of Devil’s Due Studios and their licensed retro titles from the early aughts (G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Voltron, Micronauts). Attendees at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) can get an exclusive “Weaponized Nostalgia” Ashcan before the series launches on Backerkit this fall. Check out and follow the pre-launch campaign page here!

This polarizing title celebrates and satirizes nostalgic icons of the past while holding nothing sacred in its depiction of the decades-long, action-packed, bloody war between these two rival factions. By pushing the envelope with these story archetypes, Blaylock has created something completely new in The Disavowed. 

The Disavowed #1 SDCC 2024 Aschan
Screenshot

From within the panels of The Disavowed, The United Five–The worst kept government secret of the 1980s and the subject of rampant ’90s internet lore, the U-Five was formed to stop the esoteric cult-turned-terrorist organization, Komodo, which claimed to harness knowledge from another realm that could threaten the world. In 1989, United Five’s mission was accomplished (at least for a while), but not before many, including Curtis Howzer (Codename: Dane [The Great]), gave their lives. Now, Curtis’ son Matthew Howzer is determined to uncover the truth about his father’s death and the United Five organization. His obsession leads him to pursue a military career that unveils the true story behind the conspiracy theories, uncovering a story that was far more fantastical, debauched, and brutal than anyone could have believed. 

Now, after decades of rumors and conspiracy theories, the United Five have returned. Their purpose is to stop its former members, who are no longer the beloved heroes of yesteryear and are referred to as The Disavowed.

The SDCC Exclusive limited edition ashcan preview of The Disavowed will be available at San Diego Comic Con at the Massive Publishing and Devil’s Due booth #2300, while supplies last.