More pacting, more branding, MORE GRAPHIC NOVELS!

Fox Atomic, the youth focused entertainment unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment, announced today a partnership with leading publisher HarperCollins to publish and distribute branded graphic novels from Fox Atomic Comics. Up to four graphic novels are planned for release in 2007, with content tied to Fox Atomic theatrical releases as well as original content.

The structure of the deal allows all creative direction to come from Fox Atomic Comics, with all publishing rights to graphic novels being handled exclusively by HarperCollins. In addition, HarperCollins will concentrate their marketing efforts on in-store merchandising, while Fox Atomic Comics will extend awareness via online, regional, media and theatrical-based promotions.

“With a focus on high-quality, creative product, we hope to make Fox Atomic Comics a destination for top-tier writers, artists, filmmakers and content creators to develop and publish high-end graphic novels through the brand,â€? said Peter Rice, President of Fox Atomic. “Our creative strengths coupled with HarperCollins’ publishing expertise will enable us to effectively establish ourselves in the marketplace.â€?

“Fox Atomic Comics has put together a truly impressive group of creative minds to establish an exciting slate of graphic novels for release in 2007,â€? said Jane Friedman, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide. “Through this deal, we look forward to expanding our brand in the rapidly growing graphic novel market and within the core demographic of 16 – 34 year old male genre fans.â€?

Fox Atomic Comics plans on releasing four graphic novels in 2007, based on upcoming theatrical films as well as original content. The first title slated for release is 28 Days Later: The Aftermath (due out Spring 2007), written by Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre, Wake the Dead, The Creeper) and edited by Jimmy Palmiotti (Publisher/Editor of Event Comics and Marvel Knights), which bridges the gap between the original film and it’s sequel, 28 Weeks Later. Next up will be The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning inspired by Wes Craven’s film The Hills Have Eyes and the upcoming sequel The Hills Have Eyes 2. Due out fall 2007 is The Nightmare Factory, adapted from the anthology series by Thomas Ligotti, which will be a recurring anthology series of one to three separate horror tales per novel. Additional title(s) will be announced shortly.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’d lay odds that a graphic novel line called Atomic Comics owned by Fox will eventually publish a book based on THE O.C.’s ATOMIC COUNTY, presumably by Allan Heinberg and Eric Wight.

    Any takers?

  2. Have there not already been comics based on the movie 28 DAYS LATER? Or am I mayble thinking of the similarly-titled 30 DAYS OF NIGHT from Steve Niles himself?

  3. Sean Phillips, over at his blog a while back, displayed seven pages from a 28 DAYS LATER prequel that were commissioned but never used, written by Alex Garland himself. But other than that, dunno.

  4. That might be it. Also, I think I may have stuck in my head the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and FRIDAY THE 13TH comics that Avatar publishes. But those movie series are from New Line not Fox, right?