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Lion Forge is posied to make a LOT of announcements at New York Comic-Con (disclosure they are sponsoring our coverage) and here is the first: they’ve acquired Magnetic PRess, the highly regarded publisher that specializes in bringing over European materials — including such stand outs as the Love series and the Eisner nominated Doomboy.

The move is effective immediately, and Magnetic will be rebranded as the Magnetic Collection at Lion Forge Comics, with publisher and president Mike Kennedy staying on as  Creative Director of the Magnetic Collection.

Magnetic has always had a solid repuation as a publisher, and with a larger company behind them, the outstanding material they publish should get even more attention.

And here’s more from the PR:

[Kennedy] will curate a branded collection of premiere books across all imprints at Lion Forge, including new acquisitions as well as the award-winning and critically-acclaimed, creator-centric Magnetic catalog of titles.

The Magnetic Collection brand reflects Kennedy’s consistent vision for what ground-breaking graphic novel literature can be. Readers can be confident that a Magnetic Collection book within a Lion Forge imprint upholds the same standards for storytelling trailblazed in Magnetic Press

Said Geoff Gerber, President of Lion Forge:

“Magnetic Press redefined creator and publisher relationships with a globally inclusive approach to creator-driven content.  Magnetic’s  books are recognizable because of their compelling visual and literary aesthetic and the production quality of its printed books.”

“Mike Kennedy’s careful attention to all the details of publishing award-winning content and premium books makes him the perfect person to curate our premier line of titles.”

Among the award-winning and acclaimed titles and talent that this acquisition brings to Lion Forge as part of the Magnetic Collection:

LOVE: THE TIGER (2015 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2015 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, SLJ Starred Review, Cybils Children and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards Nom 2015)

LOVE: THE FOX (2015 IPPY AWARDS GOLD MEDAL – Best Graphic Novel)

LOVE: THE LION (Booklist Starred Review)

DOOMBOY ( Eisner Nom 2015 Best Publication for Teens, 2015 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list, PW 2015 Year-end Critics List)

 WARSHIP JOLLY ROGER (2016 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens)

WASTED LANDS OMNIBUS (Eisner Nom 2015 Best Graphic Album Reprint)

A GLANCE BACKWARD (Booklist Starred Review, Eisner Nominee 2016 Best US Edition of Foreign Material)

FEDERICO BERTOLUCCI:  Eisner Nominee 2015 Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (LOVE series)

TONY SANDOVAL: Eisner Nominee 2015 Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (DOOMBOY, A GLANCE BACKWARD)

Mike Kennedy remarked:

“It’s no secret Magnetic Press was launched to carry the torch of quality production gleaned from the preceding years at Archaia. Cultivating creators and nurturing talent ranked as the top priority for Magnetic. So, becoming a part of Lion Forge is like a homecoming.  

Lion Forge not only understands what Magnetic achieved in its first 2 ½ years, their enthusiasm and commitment to help continue the Magnetic mission –  to bring more great books and talent from around the world to market – is beyond exciting. I’m thrilled to be joining the talented and experienced staff assembled at Lion Forge.”

Kennedy joins other recent high-profile Lion Forge hires:  Rich Johnson (VP – Sales, Marketing, and Business Development), Mark Smylie (Executive Editor), Syndee Barwick (Director – Marketing and Product Development), Joe Illidge (Senior Editor – Lion Forge), Devin Funches (Sales and Marketing Manager), and Andrea Colvin (Senior Editor – ROAR).