Following a potato-led marketing campaign to introduce the Potato Age of comics, Idaho’s #1 Comic Book Company has finally launched at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Mad Cave Studios and European publishing House Dupuis have partnered for the international imprint, Amazing Comics, led by Joe Quesada, who stepped down from his two-decade career at Marvel in 2023.
“Amazing Comics has been percolating in my head since 2005. I knew a day would come when I could make it a reality, but when it did, I promised myself not to rush into anything. Be patient and thoughtful, and always remember that I’ve been well served in my 30-plus years in comics by choosing the road less traveled. So here we are,” said Quesada in a statement.
“After two years of quietly working, planning, and building something different from the ground up, I couldn’t be happier with my new partnership with Mad Cave Studios and Dupuis. Not only are they dear friends, but they’re world-class publishers who share the same vision for graphic storytelling that I do, and together, we’ve come up with an initiative that’s unique and has never been attempted before. I can’t wait to introduce some Amazing characters and stories to fans around the world,” he continued.
Amazing Comics will be headquartered in Idaho and work with creators from across the globe, simultaneously publishing titles on either side of the Atlantic under the leadership of Mad Cave and Dupuis. The imprint launches with Disciple, a modern take on Hamlet, by co-writer and artist Quesada, co-writer Charles Dorfman, inker Wade von Grawbadger, colorist Richard Isanove, and letterer Joe Caramagna. SDCC ’24 attendees get a sneak peek at the series in the convention-exclusive preview comic, Disciple: Quarto.
“The true origin of Disciple came about when I met Charles Dorfman, a talented writer with a passion for graphic storytelling. Charles pitched an adaptation of Hamlet, which sparked a creative journey that led to the unique version of Disciple we have today,” Quesada explained. “This project blends Shakespearean elements with contemporary genres, creating a rich, mythological world for our readers to explore that begins as a prequel to the original, set in a whole new world.”
Dupuis senior editor Olivier Jalabert acknowledged the historical undertaking of simultaneous, global publication of Amazing Comics titles in a statement: “Dupuis Publishing and Média-Participations are both very proud and excited by the editorial joint venture between our group and the formidable team of Mad Cave Studios to undertake an unprecedented and historical endeavor in the graphic novel space, banding together with comic book legend Joe Quesada and his Amazing Comics team to produce innovating creative content for the worldwide audience.”
Mad Cave Studios president Mark Irwin added, “Mad Cave isn’t just a comics company; we’re a publisher specializing in graphic storytelling. This collaboration with Joe and Dupuis allows us to break new ground worldwide and bring something fresh and exciting to the market.”
Amazing Comics was announced at the “Mad Cave’s Industry-Shaking Comics Secret Revealed!” panel on Saturday afternoon in San Diego. It continues a string of exciting announcements from the publisher, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Quesada has scheduled signings at Mad Cave Studios booth #2806 on Saturday from 3-4 p.m. PT and on Sunday from 12-1 p.m.
Stay tuned for more SDCC ’24 coverage from The Beat.
