Some of Tapas Media’s most popular webcomics are coming to print via a just announced deal with Andrews McMeel that kicks off in Fall 2022. The series of graphic novels will feature strong female and underrepresented characters.
Over the last year or so Tapas has been moving into all kind of deals with all kinds of media partners, and has hired a bunch of skilled comics editors, including Chris Robinson and Jamie S. Rich. AMP is known for publishing some of comics all time best sellers, including collections of print comics strips such as Sarah Andersen, Pearls before Swine and many more. So teaming up with a leading webcomics platform is a no brainer.
“We could not be more pleased to announce our association with Tapas,” said AMP president and publisher Kirsty Melville. “Tapas is unequivocally the leading digital publisher of webcomics and webnovels, and AMP, with our deep history working with the most talented creators in comics, is uniquely suited to be its book publishing partner.”
“To partner with Andrews McMeel Publishing is to align the next generation of Tapas creators with a catalog of household names and Hall of Fame talent,” said Alex R. Carr, Sr. Director, Publisher Development at Tapas. “Tapas Media welcomes this opportunity for our storytellers to take the next leap in their careers and for their visions to engage new readers. It’s a natural evolution for the resonant comics on our platform.”
The series will debut with the following titles:
Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome (LavenderTowne) features young witch Planchette, who discovers her house is haunted. With the help of new friends, including a shy siren who hates attention, a cursed girl ashamed of her looks, and a magically-challenged witch from a powerful coven, Planchette works to assist the ghosts in finding fulfillment. The hit webcomic has attracted 30 million views.
DPS Only! by Xiao Tong Kong (Velinxi) delivers an empowering story set in the world of e-sports, as a young woman overcomes self-doubt, societal expectations, and an overprotective big brother to find her voice and pursue her dream of becoming a competitive gamer. DPS Only! was a 2021 Eisner Award nominee.
The Witch’s Throne by Cedric Caballes (WhataHero) offers an entertaining take on an epic fantasy coming-of-age story, combining elements of action-adventure manga and RPGs. An optimistic young alchemist sets off on a quest to become one of the four sacred heroes destined to save the world, making new friends (and bitter enemies) along the way.
Additional titles are planned for future release in 2023.
