Announcing AMP Comics
AMP® Comics, a new creator-centric independent comic label, is set to launch in 2025 with distribution through Diamond in the direct market and Simon & Schuster in the bookstore market. AMP brings together several film and comic industry veterans to establish a sustainable, creator-first publishing model. With a focus on quality over quantity and effective marketing, AMP is dedicated to benefiting both creators and readers alike.
AMP® has secured a first-look deal with The Op aka USAopoly (http://www.theop.games/) , giving the board game giant the first opportunity to create games based on AMP’s books. Additionally, AMP is now the official publisher of the Script2Comic Contest, with the 2024 winner's work set to be financed and published in partnership with Kodansha Japan.
Leading AMP Comics as CEO is Don Handfield, a seasoned comic creator (Dark Age, The Source, Unikorn) whose first book, The Rift, was adapted for television by Steven Spielberg for the Amazing Stories reboot on Apple+. Handfield is also a successful film producer (The Founder, Kill the Messenger) and TV creator (Knightfall). His extensive entertainment industry experience, combined with his roles as a partner in comic financier Thunder and former board member of Scout Comics, uniquely position him to guide AMP Comics into board games, video games, film, television, and other mediums.
Joshua Starnes, a founding partner of Red 5 Comics (The Rift, Machine Girl), takes on the role of President. David Byrne, creator of indie hits such as "STAKE" and former co-publisher at Scout Comics, will oversee release and development strategy as Publisher. Joining them are Joel Rodriguez as Design Director, Joshua Malkin as Editor-in-Chief, and Jordan Moore as Director of Development. Additional partners and advisory board members will be announced in the coming weeks.
AMP® Comics will operate as a boutique creator-based label, focusing on a select number of high-quality titles that are marketed effectively and provide transparent and timely royalties to creators. Among its exciting lineup of launch titles, mc foley’s "LoveStruck" has already been picked up for development as a television series by Ryan Reynolds’ production company Maximum Effort.
AMP® will also publish the entire Thunder Comics slate, including the upcoming 11-issue series NeverWars, an epic narrative intertwining the fates of Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz; Prodigal Son, a cowboy saga from Cobra Kai star Martin Kove; Kill/Switch from filmmaker Sophia Banks (BLACK SITE), and more. House of Lowther, from writer-artist K Lynn Smith, will be released into the direct market for the first time by AMP and beloved series such as She Bites, Eternus, and STAKE will continue under the new label. Additional titles include Lost Boy, the origin of Peter Pan; Kronos, a sci-fi thriller by Alain Soussokho; Saving Santa, a Christmas story by Arun Narayanan; Honour Bound, an origin story of Robin Hood by Omri Rose; Ambergris, a World War II historical epic by Jacobo Fe Gismera; and recent Horror2Comic winner Hillbillies vs. Alien Chickens will also be released by the new label.
AMP Comics stands out by adopting a boutique approach, ensuring each title is marketed effectively and that creators receive timely and transparent royalty statements and payments. 'I've learned a lot about the comic business in the last seven years since The Rift,' Handfield reflects. 'Together with Josh, David, and our talented team, we designed AMP to avoid the industry pitfalls we've all encountered. Our mission is to create a space where creators can thrive, and their stories can be released into the marketplace with the respect they deserve.'
By prioritizing quality, transparency, and creator satisfaction, AMP Comics is committed to fostering a new era of success in the comic book marketplace.
For more information, press only, please contact:
Joshua Starnes – josh@ampcomics.com
AMP®. We Bring The Noise.®
For more information about AMP Comics: www.ampcomics.com
For more about THUNDER Comics: www.thundercomics.com