Sumerian Comics

Last updated

Sumerian Comics
SumerianComics.png
Parent company Sumerian Records
StatusActive
PredecessorBehemoth Comics
Founded2020;4 years ago (2020)
Founders
  • Nathan Yocum
  • Ryan Swanson
Country of originUnited States
Headquarters location Nashville, Tennessee
Distribution Simon & Schuster (books)
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. (comics)
Key people Ash Avildsen (CEO)
Nathan Yocum (President)
Ryan Swanson (President)
Publication types
Official website sumerian.ink

Sumerian Comics is an American comic book publisher based in Los Angeles, California. The company was founded in 2020 by Nathan Yocum and Ryan Swanson as Behemoth Comics. The comic division sells over half a million (500,000+) comics yearly, reached 8th in total market share in 2021, [1] and is known for its array of licensed titles for films like American Psycho, Basic Instinct, The Fog and for artists Bad Omens, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Ozuna while working with companies like Ubisoft, [2] Netflix, among others. Their titles are currently distributed globally by Simon & Schuster [3] [4] [5] & Diamond Comic Distributors. [6] As of 2022, the company is owned by Sumerian Records and was subsequently renamed as Sumerian Comics in July 2022. [7]

Contents

History

2020–2022: Behemoth

Founded in 2020 after acquiring the Spain-based comic book publisher, Amigo Comics, [8] Behemoth Comics debuted in the March Previews catalog for Diamond Comic Distributors. [9] Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and Diamond shutting down its distribution services for a brief period, Behemoth's first titles were not released until July 2020. On May 25, 2020 Bloody Disgusting announced that Behemoth would be releasing a spin-off of the popular video game series, Hotline Miami. [10] The title, Hotline Miami: Wildlife is an 8-part series that was released monthly beginning in September 2020. [11]

In November 2020, Bleeding Cool announced that A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night #1, written by film Director, Ana Lily Amirpour had sold through at least 10,000 copies of its first printing and would receive a second printing before the first issues releases. [12] Shortly after Publishers Weekly and Graphic Policy [3] [4] revealed that Behemoth had signed a global distribution deal with Simon & Schuster and received managed publisher status with Amazon, Kindle, and ComiXology. The article also revealed that they acquired Film and TV representation for a portion of their books by the Hollywood-based Talent Agency, Grandview/Automatik founded by notable Film Producer, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones ( Insidious , Sinister , Upgrade ). The deal with Simon & Schuster would only cover trade paperbacks for the global market meanwhile Diamond Comic Distributors would still distribute their comic books and graphic novels to hobby stores around the globe.

On February 22, 2021, as part of the Comic Industry's Annual Publisher and Retailer conference, ComicsPro, Behemoth announced that it would publish the comic MFKZ, which was adapted and released as a film on Netflix. [13] Shortly after the conference it was revealed that You Promised Me Darkness #1 had sold through 55,000 copies, marking the publisher's best selling first issue to date alongside MFKZ #1, which reached 40,000 copies sold. [14] The company was revealed as a sponsor for the 2021 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. [15]

Leading off a wave of new licensed titles, Bloody Disgusting, GamesRadar+, and others revealed that Behemoth would be adapting the 2015 cult film, Turbo Kid into a prequel comic book series due to be released in September, 2021. [16] [17] [18] This was followed by IGN [19] revealing that Ubisoft and Behemoth had partnered for a comic book series based on Watch Dogs: Legion with the first issue being released November 3, 2021. [20] [21]

At the end of 2021, Behemoth revealed that they had surpassed half a million (500,000+) comics and graphic novels sold during the year; their first full year of operation. [1]

At the end of 2021, Syfy [22] and others revealed a comic by Behemoth called Kult Cable. Meant to be the lead in to a full series featuring more celebrities, the comic includes New Jersey hip-hop and punk group, Ho99o9 and the famous actor, Jack Black. The comic is a tie-in to the bands variety show of the same name that features well-known guests each episode. [23]

On January 25, 2022, the entertainment website GamesRadar+ previewed a new licensed series from Behemoth based on the open-world RPG video game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance. [24]

2022-present: Sumerian

Deadline Hollywood reported on March 23, 2022, that the record label Sumerian Records and their film division, Sumerian Films acquired Behemoth. [7]

Deadline Hollywood reported the following week that Behemoth's original series, Paranormal Hitmen from creators Brett Murphy and Wilson Gandolpho is set to be adapted by Entertainment One and Hasbro into a TV series. [25] [26]

In July 2022, Behemoth was renamed as Sumerian Comics. [27]

As part of the first titles announced under their new name, Billboard revealed that one of the best-selling Latin musicians of all time would be partnering with Sumerian for an action-packed comic book. Ozuna stated, “I love collaborating to take my creativity to new, interesting places,” Ozuna said in a statement. “I’m very excited to partner with the talented team at Sumerian and make something fresh, captivating, and fun for my fans and my culture.” [28]

On March 21, 2023 various news sites announced that Sumerian has teamed up with the mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan for a graphic novel based on their 2013 record, One of Us Is the Killer. Guitarist Ben Weinman appeared at the annual WonderCon convention in Anaheim, CA to promote the release where he signed preview copies. [29] [30] The book released in February 2024 with hardback and various bundle options containing a special 10 year anniversary vinyl repressing of the record.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Cocaine Bear star and Critics' Choice Movie Awards winning actress Brooklynn Prince would be releasing her first comic book with Sumerian. The book is titled Misfortune's Eyes and follows Vivian Nightingale, a girl who wakes up on the morning of her 15th birthday and discovers that she can see human auras. [31] The series released across February 2024 - April 2024 and Brooklynn signed copies at various stores and revealed her inspiration for the series came upon a visit with her dad to Cassadaga, Florida. [32]

On June 8, 2023Revolver Magazine revealed that Sumerian produced the first comic book series for the band Bad Omens. Vocalist Noah Sebastian co-wrote the four issue series and it served as an expansion on the bands third record, The Death of Peace of Mind. [33]

Entertainment Weekly and Deadline revealed that Sumerian gained the rights to the 2000 classic film, American Psycho and would release a four issue limited series with more planned, in October 2023. Christian Bale's likeness was provided as part of the deal and the comic featured a dual narrative. [34] [35] [36]

In August, 2023 Deadline and CBR detailed Sumerian's newest licensed series, Basic Instinct based on the steamy ’90s Thriller With Sharon Stone & Michael Douglas. The series would debut in November 2023. [37] [38] [39]

The website Flickering Myth previewed a new Sumerian licensed title in March 2024 based on the 1980 John Carpenter film The Fog. The title is written as a sequel to the film and takes place forty years after the events that happened in Antonio Bay. [40]

Revolver, Alt Press, and others revealed that, as part of the legendary post-hardcore act Underoath's upcoming 20th anniversary tour in support of their 2004 record They're Only Chasing Safety, that Sumerian would be releasing a comic book loosely based on the record and only available to VIP ticket buyers. Sumerian also noted that editions containing more than just the one issue will be released later on. [41] [42]

Subsidiaries

Amigo Comics

Founded in Spain in 2012 by Juan "El" Torres, Amigo Comics is known for collecting Juan's series previously published by Image Comics such as Nancy in Hell and Drums. Amigo also published other creator-owned and licensed titles that Juan was not involved in a creative capacity. In 2019 Amigo was nominated for an Eisner Award in the Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips category for their title Sky Masters of the Space Force: The Complete Sunday Strips in Color. [43] On February 24, 2020, it was announced that Amigo was acquired by Behemoth Comics and all future titles would be published in the US by Behemoth but would still carry the Amigo brand. [8] This enabled Juan to focus solely on his titles.

Sumerian Comics publications

Notable Licensed Film/TV Titles

Notable Licensed Video Game Titles

Notable Licensed Artist Titles

Notable Original titles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neil Gaiman</span> English writer (born 1960)

Neil Richard MacKinnon Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre, and screenplays. His works include the comic book series The Sandman and the novels Good Omens, Stardust, Anansi Boys, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book. He co-created the TV series adaptions of Good Omens and The Sandman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dark Horse Comics</span> American comic book and manga publisher

Dark Horse Comics is an American comic book, graphic novel, and manga publisher founded in Milwaukie, Oregon by Mike Richardson in 1986. The company was created using funds earned from Richardson's chain of Portland, Oregon, comic book shops known as Pegasus Books and founded in 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colleen Doran</span> American writer-artist and cartoonist

Colleen Doran is an American writer-artist and cartoonist. She illustrated hundreds of comics, graphic novels, books and magazines, including the autobiographical graphic novel of Marvel Comics editor and writer Stan Lee entitled Amazing Fantastic Incredible Stan Lee, which became a New York Times bestseller. She adapted and did the art for the short story "Troll Bridge" by Neil Gaiman, which also became a New York Times bestseller. Her books have received Eisner, Harvey, Bram Stoker, Locus, and International Horror Guild Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IDW Publishing</span> American comic book publishing company

IDW Publishing is an American publisher of comic books, graphic novels, art books, and comic strip collections. It was founded in 1999 as the publishing division of Idea and Design Works, LLC (IDW) and is recognized as the fifth-largest comic book publisher in the United States, behind Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Image Comics, ahead of other comic book publishers such as Archie, Boom!, Dynamite, Valiant, and Oni Press. The company is known for its licensed comic book adaptations of films, television shows, video games, and cartoons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sumerian Records</span> American record label

Sumerian Records is an American record label based in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and London. The label was founded in 2006 by Ash Avildsen. They have signed artists such as Black Veil Brides, Crosses, Poppy, Bad Omens, Animals As Leaders, and I See Stars. In early 2022, Sumerian acquired Behemoth Entertainment, a comic book and video game publisher, in order to increase their merchandise options and further expand the brand.

<i>Dungeons & Dragons</i> (IDW Publishing) Comic book series by IDW Publishing

Dungeons & Dragons is a series of comic books published by IDW Publishing, under the license from Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, based on the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fantasy role-playing game. Since 2010, IDW Publishing has released two Dungeons & Dragons ongoing series, twelve Dungeons & Dragons limited series, three crossover series and an annual.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prophet (character)</span> Comic book character

Prophet is a superhero who appears in comic books published by Image Comics. Created by Rob Liefeld, he first appeared in Youngblood #2.

Amigo Comics is a Spanish company which publishes creator-owned comic books. However, despite being a Spanish company, its titles are solely published in the United States through Behemoth Comics. Titles are also licensed out to other foreign publishers via foreign licensing agreements. In 2019, the company received its first Eisner nomination through the Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips category for their title Sky Masters of the Space Force: The Complete Sunday Strips in Color. In March 2020, the company agreed to an imprint deal with Behemoth that would see all future releases published through Behemoth in the US.

<i>Mob Psycho 100</i> Japanese manga series and franchise

Mob Psycho 100 is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by One. It was serialized on Shogakukan's Ura Sunday website from April 2012 to December 2017. It has been also available online on Shogakukan's mobile app MangaONE since December 2014. Shogakukan compiled its chapters in 16 tankōbon volumes. The story follows Shigeo Kageyama, nicknamed Mob, a boy who has strong psychic powers, and his struggles to find the simple happiness he is looking for.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Tynion IV</span> American comic book writer

James T. Tynion IV is an American comic book author. He is best known for his work at DC Comics including as the writer on the mainline Batman title, the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy, and Justice League Dark volume 2.

<i>Stranger Things</i> American television series

Stranger Things is an American science fiction horror drama television series created by the Duffer Brothers for Netflix. Produced by Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment, the first season was released on Netflix on July 15, 2016. The second and third seasons followed in October 2017 and July 2019 respectively, and the fourth season was released in two parts in May and July 2022. In February 2022, Stranger Things was renewed for a fifth and final season, which is expected to be released in 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erica Schultz</span> American comic book writer, letterer, and editor

Erica Schultz is an American comic book writer, letterer, and editor. She is the first woman to write a Spawn comic, and is best known for her writing work at Marvel on titles like Daredevil, X-23, and Hallows' Eve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Webtoon (platform)</span> Webtoon hosting service

Webtoon is a South Korean webtoon platform launched in 2004 by Naver Corporation, providing hosting for webtoons and compact digital comics. The platform is free, and is found both on the web at Webtoons.com and on mobile devices available for both Android and iOS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Omens</span> American metalcore band

Bad Omens is an American metalcore band from Richmond, Virginia, formed in 2015 by vocalist and producer Noah Sebastian, guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo, and bassist Vincent Riquier. The band was later joined by guitarist and producer Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio, releasing their critically acclaimed debut self-titled album in 2016 under Sumerian Records. Their second full-length album, Finding God Before God Finds Me, was released in 2019, with a deluxe edition released in 2020. Their third album, The Death of Peace of Mind, was released in 2022, and spawned the sleeper hit "Just Pretend", which has become Bad Omens' biggest hit to date.

<i>Mutafukaz</i> 2017 animated film directed by Shōjirō Nishimi and Guillaume "Run" Renard

Mutafukazis a 2017 French-Japanese adult animated science fiction film based on the comic series and the short film of the same name.The film was a French-Japanese co-production between Ankama Animations and Studio 4°Cand is directed by Shōjirō Nishimi and Guillaume "Run" Renard.The comic would be published in English as M.F.K.Z. by the Behemoth Comics imprint, Happy Tank beginning in June 2021.Mutafukaz was released in France on May 23, 2018 and in Japan on October 12, 2018. At the end of December 2022, it was added to Hulu's streaming platform.

<i>Power Rangers</i> (Boom! Studios) Comic book franchise

Power Rangers is a comic book franchise published by Boom! Studios, based on the television series of the same name. Initially licensed through Saban Brands in 2015, the rights moved to Hasbro in 2018.

<i>Avatar: The Last Airbender</i> (franchise) Multimedia franchise

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an American multimedia franchise consisting of three television series, a live-action film, comics, books, video games, home media, and soundtracks. The franchise began with the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. The series is set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world in which some people can telekinetically manipulate one of the four classical elements: air, water, earth, or fire. Only the titular "Avatar" can bend all four elements and is responsible for maintaining balance in the world.

<i>The Sandman</i> (TV series) Fantasy drama television series

The Sandman is an American fantasy drama television series based on the 1989–1996 comic book written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics. The series was developed by Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg for the streaming service Netflix and is produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. Like the comic, The Sandman tells the story of Dream / Morpheus, the titular Sandman. The series stars Tom Sturridge as the title character, with Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, and Patton Oswalt in supporting roles.

<i>Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins</i> American comic series

Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins is a comic series, published by Dark Horse Comics, based on the American Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role. The comics act as a prequel story and covers how the characters became the adventuring party known as Vox Machina before the events of the web series. Matthew Colville was the writer on the first volume with Jody Houser becoming the writer on the subsequent three volumes. Olivia Samson was the artist on the first three volumes with Noah Hayes becoming the artist on the fourth volume.

Black Sands Entertainment, Inc. is an American entertainment company founded in 2016 and based in Columbia, Maryland, US. The company is privately operated and is mainly known for its comic book publishing as well developing animated shorts within Black Sands Studios. It was founded in 2016 by Manuel Godoy and his wife, Geiszel, who serves as an author and producer and distributes comic books aimed towards African mythology, Afrofuturistic titles, and the education of children and adults. The plan is to create a Black entertainment media company that can deliver all kinds of content to Black consumers.

References

  1. 1 2 "Exclusive: Behemoth Invests Heavily in Video Games with a New Publishing Arm". Graphic Policy. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Ubisoft, Behemoth Comics Partner for Watch Dogs: Legion Comic Series" . Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Exclusive: Behemoth signs a distribution deal with Simon & Schuster" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  4. 1 2 "S&S to Distribute for Behemoth" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  5. ↑ "Behemoth Signs Multi-Year Simon & Schuster Global Distribution Deal" . Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  6. ↑ "Cardinal Dagon Launches in Behemoth Comics July 2020 Solicits, Maybe" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  7. 1 2 "Sumerian Records & Films Acquires Comic Book Publisher And Gaming Company Behemoth". Deadline Hollywood . 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  8. 1 2 "Behemoth Buys Publisher Amigo Comics, Launches Osiris Path and Prom Of The Dead in May 2020 Solicitations" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  9. ↑ "OSIRIS PATH #1 (OF 3) (MR)" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  10. ↑ "[Exclusive] 'Hotline Miami: Wildlife', a Comic Spin-Off From the Video Game Series, Arrives This Fall" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  11. ↑ "Hotline Miami: Wildlife is a comic book series by Behemoth Comics" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  12. ↑ "Batgirl #50 and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night Get Second Printings" . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  13. ↑ "MFKZ" . Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  14. 1 2 3 "You Promised Me Darkness #1 Sells Over 55,000 Copies and MFKZ #1 is expected over 40,000 Copies" . Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  15. ↑ "Behemoth Comics Hires Steve Ekstrom As Their New Editorial Director". Olli Mag . Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  16. 1 2 "'Turbo Kid' Prequel Comic Miniseries Arriving This September" . Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  17. ↑ "Cult film Turbo Kid returns with comic book prequel" . Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  18. ↑ "Turbo Kid returns with prequel comic Apple's Lost Adventure" . Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Watch Dogs Legion Comic Book Will Expand on the Game's Universe" . Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  20. ↑ "Introducing Watch Dogs: Legion Graphic Novels And More" . Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  21. ↑ "Watch Dogs: Legion Pits Hackers Against London's Surveillance State" . Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  22. 1 2 "Free Comic Book Day 2022 revealed: Spider-Man, Resident Alien, Stranger Things, Doctor Who & more" . Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  23. ↑ "Free Comic Book Day 2022 revealed: Spider-Man, Resident Alien, Stranger Things, Doctor Who & more" . Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  24. 1 2 "Kingdom Come Deliverance slashes its way into comics" . Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  25. ↑ "eOne Developing 'Paranormal Hitmen' TV Series Based On Comic Books By Brett Murphy & Wilson Gandolpho" . Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  26. ↑ "eOne Developing 'Paranormal Hitmen' TV Series Based On Comic Books By Brett Murphy & Wilson Gandolpho" . Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  27. ↑ "Behemoth Comics Changes To Sumerian Comics For October 2022 Solicits" . Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  28. ↑ "Here's a First Look at Ozuna's Upcoming Graphic Novel in Partnership With Sumerian Comics" . Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  29. ↑ "THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Teams Up With SUMERIAN COMICS For Graphic Novel 'One Of Us Is The Killer'" . Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  30. ↑ "THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Announces One Of Us Is The Killer Graphic Novel" . Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  31. ↑ "12-Year-Old 'Cocaine Bear' Star Unveils New Comic Book She Created and Co-Authored (Exclusive)" . Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  32. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE! Brooklynn Prince can quite possibly read your aura" . Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  33. ↑ "SEE BAD OMENS' EMOTIONAL NEW VIDEO FOR HIT SONG "JUST PRETEND"" . Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  34. ↑ "Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman returns in American Psycho comic book" . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  35. ↑ "Christian Bale Classic 'American Psycho' Getting Comic Book Adaptation: Comic-Con" . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  36. ↑ "'American Psycho' Gets the Comic Book Treatment, With a Twist" . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  37. 1 2 "'Basic Instinct': Steamy '90s Thriller With Sharon Stone & Michael Douglas Inspires Comic Book Adaptation; Covers Revealed" . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  38. ↑ "Sharon Stone's Basic Instinct Gets a Comic Book Adaptation" . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  39. ↑ "Basic Instinct Getting a Comic Book Series" . Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  40. ↑ "The ultimate experience in terror comes to comics with The Fog #1 preview" . Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  41. ↑ "UNDEROATH announce 'They're Only Chasing Safety' 20th anniversary tour" . Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  42. ↑ "Underoath TOCS Underoath announce 'They're Only Chasing Safety' 20th anniversary tour (BV presale)" . Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  43. ↑ Graeme McMillan> (26 April 2019). "Eisner Award Nominees Revealed". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 20 December 2020.(in English)
  44. ↑ "Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman returns in American Psycho comic book sequel" . Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  45. ↑ "Christian Bale Classic 'American Psycho' Getting Comic Book Adaptation: Comic-Con" . Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  46. ↑ "BEHEMOTH COMICS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THEIR HAPPY TANK IMPRINT". ICv2. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  47. ↑ "Bad Omens Release New "Just Pretend" Video + Announce Comic Book Series" . Retrieved 13 July 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.