Photo courtesy of ABLAZE.
Source: ABLAZE press release
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab)
Comics and graphic novel publisher ABLAZE previews a potent and extensive roster of new series launches set for November.
First up comes SHAKESPEARE MANGA THEATRE from the legendary Osamu Tezuka.
The first of 4 titles from the most famous manga pioneer to join the ABLAZE catalog.
Another new series joins the ABLAZE Manga catalog with the English language debut of GANNIBAL, a terrifying manga horror series by Masaaki Ninomiya, on which the acclaimed Hulu TV show is based.
Also launching comes THE AGENT, a full-color supernatural crime thriller by writer/creator, Mathieu Gabella, and artist Fernando Dagnino.
A new release by the acclaimed Italian creator, Zerocalcare, also debuts in November with the release of THE ARMADILLO PROPHECY.
The graphic novel was the creators first release and depicts a deeply personal story of how he coped with learning too late that a dear friend from his childhood had died, all while a giant armadillo represents his imaginary conscience.
Action fans will not want to miss Versus Fighting Story Vol. 1-2 Collected Set.
Officially endorsed by Capcom and the fighting game community and featuring genuine Street Fighter characters and produced in the vein of the best sports shonen, readers are invited to discover the e-sports spirit as you have seen it before.
Another collected edition also highlights November’s new titles with the release of Mirka Andolfo's Un/Sacred Vol. 1-2 Collected Set. The extraordinary talent of Mirka Andolfo (Unnatural, Mercy, DC Bombshells) brings to life a Heaven (and a Hell) filled with humor and lovable characters.
Finally, gamers will want to dive into Indie Games Vol. 1-2 Collected Set, a substantial 400+ page trove that pays homage to some of the greatest success stories in the world of indie games and takes the reader behind the scenes at some of the world’s best independent game development studios.
Also opening for November soliciations are the latest issues of several continuing ABLAZE titles including THE PRISM (Issue 2), ALMOST DEAD (Issue 3), ELLE(S) VOL. 3: Plurielles and the web-toon inspired releases of Immortal Regis Omnibus (Vol. 2) and Savage Garden Omnibus (Vol. 2).
SHAKESPEARE MANGA THEATRE, story and art by Osamu Tezuka
SRP: $14.99 · 304 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-186-2 · Suitable for Teen Readers · Available November 8th
Over the course of his career, legendary mangaka Osamu Tezuka adapted many of Shakespeare’s works. Shakespeare Manga Theater collects these adaptations into one volume. The book includes the following: The Merchant of Venice (1959), Robio and Robiette (from Astro Boy, 1965), Macbeth (from Vampire “The Three Fortunetellers”, 1966), Hamlet (from Rainbow Parakeet, 1981), The Taming of the Shrew (from Rainbow Parakeet, 1981), and Othello (from Rainbow Parakeet, 1982).
THE AGENT, Issue 1, story by Mathieu Gabella, art by Fernando Dagnino
SRP: $3.99 · Suitable for Older Teen Readers · Available November 8th
For some, magic is a myth. For others, it is a weapon.
What if witchcraft really existed? If our beliefs, superstitions, and legends were material? This is what Rhym, a young narcotics lieutenant, must question when she finds herself confronted with the impossible. While staking out a subway deal, a suspect magically kills his informant and drives the entire station into madness with just a handful of weed. Rhym miraculously escapes unscathed. She's unaware, but she is a witch, and that fact arouses the interest of a very particular unit of the French secret services. A group of special agents who, like the criminals they hunt, have mastered the art of sorcery…
Welcome to a world where it is better to wear an amulet than a bulletproof vest and where a simple curse by email can destroy you more surely than a bomb. Between thriller, espionage, and fantasy, Mathieu Gabella and DC Comics artist Fernando Dagnino (Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Teen Titans, Justice League) present a powerful adventure!
ZEROCALCARE’S THE ARMADILLO PROPHECY, story and art by ZEROCALCARE
SRP: $19.99 · 160 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-188-6 · Suitable for Older Teen Readers · Available November 8th
Now in its 13th reprint, this is Zerocalcare’s most popular title. Structured as a series of short stories that tie in to form a cohesive narrative, this is the seminal story that made Zerocalcare famous for his ability to write comedy with depth and elements of drama embedded in the plot. While it references Italian society, it’s a universal tale of loss, coping and coming of age.
Season 1 of Zerocalcare's original animated series “Tear Along the Dotted Line" debuted on Netflix in November of 2021. Season Two, "This World Can't Tear Me Down," premiered April 2023. Both can be streamed now on Netflix!
Versus Fighting Story Vol. 1-2 Collected Set, story by Izu, artwork by Madd and Kalon
SRP: $19.99 · 384 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-227-2 · Suitable for Older Teen Readers · Available November 8th
From Japan to the USA, the e-sport phenomenon continues to grow! The first manga dedicated to the world of e-sports competition!
Max Volta, leader of a team of professional players, launches an assault on the Capcom Pro Tour, one of the major international competitions for Street Fighter V. Everything does not happen as expected for the arrogant and overconfident Max. Even after being named top pick to win the tournament, he suffers a crushing defeat. Max takes it out on his friends, which leads to his sponsors pulling out. He's afraid his career is over. But then the mysterious Ines offers a return to the basics of "VS fighting" and puts together a team capable of beating the Japanese god of fighting games...which will cause a storm in the world of professional gaming!
Collecting volumes 1-2 of VERSUS FIGHTING STORY for one great price, this bundle is sure to resonate.
Mirka Andolfo's Un/Sacred Vol. 1-2 Collected Set, story and artwork by Mirka Andolfo
SRP: $39.99 · 336 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-221-0 · Suitable for Older Teen Readers · Available November 8th
Angelina, a voluptuous angel, and Damiano, a mischievous devil, are madly in love. But, while she does not intend to give in to temptation, he would very much like to... This is the tale of their bizarre and spicy daily life! Then, in volume 2… Meet Eden, a new arrival to the family, who faces her own ups and downs I this crazy and sensual universe!
A sex-positive--and incredibly funny--slice of life...full of angels, devils, and gags!
This offer collects volumes 1-2 of Mirka Andolfo's Un/Sacred in hardcover and includes bonuses such as cover galleries, sketches, and other behind-the-scenes material!
Indie Games Vol. 1-2 Collected Set, written by Bounthavy Suvilay
SRP: $59.99 · 432 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-222-7 · Suitable for Teen Readers · Available November 8th
The Origins of Minecraft, Journey, Limbo, Dead Cells, The Banner Saga and Firewatch and other incredible Indie video games!
Video games have grown exponentially in recent years and have captured the hearts of millions thanks to the success of titles such as Minecraft, Journey, Limbo, Dead Cells, The Banner Saga or Firewatch. To compete with the blockbusters, the independents have had to be massively creative and come up with innovative gameplay, top-notch writing, original graphic universes, and sumptuous soundtracks.
INDIE GAMES pays homage to some of the greatest success stories in the world of indie games, and takes the reader behind the scenes at the independent studios who participated in the making of the book. It is a work of reference, well documented, and bursting with anecdotes. The book, official and authorized, with the participation of studios around the world, includes over 300 pieces of art, with 50+ interviews highlighting over 70 games.
INDIE GAMES 2 explores the major developments in independent games since 2018. Superbly illustrated and documented, for enthusiasts and curious amateurs alike, this book gives voice to those who drive this cultural industry. Featuring exclusive interviews, and more than 300 illustrations, concept arts and unpublished sketches, through which the reader will get a glimpse behind the scenes and get answers from key people behind the blockbuster video games.
GANNIBAL, story and art by Masaaki Ninomiya
SRP: $12.99 · 200 Pages · ISBN: 978-1-68497-219-7 · Suitable for Teen Readers · Available November 15th
Discover the BEST of HORROR from JAPAN! The thrilling HIT manga comes to the USA!
After the mysterious disappearance of a countryside cop, the role is reassigned to Officer Daigo Agawa. He finds the remote village quaint, and he looks forward to an easygoing post among the warm and welcoming citizenry. Then… He gets a call. The body of a local grandmother has been found. The scene immediately sows doubt for the young policeman. A human bite mark has been left on the corpse, and any voiced suspicion of Agawa's is met with a strange, sudden, and intense hostility.
Something dark is lurking under the idyllic façade of the charming mountain village. But can Officer Agawa spare himself and his family from it? The Gannibal TV adaptation, featuring a dream team of Japanese creatives and actors, is currently streaming exclusively on Hulu!
New August 2023 issues for continuing ABLAZE titles:
Also opening for November soliciations are the latest issues of several continuing ABLAZE titles including THE PRISM (Issue 2), ALMOST DEAD (Issue 3), ELLE(S) VOL. 3: Plurielles and the web-toon inspired releases of Immortal Regis Omnibus (Vol. 2) and Savage Garden Omnibus (Vol. 2).
Photo courtesy of ABLAZE.
ABLAZE titles are distributed in-print worldwide by Diamond Comic and Diamond Book Distributors. Digital versions of ABLAZE titles are available via most major digital platforms.
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ABOUT ABLAZE
The mantra of ABLAZE is quality first, with the goals of giving creators a platform, bringing new voices into the conversation, serving as diverse an audience as possible, and growing the company’s publishing schedule sustainably over time.
ABLAZE is a publishing company releasing a variety of titles—in different formats, genres, and age ranges—original material, crowdfunded titles, reprints, art books, including internationaltitles from Europe, Asia (manga, manhwa), Webtoons and more.