The Dabel Brothers, quite possibly my favourite team in the comic world, have just announced that they are partnering up with Fantasy heavyweight publisher Del Rey. Dabel Brother Publishing won my heart by beautifully adapting stories by some of my favourite authors including Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist, and George R.R. Martin.
If you’re a fan of comics and graphic novels, or just a fan of Fantasy Literature in general, you should do yourself a favour and check out any of the projects put together by Dabel Brothers Publishing. You won’t be disappointed.
The Press Release:
Dabel Brothers Publishing and Del Rey, an imprint of Ballantine Books, have announced a new agreement for distribution of Dabel Brothers graphic novels into the trade book market.
In spring 2008 the popular literary comic book publisher will launch comic book adaptations of three major properties: New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Prodigal Son; Jim Butcher’s bestselling The Dresden Files; and George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards. The graphic novel versions, to be distributed by Del Rey, will go on sale in summer/fall 2008.
The long-term arrangement will result in broader distribution for their graphic novels than they have had in the past, explains Ernst Dabel, President of Dabel Brothers Publishing. “While we will retain our autonomy and continue to operate as an individual company, we expect the Del Rey sales team to greatly expand our reach into such markets as libraries and independent bookstores.”
He added, “Dabel Brothers titles have done well historically in the comic book stores and in the book chains. We’ve had great success with George R. R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight, which was one of the bestselling graphic novels of 2004. Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter, published in July, is already one of the bestselling graphic novels of 2007. Most of the titles we’ve published have debuted in the top 200, and that was accomplished as a comic book company, with a narrow focus on the markets we knew. We’re extremely excited about our future now that we are working with Del Rey.”
Ballantine Books currently releases graphic novels under the Villard, Ballantine, Del Rey and Del Rey Manga imprints. “Graphic novels are one of our fastest-growing areas of publishing,” commented Scott Shannon, Associate Publisher of Del Rey, Mass Market and Licensing. “Dabel Brothers Publishing produces quality work that deserves a wide audience and we’re pleased to be able to provide broader distribution for their projects.” The deal was negotiated by Del Rey Editor-in-Chief Betsy Mitchell.
Dabel Brothers Publishing, LLC, is a comic book studio dedicated to bringing many of the best and most popular novels in the world of fantasy to the comic book medium. Since its inception in 2001 they have produced over a dozen adaptations of novels by bestselling authors, including George R.R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, Raymond E. Feist, Robert Jordan, Tad Williams, Richard A. Knaak, Robert Silverberg and Laurell K. Hamilton.
I think it’s safe to say that things are looking up for the Dabel Bros.! Their adaptation of The Dresden Files promises to be one of the best and most popular yet!
I wish them, and Del Rey, all the luck!
