Archaia Studios Press
Encyclopedia
Archaia Entertainment, LLC is an American comic book
publishing company established by Mark Smylie
in 2002
.
because the publisher, Sirius Entertainment
, wanted to print the third series in black and white. He quickly realised he might as well publish other titles and early titles included Mouse Guard
, Robotika
and The Lone and Level Sands.
In March 2007
ASP hired Joseph Illidge, formerly at Milestone Comics
, and announced a dozen new titles. Revere joined from Alias Comics, after they moved to an all-Christian line-up, and ASP will publish the trade paperback
. Starkweather (based on a story by Piers Anthony
) moved over from Arcana Studios for better "product positioning".
Pauline Benney joined as Art Director in late 2007 after a decade working in the same position at White Wolf, Inc.
In May 2008 Aki Liao, ASP's co-publisher, decided to depart from the company for personal reasons. This started an ongoing commitment to make ASP capable of releasing new titles on time and according to schedule retailers and fans would like to see.
Archaia was bought by Kunoichi
in October 2008
Archaia has also published a role-playing game
based on Artesia:
American comic book
An American comic book is a small magazine originating in the United States and containing a narrative in the form of comics. Since 1975 the dimensions have standardized at 6 5/8" x 10 ¼" , down from 6 ¾" x 10 ¼" in the Silver Age, although larger formats appeared in the past...
publishing company established by Mark Smylie
Mark Smylie
Mark Smylie is a comics creator, writer and illustrator. He is best known for his Artesia epic fantasy comic series.Born in Florida in 1967, he studied political science, philosophy, art history, and English lit at Columbia University for four years. Besides Artesia, Smylie has also done numerous...
in 2002
2002 in comics
-March:* Adventures of Superman #600: super-sized anniversary issue by Joe Casey, Mike Wieringo, and Jose Marzan, Jr. -April:* Batman #600: "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive," part one, 64-page giant, written by Ed Brubaker.-January:...
.
History
Mark Smylie formed the company as a home for his comic ArtesiaArtesia (comics)
Artesia is an epic fantasy comic book series authored and illustrated by Mark Smylie. Artesia is also the name of the heroine of the cycle. Smylie has described her as a "Pagan Joan of Arc", to use a popular reference, while noting that the closest historical model is the Irish Queen Medb...
because the publisher, Sirius Entertainment
Sirius Entertainment
Sirius Entertainment is an American comic book company which celebrated 15 years of publishing in 2009. Sirius has published popular titles such as Dawn, Poison Elves, Akiko, and Mark Smylie's epic fantasy Artesia series during its first years....
, wanted to print the third series in black and white. He quickly realised he might as well publish other titles and early titles included Mouse Guard
Mouse Guard
Mouse Guard is an Eisner Award-winning bi-monthly comic book series published by Archaia Studios Press. The comic stands out on shelves due to its distinctive form factor -– a square as opposed to the standard comic size...
, Robotika
Robotika
Robotika is an American comic series created by Alex Sheikman. Two collections have been printed, featuring the original story line and the "For a Few Rubles More" line. It is published by Archaia Studios Press.-Plot synopsis:...
and The Lone and Level Sands.
In March 2007
2007 in comics
-January:*January 10: Superman & Batman vs. Aliens & Predator released.*January 24: The Boys is canceled with issue #6.-February:*February 2: Newsarama reports that The Boys has been picked up by Dynamite Entertainment....
ASP hired Joseph Illidge, formerly at Milestone Comics
Milestone Media
Milestone Media is a company best known for creating Milestone Comics and securing an unheard of publishing and distribution deal with DC Comics and the Static Shock cartoon series. It was founded in 1993 by a coalition of African-American artists and writers Milestone Media is a company best known...
, and announced a dozen new titles. Revere joined from Alias Comics, after they moved to an all-Christian line-up, and ASP will publish the trade paperback
Trade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
. Starkweather (based on a story by Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob is an English American writer in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is most famous for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.Many of his books have appeared on the New York Times Best...
) moved over from Arcana Studios for better "product positioning".
Pauline Benney joined as Art Director in late 2007 after a decade working in the same position at White Wolf, Inc.
White Wolf, Inc.
White Wolf Publishing is an American gaming and book publisher. The company was founded in 1991 as a merger between Lion Rampant and White Wolf Magazine, and was initially led by Mark Rein·Hagen of the former and Steve and Stewart Wieck of the latter. Since White Wolf Publishing, Inc. merged with...
In May 2008 Aki Liao, ASP's co-publisher, decided to depart from the company for personal reasons. This started an ongoing commitment to make ASP capable of releasing new titles on time and according to schedule retailers and fans would like to see.
Archaia was bought by Kunoichi
Kunoichi (company)
Kunoichi is an American media company located in Chicago, Illinois, whose clients have included Hasbro, Rockstar Games and JWT.-History:In February 2007, Devil's Due Publishing partnered with Kunoichi to share expertise. Kunoichi are involved in much of the artwork for the upcoming Dragonlance...
in October 2008
Titles
Comics published by Archaia Studios Press include:- ArtesiaArtesia (comics)Artesia is an epic fantasy comic book series authored and illustrated by Mark Smylie. Artesia is also the name of the heroine of the cycle. Smylie has described her as a "Pagan Joan of Arc", to use a popular reference, while noting that the closest historical model is the Irish Queen Medb...
(by Mark SmylieMark SmylieMark Smylie is a comics creator, writer and illustrator. He is best known for his Artesia epic fantasy comic series.Born in Florida in 1967, he studied political science, philosophy, art history, and English lit at Columbia University for four years. Besides Artesia, Smylie has also done numerous...
) - Awakening (by Nick Tapalansky and Alex Eckman-Lawn, 2007-)
- The Bond of Saint MarcelThe Bond of Saint MarcelThe Bond Of Saint Marcel is a six-issue comic book limited series published by Archaia Studios Press.Created and written by Jennifer Quintenz, with pencils by five-time Eisner Awards nominee Christian Gossett.-Plot:...
(by Jennifer Quintenz, with pencils by Christian Gossett, color by Emil Petrinic, and letters by Marshall Dillion, July 2008-ongoing) - Days Missing (by writers Phil HesterPhil Hester (comics)Phil Hester is an American comic book artist, penciller and writer.-Biography:This Eisner Award-nominated artist was born in eastern Iowa, where he went on to study at the University of Iowa...
, David HineDavid Hine-Biography:Hine has been working in comics since the early 1980s. For Crisis he drew the series Sticky Fingers in 1989, and wrote and drew a number of short pieces in 1990 and 1991...
, and Ian EdgintonIan EdgintonIan Edginton is a British comic book writer.He is one of the few British comic talents to follow the reverse trajectory to the one usually taken: becoming successful in American comics before returning to work for 2000 AD.-Biography:...
, with art by Frazer IrvingFrazer IrvingFrazer Irving is a British comic book artist known for the 2000 AD series Necronauts. Irving studied art at the University of Portsmouth, England, after which he took various temporary jobs in London...
, 5-issue limited series, with Roddenberry Productions, August 2009-ongoing) - The Devil's PantiesThe Devil's PantiesThe Devil's Panties is a webcomic created by Jennie Breeden.-Overview:It is based widely on her own life experiences and interactions with other people...
(by Jennie Breeden, April, 2008, forthcoming) - The Engineer (by Brian Churilla and Jeremy ShepherdJeremy ShepherdJeremy Shepherd is an Canadian soccer player who currently plays as a striker for the Brampton Lions.-Career:He was a member of the Toronto Lynx Jr inaugural season in the Super Y-League in 2000....
, 4-issue mini-series) - The God MachineThe God Machine (comics)The God Machine is a 2010 graphic novel published by Archaia Studios Press. It is written and illustrated by Chandra Free.-Plot summary:After the death of his girlfriend, Sith, Guy Salvatore can no longer make sense of his own world. He has hallucinations of monsters that besiege him with requests...
(by Chandra Free, Fall 2008, forthcoming) - The Grave Doug Freshley (by Josh Hechinger and mpMann, April 2008)
- Gunnerkrigg CourtGunnerkrigg CourtGunnerkrigg Court is a science-fantasy webcomic created by Tom Siddell and launched in April 2005. It is updated online three days a week, and the first volume of the comic was published in print format by Archaia Studios Press and Titan Books...
: Orientation (by Tom Siddell, Fall 2008, forthcoming) - Hybrid Bastards! (by Tom Pinchuk and Kate Glasheen)
- The Killer (by MatzAlexis NolentAlexis Nolent is a French writer. He writes scripts for videogames and has also written a novel and, under the Matz pen-name, a number of comics.-Biography:...
and Luc Jacamon, 10-issue limited series, tpb collects #1-4, 128 pages, September 2007, ISBN 1932386440) - Killing Pickman (by Jason Becker and Jon Rea, 6-issue limited series, August 2007 - ongoing)
- The Long Count by Jason L Blair and Leanne Buckley, 6-issue mini-series, December 2007, forthcoming)
- The Lone and Level Sands (by A. David LewisA. David LewisAaron "A." David Lewis is an American comic book and graphic novel writer. He is also a comics scholar focusing on literary theory and religious studies.-Biography:...
, with art by Marvin Perry Mann and Jennifer Rodgers) - Mouse GuardMouse GuardMouse Guard is an Eisner Award-winning bi-monthly comic book series published by Archaia Studios Press. The comic stands out on shelves due to its distinctive form factor -– a square as opposed to the standard comic size...
(by David PetersenDavid PetersenDavid E. Petersen is an American comic book creator best known for the series Mouse Guard. He was born, raised, and currently resides in Michigan.- Education :...
)
- OkkoOkkoOkko is a comic book published in a series of mini-series, or cycles. Originally published in France by Delcourt, Archaia Studios Press started reprinting the series in English in 2006. This series is intended for Mature Readers; it contains adult content, graphic violence, and nudity.Written and...
(by Hub):- The Cycle of Water (English translation, tpb, 4-issue mini-series, 112 pages, hardcover, August 2007, ISBN 1-932386-30-0)
- The Cycle of Earth (January, 2008, ongoing)
- Primordia (by John R. Fultz and Roel Wielinga, September 2007)
- Revere: (by Ed Lavallee and Grant Bond)
- RobotikaRobotikaRobotika is an American comic series created by Alex Sheikman. Two collections have been printed, featuring the original story line and the "For a Few Rubles More" line. It is published by Archaia Studios Press.-Plot synopsis:...
(by Alex Sheikman):- Robotika (tpb, 128 pages, hardcover, December 2006, ISBN 1932386211)
- Robotika: For a Few Rubles More (October 2007-ongoing)
- Runners: The Big Snow Job (by Sean Wang, May 2008)
- Scars: A Life Well-Lived (by Durwin TalonDurwin TalonDurwin Talon is a comics artist, illustrator, author and professor of new media.- Education & Employment :Talon developed an interest in art at an early age. He received his Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design , then received his ISDP Master’s Degree from...
and Guin Thompson, 3-issue mini-series, December 2007, forthcoming) - Some New Kind of Slaughter, or Lost in the Flood (and How We Found Home Again): Diluvian Myths from Around the World (by Marvin Perry Mann and A. David LewisA. David LewisAaron "A." David Lewis is an American comic book and graphic novel writer. He is also a comics scholar focusing on literary theory and religious studies.-Biography:...
, a 4-issue mini-series, December 2007-June 2008) - Starkweather: Immortal (original story for issue #0 by Piers AnthonyPiers AnthonyPiers Anthony Dillingham Jacob is an English American writer in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is most famous for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.Many of his books have appeared on the New York Times Best...
, adapted by David Rodriguez, with art by Patrick McEvoy, July 2007. Rodriguez and McEvoy continue the 5-issue mini-series, scheduled for bi-monthly publication.) - Titanium RainTitanium RainTitanium Rain is a limited series published by Archaia Studios Press, written by Josh Finney, with art by Josh Finney and Kat Rocha.- Plot :In the year 2031, a civil war in China has spiraled into global conflict...
(by Josh Finney and Kat Rocha, July 2008–present) - Trial by Fire: Genesis (by Juda Tverski, July 2008)
- Tumor (by Joshua Hale FialkovJoshua Hale FialkovJoshua Hale Fialkov is an American comic book writer who primarily works in the horror genre. He is best known for Echoes, Elk's Run, I, Vampire, and the 2008 film Infected. He has been nominated for multiple Harvey Awards....
and Noel Tuazon, original graphic novel, 2010)
Archaia has also published a role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
based on Artesia:
- Artesia: Adventures in the Known WorldArtesia: Adventures in the Known WorldArtesia: Adventures in the Known World , is a role-playing game based on the comic book Artesia is written and illustrated by Mark Smylie and published by Archaia Studios Press ....
- Universities of the Middle Kingdom (by A. David LewisA. David LewisAaron "A." David Lewis is an American comic book and graphic novel writer. He is also a comics scholar focusing on literary theory and religious studies.-Biography:...
, forthcoming)
Awards
- 20082008 in comics-January:*January 9: Teen Titans: The Lost Annual, delayed since 2003, is published.*January 23: Hellblazer #240, marking the 20th anniversary of the series, is released.-February:...
: Nominated for "Best U.S. Edition of International Material" Eisner AwardEisner AwardThe Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, and sometimes referred to as the Oscar Awards of the Comics Industry, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books. The Eisner Awards were first conferred in 1988, created in response to the...
, for The Killer.