Radical Comics
Encyclopedia
Radical Comics is an American comic book
and graphic novel
publisher and developer of related media with offices in Los Angeles
and London
.
The company launched its first titles, Hercules and Caliber, in May 2008. In May 2009 Elliott left the company, being replaced by new Editor-in-Chief David Wohl
. In July 2009 it was reported Elliott had filed a lawsuit against Radical Publishing's parent company Blatant Entertainment over unpaid wages and contract and copyright issues.
In early 2010 they had to halt publication of Nick Simmons
' series Incarnate
following accusations of plagiarism.
of North America, and in mass market stores in the United States and Canada by Random House
. Radical Publishing’s graphic novels are distributed to the book trade by Random House.
Rather than the superhero
es typical of Marvel
and DC Comics
, Radical’s titles focus on retellings of iconic fictional characters, mythology, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, supernatural themes, and genre-based crime.
The company has released a number of titles:
Using these strategies, Radical has attracted Hollywood talent to their projects. Current attachments include:
Other Radical titles in development include Aladdin:Legacy of the Lost, scripted by Siavash Farahani (The Shadow
), and City of Dust:A Philip Khrome Story, scripted by Peter Fedorenko.
On June 17, 2010 it was announced that Brian Grazer and Ron Howard would be bringing Nick Percival
's Legends: The Enchanted to the big screen.
Legends: The Enchanted won the HorrorNews Net award for Best Original Graphic Novel 2010.
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...
and graphic novel
Graphic novel
A graphic novel is a narrative work in which the story is conveyed to the reader using sequential art in either an experimental design or in a traditional comics format...
publisher and developer of related media with offices in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
History
According to online trade publication ICv2 and the company's blog, Radical Comics was founded by "Barry Levine, David Elliott, Jesse Berger, and Matthew Berger".The company launched its first titles, Hercules and Caliber, in May 2008. In May 2009 Elliott left the company, being replaced by new Editor-in-Chief David Wohl
David Wohl
David Wohl is an American comic book writer and editor. He is best known as an editor at Marvel Comics and Top Cow Productions and, at the latter, writing The Darkness and Witchblade.-Biography:...
. In July 2009 it was reported Elliott had filed a lawsuit against Radical Publishing's parent company Blatant Entertainment over unpaid wages and contract and copyright issues.
In early 2010 they had to halt publication of Nick Simmons
Nick Simmons
Nicholas Adam Tweed Simmons is an American reality comic book creator, musician and television personality.-Early life:...
' series Incarnate
Incarnate (comics)
Incarnate is a 3-issue comic book limited series created, written and penciled by Nick Simmons and published by Radical Comics. Incarnate was first published in August 2009.-Publication history:...
following accusations of plagiarism.
Titles
Radical comics are distributed in both mass market stores and specialized comic book shops. The books and comics are distributed in comic book stores by Diamond Comic DistributorsDiamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. is the largest comic book distributor serving North America. They transport comic books from both big and small comic book publishers, or suppliers, to the retailers. Diamond dominates the direct market in the United States, and has exclusive arrangements with most...
of North America, and in mass market stores in the United States and Canada by Random House
Random House
Random House, Inc. is the largest general-interest trade book publisher in the world. It has been owned since 1998 by the German private media corporation Bertelsmann and has become the umbrella brand for Bertelsmann book publishing. Random House also has a movie production arm, Random House Films,...
. Radical Publishing’s graphic novels are distributed to the book trade by Random House.
Rather than the superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
es typical of Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
and DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Radical’s titles focus on retellings of iconic fictional characters, mythology, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, supernatural themes, and genre-based crime.
The company has released a number of titles:
- HerculesHercules (Radical Comics)Hercules is a Radical Comics character who has appeared in two limited series The Thracian Wars and The Knives of Kush, both written by Steve Moore with Cris Bolsin on art. The Jim Steranko "Hercules" from the cover of the first issue is also featured in solid bronze as the first in the Radical...
(by Steve MooreSteve Moore (comics)Steve Moore is a British comics writer.Moore is credited with showing acclaimed writer Alan Moore , then a struggling cartoonist, how to write comic scripts...
):- The Thracian Wars, a 5-issue limited series
- The Knives of KushKingdom of KushThe native name of the Kingdom was likely kaš, recorded in Egyptian as .The name Kash is probably connected to Cush in the Hebrew Bible , son of Ham ....
, a 5-issue limited series, with Cris Bolsin
- CaliberCaliber (Radical Comics)Caliber is a comic book published by Radical Comics. Caliber was written by Sam Sarker and illustrated by Garrie Gastonny. It was published in a miniseries comic book format...
- City of Dust by Steve NilesSteve NilesSteve Niles is an American comic book author and novelist, known for works such as 30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre, Simon Dark, Mystery Society and Batman: Gotham County Line....
, Zid and Brandon Chng - ShrapnelShrapnel (Radical Comics)Shrapnel is planned to be three five-issue limited series published by Radical Comics in collaboration with Zombie Studios. The story was created and plotted by Mark Long and Nick Sagan , and the final script was written by M...
by Mark Long, Nick SaganNick SaganNick Sagan is an American novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of the science fiction novels Idlewild, Edenborn, and Everfree, and his screen credits include episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager...
, M. Zachary Sherman and Bagus Hutomo - HotwireHotwire (comics)Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead is a comic book series published by Radical Comics, based on concepts created by Warren Ellis, with the script and art being provided by Steve Pugh. The comic book series was first released in February 2009...
: Requiem for the Dead by Warren EllisWarren EllisWarren Girard Ellis is an English author of comics, novels, and television, who is well-known for sociocultural commentary, both through his online presence and through his writing, which covers transhumanist themes...
and Steve PughSteve PughSteve Pugh is a British comic book artist who has worked for most of the major comic producers on both sides of the Atlantic: DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and 2000 AD.-Biography:... - FVZA: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency by 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...
- IncarnateIncarnate (comics)Incarnate is a 3-issue comic book limited series created, written and penciled by Nick Simmons and published by Radical Comics. Incarnate was first published in August 2009.-Publication history:...
by Nick SimmonsNick SimmonsNicholas Adam Tweed Simmons is an American reality comic book creator, musician and television personality.-Early life:... - Legends: The EnchantedLegends: The EnchantedLegends: The Enchanted is a stand-alone comic book and graphic novel written and illustrated by Nick Percival published by Radical Comics in June 2010. The series takes inspiration from the characters of traditional folklore and fairytales.-Description:...
by Nick PercivalNick PercivalNick Percival is a British graphic artist primarily known for his published comic book, concept artwork and career in computer animation.-Biography:...
. - Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost by Dave ElliottDave ElliottDave Elliott is a former English professional footballer and manager.A midfielder, he began his career as an apprentice at before moving to and . In 1975 he joined as player/manager and made 21 Football League appearances in the 1975–76 season before joining as player/manager...
, 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:...
, Patrick Reilly and Stjepan SejicStjepan SejicStjepan Šejić is a Croatian comic book artist currently working as an illustrator for American comic book Witchblade, published by Top Cow Productions.-Biography:... - The Last Days of American Crime by Rick RemenderRick RemenderRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Portland, Oregon. He is best known for his work on Marvel Comics' Punisher series, as well as Fear Agent, Uncanny X-Force, and Venom.-Career:...
and Greg Tocchini - After Dark created by Antoine FuquaAntoine FuquaAntoine Fuqua is an American film director. He directed the film Training Day as well as Tears of the Sun, King Arthur, Shooter and Brooklyn's Finest...
& Wesley SnipesWesley SnipesWesley Trent Snipes is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist, who has starred in numerous action films, thrillers, and dramatic feature films. Snipes is known for playing the Marvel Comics character Blade in the Blade film trilogy, among various other high profile roles...
, written by Peter MilliganPeter MilliganPeter Milligan born in London, a British writer, best known for his comic book, film and television work.-Early career:Milligan started his comic career with short stories for 2000 AD in the early 1980s. By 1986, Milligan had his first ongoing strip in 2000AD called Bad Company, with artists Brett...
and illustrated by Jeff Netrup - Go to a full list of Radical Publishing's titles
Reprints
They are also collecting and reprinting works previously published elsewhere:- Cholly and Flytrap by Arthur SuydamArthur SuydamArthur Suydam is an American comic book artist and musician. He has done artwork for magazines including Heavy Metal, Epic Illustrated and National Lampoon, while his comic book work includes Batman, Conan, Tarzan, Predator, Aliens, Death Dealer, and Marvel Zombies.-Illustration:Suydam has...
- The Lords of Misrule by John TomlinsonJohn Tomlinson (comics)John Tomlinson is a British comic book writer known for his work on various 2000 AD strips.-Biography:Tomlinson worked at Marvel UK in the early 1990s and helped nurture various talents, including Matthew Bingham and John Freeman. He has co-written strips with Nick Abadzis.He was editor of 2000 AD...
, Dan AbnettDan AbnettDan Abnett is a British comic book writer and novelist. He is a frequent collaborator with fellow writer Andy Lanning, and is known for his work on books for both Marvel Comics, and their UK imprint, Marvel UK, since the 1990s, including 2000 AD...
, Steve WhiteSteve White (comics)Steve White is a British comic book writer who has mainly worked with 2000 AD.-Biography:White's career in comics began in the 1980s at Marvel UK in London, where he worked in various roles on titles like The Real Ghostbusters, Transformers, Knights of Pendragon and The Sleaze Brothers...
, Gary ErskineGary ErskineGary Erskine is a Scottish comic book artist born in Paisley, near Glasgow in 1968.-Biography:Erskine started drawing work for fanzines while at art college and aspired to be a comic book artist. After sending samples of his work to Marvel UK he was eventually given Knights of Pendragon to draw on...
and Peter SnejbjergPeter SnejbjergPeter Snejbjerg Nielsen is a Danish comic book artist. He was educated at the Kolding Kunsthåndværkerskole from 1983 to 1987. Some of his major works include the epic science-fiction/fantasy series Hypernauten, the adventure story The Hidden Protocol , the DC Comics title Starman, and various...
, recoloured by J. M. Ringuet
Adaptation in other media
Radical’s strategy in the comic book business is to create properties that are pre-packaged for adaptation to film and other media. Radical’s Barry Levine states that “[e]ach title is built with the assumption the comic book will eventually land on the big screen.” As a part of the packaging and pitch process, Radical’s staff prepares comprehensive concept books for each comic line, containing concept art, artistic renderings of characters, and story summaries, designed to serve as both a pitch piece and a reference point for film studios considering Radical’s properties for development. Additionally, Radical’s titles are published in a larger 52-page book form, rather than the industry standard 22-page format. These tools are used to attract film directors and other talent for attachment to a project during the development process. Lastly, Radical sometimes employs the comic’s series writer to draft an initial screenplay of their work as a part of the film pitch package presented to studios.Using these strategies, Radical has attracted Hollywood talent to their projects. Current attachments include:
- Hercules: The Thracian Wars: Director Peter BergPeter BergPeter Berg is an American actor, film director, producer and writer. He is known for directing films such as Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom, The Rundown, Hancock and Battleship. He also developed the television series Friday Night Lights, which was adapted from the film he directed. As an actor...
(HancockHancock-Places:In the United States:*Hancock, Iowa*Hancock, Maine*Hancock, Maryland*Hancock, Massachusetts*Hancock, Michigan*Hancock, Minnesota*Hancock, New Hampshire*Hancock , New York**Hancock , New York, in the town of Hancock...
and The KingdomThe Kingdom (film)The Kingdom is a 2007 film directed by Peter Berg and starring Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Ashraf Barhom, with Kyle Chandler, Jeremy Piven and Ali Suliman....
) is attached to produce and direct. A co-production of Radical Pictures, Spyglass EntertainmentSpyglass EntertainmentSpyglass Entertainment is an American film production company, co-founded by Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum in 1998. The studio was founded with an investment from European media conglomerates Kirch Group and Mediaset, and a five-year distribution deal with The Walt Disney Company...
, Peter Berg’s company Film 44. Scriptwriter Ryan Condal is attached to write the script based upon series author Steve MooreSteve MooreSteven Dean Moore is a former Canadian professional ice hockey center, best known for receiving what turned out to be a career-ending injury as a result of an illegal hit by then Vancouver Canucks forward Todd Bertuzzi....
. - Caliber:First Canon of Justice: A co-production of Radical Pictures and Johnny DeppJohnny DeppJohn Christopher "Johnny" Depp II is an American actor, producer and musician. He has won the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor. Depp rose to prominence on the 1980s television series 21 Jump Street, becoming a teen idol...
’s production company Infinitum NihilInfinitum NihilInfinitum Nihil is Johnny Depp's production company which is run by his sister Christi Dembrowski. Depp founded the company in 2004 to develop projects where he will serve as actor and/or producer.The Rum Diary, based on the eponymous novel by Hunter S...
. - Freedom Formula:Ghost of the Wasteland: Bryan SingerBryan SingerBryan Singer is an American film director and film producer. Singer won critical acclaim for his work on The Usual Suspects, and is especially well-known among fans of the science fiction and superhero genres for his work on the X-Men films and Superman Returns.-Early life:Singer was born in New...
(X-MenX-MenThe X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
and The Usual SuspectsThe Usual SuspectsThe Usual Suspects is a 1995 American neo-noir film written by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryan Singer. It stars Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Spacey and Pete Postlethwaite....
has been attached to direct, with production through Singer’s Bad Hat Harry Productions. The rights to the film adaptation are licensed to New Regency ProductionsNew Regency ProductionsNew Regency Productions is a production company founded in 1991 by Arnon Milchan and a subsidiary of Regency Enterprises.It is located on the 20th Century Fox lot, and Fox is the current distributor of Regency releases since 1998, but is a wholly independent company. Warner Bros. Pictures was the...
. - Oblivion!: Tron: Legacy director Joseph KosinskiJoseph KosinskiJoseph Kosinski is an American television commercial and feature film director best known for his computer graphics and computer generated imagery work. He made his big-screen directorial debut with the Disney Digital 3-D science fiction film Tron: Legacy, the sequel to the 1982 film Tron...
is attached to create a film and illustrated novel, a co-production with Radical Pictures. - Last Days of American Crime: Sam WorthingtonSam WorthingtonSamuel Henry J. "Sam" Worthington is an English born, Australian actor. After almost a decade of roles in Australian TV shows and films, Worthington gained Hollywood's attention by playing Marcus Wright in Terminator Salvation and the lead role, Jake Sully, in James Cameron's science...
(Avatar is attached to produce and star in The Last Days of American Crime. - Abattoir: Darren Lynn Bousman (SawSaw (film)Saw is a 2004 American independent horror film directed by James Wan. The screenplay, written by Leigh Whannell, is based on a story by Wan and Whannell. The film stars Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter, Michael Emerson, Ken Leung, Whannell and Tobin Bell...
and Mother’s DayMother's Day (2010 film)Mother's Day is an upcoming American horror- thriller film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. It is a remake of Charles Kaufman's 1980 film of the same name and was written by Scott Millam.-Plot:...
is attached to write and direct
Other Radical titles in development include Aladdin:Legacy of the Lost, scripted by Siavash Farahani (The Shadow
The Shadow
The Shadow is a collection of serialized dramas, originally in pulp magazines, then on 1930s radio and then in a wide variety of media, that follow the exploits of the title character, a crime-fighting vigilante in the pulps, which carried over to the airwaves as a "wealthy, young man about town"...
), and City of Dust:A Philip Khrome Story, scripted by Peter Fedorenko.
On June 17, 2010 it was announced that Brian Grazer and Ron Howard would be bringing Nick Percival
Nick Percival
Nick Percival is a British graphic artist primarily known for his published comic book, concept artwork and career in computer animation.-Biography:...
's Legends: The Enchanted to the big screen.
Awards
Radical received the 2008 Diamond Gem Award for New Comic Book Publisher of the Year from Diamond Comic Distributors.Legends: The Enchanted won the HorrorNews Net award for Best Original Graphic Novel 2010.