Here is something that comes as a complete surprise. Marvel sent out a press release this morning announcing it has “concluded its relationship” with Dabel Brothers Productions.
Fans of Anita Blake Vampire Hunter know the Dabel Brothers brought the high selling title to Marvel back in 2006, and it has been a hit, getting new readers into stores. Instead of Dabel Brothers Productions keeping its many titles including Hedge Knight, Tales of Alvin Maker, and Wryms, Marvel will continue to produce these titles. There was never any official word on the exact nature of the Dabel/Marvel deal, so who knows why Dabel Brothers would turn the rights to these properties over to Marvel outright.
The press release is really vague about the specifics, but due to the nature of the announcement something is up.
Dabel Brothers Productions is currently working on its next series of books that is slated for release in 2008.
What are your thoughts on this announcement? I know some of you absolutely hate Anita Blake, while an equal number love the series.
You can read the entire press release after the jump.
New York, NY (August 13, 2007). Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Dabel Brothers Productions, LLC announced today that they are mutually ending their publishing relationship. In 2006, Marvel and Dabel Brothers signed an agreement for Marvel to market, print and distribute several limited and ongoing series, in addition to some other dynamic new properties. Founded in 2001, the Dabel Brothers have specialized in creating comic books and graphic novels based on the works of best-selling authors’ series such as Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter; George R. R. Martin’s Hedge Knight; and Orson Scott Card’s Tales Of Alvin Maker and others.
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. President and Publisher Dan Buckley explained, “We have great respect for the Dabel Brothers’ business and the relationships they have generated. Our partnership has been an exciting experience for both companies. We wish the Dabels well in their future publishing endeavors and hope to work with them again, should the opportunity present itself.”
“Working with Marvel was a dream come true for all of us, and we enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the comic book industry’s market leader,” said Ernst Dabel, President of Dabel Brothers Productions. “We’re looking forward to applying those lessons to our business as we resume our status as a self-publisher, and we plan to continue producing top-quality adaptations of best-selling science fiction, fantasy, horror and thriller novels by popular authors.
Going forward, Marvel will continue to publish Anita Blake Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton; the Hedge Knight series by George RR Martin; Tales of Alvin Maker and Wyrms by Orson Scott Card; Magician Apprentice by Raymond Feist; Lords of Avalon by Kinley MacGregor; and Highwayman by R.A. Salvatore. Dabel Brothers Productions will begin work on its next wave of books, slated for release in early 2008.
1 Comment
I love Anita Blake.
I completely hate Brett Booth’s art.
Catch-22.