PRESS RELEASE
Lion Forge announces four new hires in its editorial department today, including Desiree Rodriguez, Erika Kuster, Hazel Newlevant, and Jasmine Amiri. These four editors join the rapidly growing publisher in advance of New York Comic Con, where the company will unveil multiple new titles and series.
“Each of these editors brings a unique experience and talent to Lion Forge, and each will help move the company forward in our goal of publishing comics for everyone,” says Andrea Colvin, VP and Executive Editor. “As we continue to grow, these four professionals represent exactly the kind of talent we need to bring Lion Forge to the next level of success.”
“Andrea Colvin is assembling an editorial team that furthers our mission with new and different voices” says Lion Forge President Geoff Gerber. “Their talent will enable us to support creators and our continually growing catalog.”
Desiree Rodriguez has been an entertainment and comics journalist for eight years writing for sites such as: The Tempest, The Feminist Wire, Women Write About Comics, and The Nerds of Color. Boricua extraordinaire, Desiree has written and curated various Latinx centric discussion pieces and movements to discuss and educate on the Latinx experience in comics.
“I wish I had the words to truly express how massively grateful I am for the opportunity to work with the Lion Forge team” says Rodriguez. “I’ve met some of the most amazing people who are bright, insightful, and supportive. I’ve truly grown while working here, and I hope I can continue to grow with the company as we move forward.”
Erika Kuster has over twelve years of experience in the publishing industry and was previously Managing Editor for Andrews McMeel Publishing. During her time at AMP, she helped transform the company from a print-only publisher to a fully integrated print and digital publishing house. She has also acted as a children’s book author, editor, production editor, and all-around metadata guru.
“I am thrilled to be Managing Editor for Lion Forge, working with a team of passionate, creative people to bring original and exciting storytelling to life” says Kuster.
Hazel Newlevant is the editor and publisher of the anthologies Comics for Choice and Chainmail Bikini: The Anthology of Women Gamers and her work as a cartoonist has been honored with the Ignatz Award, Xeric Grant, and Prism Comics Queer Press Grant. In addition to her editorial role, Hazel is the author of the graphic novel memoir No Ivy League, which Lion Forge will publish in late 2018.
“Lion Forge is one of the most supportive and inclusive workplaces, publishing some of the most exciting comics” says Newlevant. “I’m excited to step into my role as Associate Editor and bring even more great comics into the world!”
Jasmine Amiri is a Los Angeles-based editor whose credits include the Eisner and Harvey nominated Giant Days by John Allison, 2017 GLAAD Award Winner The Woods by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas, and the critically-acclaimed series Grass Kings by Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins among many others.
“Lion Forge is a young and exciting company that has staked their brand on delivering fun, contemporary comics for everyone” says Amiri. “There’s so much opportunity here and I’m honored and excited to join this youthful, forward thinking team to help create titles that deliver on that promise and push our medium further towards a better place.”
Please join us congratulating these four exceptional editors in their newly appointed positions at Lion Forge Comics.
About Lion Forge Comics:
Lion Forge Comics strives to publish comics that everyone – regardless of background or ethnicity – can identify with. The original graphic novel Andre the Giant: Closer To Heaven was nominated for three Glyph Awards, as well as the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity. Lion Forge Comics also includes the Roar imprint for young adults and the CubHouse imprint for readers twelve and under. It is also home to the Magnetic Collection of premium and critically acclaimed comics and graphic novels, boasting multiple Eisner Award nominees. From licensed properties, including Dreamworks’ Voltron Legendary Defender, original work from top independent creators, and the original and all-inclusive Catalyst Prime superhero universe, there is something for every level of comic fan, young and old, across multiple imprints and formats.
