Launching a new imprint and brand is a pretty big deal, so it's no wonder that writer J. Michael Straczynski wanted to do something special to commemorate the launch of his Joe's Comics at Image Comics. The creator has teamed up with Dynamic Forces to release two variant covers by artist Jae Lee. The covers will be for the first series, TEN GRAND #1 which is set to hit comic store shelves this May.
In addition to the new series TEN GRAND, Straczynski has an entire new line of series and titles prepared to be released under the Joes Comics banner. Check out the full press release for the new title as well as a look at the interiors of the first issue by artis Ben Templesmith, below.
== TEASER ==Dynamic Forces is proud to announce that they are working with J. Michael Straczynski to compliment the relaunch of the Joe's Comics brand at Image Comics by producing limited edition variant covers, beginning with Joe's premiere title, Ten Grand #1.
Featuring the writing of the acclaimed J. Michael Straczynski, Joe's Comics - the imprint that created Midnight Nation and Rising Stars - is officially underway with the first of an entire line of new, original titles. Image Comics will publish Ten Grand #1 this coming May, with a special debut showing at C2E2 in April. To celebrate the occasion, Dynamic Forces will be offering two variant covers with art by Jae Lee! Also, to further commemorate this event, there will be Limited Edition Signed Editions, autographed by J. Michael Straczynski himself, with a donation made to the Hero Initiative for every signed copy sold!
"We are inestimably pleased and proud to be pairing up with Nick Barrucci and Dynamic Forces on this limited edition of Ten Grand #1, with a cover by the amazing Jae Lee fronting the terrific art by Ben Templesmith," says Straczynski. "Nick has now seen the first two finished issues, and believes we're onto something very special. We take it as a profound compliment that he's willing to put his company and resources where his opinion is by supporting the relaunch of Joe's Comics."
Straczynski continues, "Most rewarding of all is the knowledge that we will be able to use this edition to raise funds to support the important work being done by the Hero Initiative. Our thanks go to Nick and his team for their unwavering support of Joe's Comics. Their vote of confidence means a lot to all of us."
Jim McLauchlin, the President of Hero Initiative, adds, "J. Michael Straczynski is an amazing writer, and I'm certainly looking forward to reading Ten Grand and the other Joe's Comics offerings. It's very generous and greatly appreciated for Joe and Dynamic to offer signed versions with proceeds benefiting Hero Initiative. The money raised, as always, goes to the great end of helping comic book creators in medical and financial need."
"Joe's Comics is back with a vengeance," says Dynamite Entertainment CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci. "J. Michael Straczynski is an incredible writer, a trailblazer who has a run of successful projects under his belt from such key publishers as Marvel, DC, and Top Cow, and is now partnering with Image Comics on his new publishing line-up, launching with Ten Grand. It's a great pairing. Image Comics had a huge year in 2012, and are poised for great things in 2013, as well. Eric Stephenson has brought in some of the best creators - both established and up-and-coming, and has firmly taken hold of the industry's coveted Number Three market share."
"Our relationship with Joe began with his launch of Rising Stars at Top Cow, and we're proud and thankful to be working with Joe once again to create special limited edition covers for Ten Grand, continued Barrucci. "We've created a bold program to attract new readers and reward existing fans by creating a limited edition cover variant available for Ten Grand, initially offering it at cover price. This is a great way for JMS fans to receive a collectible comic to read and enjoy (though we do recommend that fans be careful when taking it out of the bag with the DF Certificate and DF Holofoil Seal, of course!). We're also proud to work with Joe to have signed versions available, with the signature fee and a matching amount being donated to the Hero Initiative, an incredibly worthwhile cause for the industry and our creators.
"We're really looking forward to partnering with Joe, his team of Phil and Pat, and Image Comics on this new endeavor!"
These are available from Dynamic Forces: Ten Grand #1 DF Exclusive Jae Lee Cover
Ten Grand #1 DF Exclusive Jae Lee Cover SIGNED BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Ten Grand #1 DF Exclusive Jae Lee "Black & White Virgin Sacrifice" Ultra-Limited Cover
Ten Grand #1 DF Exclusive Jae Lee "Black & White Virgin Sacrifice" Ultra-Limited Cover SIGNED BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
ABOUT JOE'S COMICS
J. Michael Straczynski's Publishing Imprint, Joe's Comics, returns this Spring. Originally launched through Top Cow with titles including Midnight Nation and Rising Stars, where Joe entered comics with his first creator-owned ongoing series, these bestselling books are still in print and considered modern classics. Straczynski who is also the creator of Babylon 5 and has won multiple awards: two Hugo Awards, the Saturn Award, the Eisner Award, the Inkpot Award, the Eagle Award, and others. Straczynski has written over 300 published comics for Marvel and DC, including a seven year stint on The Amazing Spider-Man and, most recently, New York Times bestselling Graphic Novel series Superman: Earth One Volumes One and Two launching the "Earth One" franchise of graphic novels for DC Comics. Having also written for movies, including Changeling, Thor, andUnderworld Awakening, and more features to come including his upcoming Directorial Debut, this year marks Joe's returning full circle to the imprint. The relaunch of the Joe's Comics imprint by way of Image Comics and parent company Studio JMS begins in Comic Shops May 1st. The imprint launches with Ten Grand, by Straczynski and Ben Templesmith, which will debut at C2E2 with a convention variant for fans, followed on May 1st by the general release. Sidekick, the second title from Joe's Comics, will launch at San Diego Comic Con, with more news to come.
