Broken Frontier

JMG Comics, a division of JMG Studios, and Haven Distributors, formerly Cold Cut Comics, are pleased to announce a partnership. The arrangement will bring JMG Comics’ titles into comic shops starting with JMG’s first series, MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES.

MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES brings classic bible heroes to life in a whole new way.  Drawn in the popular manga style and featuring “mecha” (robots), a mainstay of manga, this new series is sure to satisfy fans of imaginative action and adventure.  The characters, themes and stories remain the same, only the setting has changed – to a futuristic world of aliens, robots and advanced technology.

The first issue, shipping in May, re-imagines the tale of David, the shepherd boy who took down the giant, Goliath.  The 32-page, full-color comic book retails for $2.25 US.

“When we first announced the series in February, the response was unprecedented,” said Managing Editor Paul Castiglia, a veteran comic book writer and editor who has worked for Archie Comics among other notable comic publishers.  “Not only did we receive nation-wide coverage, but the news reached across the globe to Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Eastern Europe… and is still going.” 

According to Castiglia, the impact was measurable.  “Hits to our website increased an astonishing 10,000 % after the announcement.  We obviously have an idea with a hook, and it’s a hook that has elicited strong reactions.”

Lance Stahlberg, COO of Haven Distributors, was one of those who reacted.  In 2006, Stahlberg began Rogue Wolf Comics with the notion of “creating comics for comics fans,” as well as embracing new technology to produce “web-comics.”  With his recent acquisition of Cold Cut, Stahlberg plans to continue the company’s long-standing commitment to independent publishers by distributing “on-hand” product. He ultimately hopes to be able to offer initial-release distribution as well.

In the case of MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES, Stahlberg will get an opportunity to test those waters.  JMG Comics is printing copies for the Christian bookstore market, to be distributed by Anchor Distribution.  The initial print run will factor in additional copies for comic shops.

“It is important to us to have a comic shop presence,” said Castiglia.  “We have mass-media publicity planned and would like both the Christian bookstores and comic shops to have our title on hand when that publicity hits.”

To help comic shops promote the series, JMG Studios will provide fliers and wall posters for free upon request as well as a customized ashcan at a portion of cost. 

MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES can be found on the Internet at www.mmbibleheroes.com and www.myspace.com/mechamangabibleheroes

For press, licensing/merchandising, movie/TV rights and all other inquiries, email paulc@jmgstudio.net

MECHA-MANGA BIBLE HEROES 1: DAVID VS. GOLIATH, ships May, 2008.  32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 US.

MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES Copyright © 2007, 2008 by Paul Castiglia, Tom Hall, Joey Endres, Jeff Slemons, Thom Pratt, Daniel Bradford.  All rights reserved.