Massive Publishing, one of the largest independent brands in monthly comics, announced earlier this month that they would be launching a first-of-its-kind distribution program called Massive Indies. The program meant to consolidate and promote a large sector of the independent comic market under a single distribution account made waves throughout the comic book community earlier this month. Now Massive is announcing the first wave of independent publishing partners which is to include the iconic illustrated magazine, Heavy Metal. The legendary brand will join Massive in its recently signed distribution agreement with Lunar Distribution for the Direct-Market.
“A few years back, Heavy Metal partnered with Massive to release the historic final issue of Volume One of the magazine. Now, It’s thrilling to be a part of the magazine’s rebirth, working with both Heavy Metal and Lunar to get these books onto comic shop shelves and ultimately into the hands of excited fans.” – Michael Calero, CEO, Massive Publishing
The iconic sci-fi and fantasy publisher’s relaunch of their emblematic Magazine had one of the most successful comic book Kickstarters of all time this past winter, raising nearly $800,000 during the month-long campaign. Now Massive Indies is bringing it to local comic book shops with a spread of gorgeous covers from legendary artists such as Greg Hildebrandt and Frank Frazetta (pictured below), as well as modern talents Tula Lotay, Keron Grant, Janevsky, and David Palumbo. This new volume of The World’s Greatest Illustrated Magazine will debut with a 240-page Giant-Sized issue filled with a stacked lineup of creators including Enki Bilal, Craig Wilson, Sergio Gerasi, Michael Conrad, Leah Moore, John Reppion, Anna Morozova, Antonio Segura, David Quinn, Joseph Michael Linsner, Keron Grant, Jose Ortiz, Fernando Dagnino, Tim Vigil, Paul Kirchner, John Workman, and Jim Rugg. Issue 1 is currently available to pre-order through Lunar Distribution.
Lunar code: 0125MP858 
Lunar code: 0125MP859
“I’m really excited to be working with Massive Indies and Lunar to release Heavy Metal #1 to a wider audience. The team has really put together a great issue that is sure to blow the minds of old and new fans. We have curated a great selection of foreign licenses, brand new stories from top-notch creators and a few characters from the cult classic film.” -Frank Forte, Editor-in-Chief, Heavy Metal Magazine
To celebrate the launch of the Giant-Sized Heavy Metal #1, Massive Select, the high-end collectibles arm of Massive Publishing, will be releasing a special variant featuring the art of Walking Dead Co-Creator Tony Moore (pictured below). This homage cover is a breathtaking reimagining of the original 1977 debut issue of Heavy Metal Magazine.
Lunar code: 0125MP865
Heavy Metal Magazine #1 is offered in the Lunar Distribution catalog through Massive Indies solicitation and is currently available to pre-order, with an expected release date of April 30th at local comic book shops. We invite retailers and readers to keep an eye on the Massive Indies section for all future Heavy Metal Magazine publications.
ABOUT MASSIVE INDIES
Massive Indies is a sub-distribution initiative organized by Massive Publishing to assist independent publishers and studios in getting their books into comic shops during an unprecedented time of uncertainty in the comic distribution pipeline. Besides amplifying existing publishing houses under a unified banner, the program will also serve as an open platform for submitting titles for inclusion in the Massive Indies solicitations within the Lunar catalog. Unlike traditional imprint models, this sub-distribution approach enables each publisher or studio to retain its autonomy and control over their publishing lines. So far the response has been overwhelming, with numerous quality publishers and studios applying to be part of the first wave of partners.
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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