MARVEL, SOLEIL ANNOUNCE NEW JOINT PUBLISHING VENTURE

[MattBrady]

Press Release

Marvel, in collaboration with acclaimed French comic publisher Soleil, is proud to announce that they will be publishing some of Europe’s most popular comics in English for the first time! Producers of cutting edge science-fiction and fantasy comics loved across the world, Soleil’s an industry leader in bringing fresh voices to the comic medium with their diverse offerings. Now American audiences can discover why talent from all over the world line-up to produce to high-quality graphic novels with Soleil!

Some of Soleil’s most popular releases, such as Sky Doll, Universal War One, Samurai and Le Fleau Des Dieux, make their English language debuts beginning this May. The first release will be Sky Doll #1 (of 3), a timely socio-political thriller in which a young android must decide her destiny by challenging the very government—and faith—that has controlled her life.

“Marvel’s proud to bring Soleil’s innovative stories to new audiences,” said Dan Buckley, Marvel President of Publishing. “These books represent some of the world’s top talent telling cutting-edge stories in a variety of genres, demonstrating the power of the comic medium.”

“At a time when French comics need to reach new markets, I am very proud to bring the iconic heroes of the Soleil catalogue to the publishing adventure of Marvel in the USA. Leader of the American comic book entertainment, Marvel is a very powerful symbol of our medium built on innovation and entrepreneurship, two of my most treasured values”, said Mourad Boudjellal, Founder and CEO of Soleil / MC Productions.

Soleil appeared on the comic scene in 1988 and quickly moved into publishing both classic comics by hot, young talent and series targeted towards younger audiences before buying great classics (Mandrake, Tarzan). Publishing science fiction, heroic fantasy, westerns and action comics from superstars such as Arleston, Tarquin, Mourier, Crisse, Swolfs and Ange, in addition to promising young talent, Soleil quickly established itself with a catalogue of powerful graphic novels.

Lanfeust, Soleil flagship fantasy title, is today a standard reference series and the keystone of the company: over 5 million books sold since 1994.

A top comic book publishing company in France with thousands of comic books in its catalogue, Soleil is producing over 250 new books per year and keeps expanding in other worldwide markets. Over the years, the company has positioned itself as both a leader in the fantasy genre and a major force in the European comic book market.Related:

Who is Soeil?
A Soleil Update.

[KyleV]

Sounds awesome.

[Skinshark]

Wow...this is great news. As long as they keep the European comic format and size.

=s=

[The_Adventurer]

Wait, I recall when DC teamed up with Humanoids. And that partnership died in FIRE because (the majority of) American consumers just can't wrap their collective heads around over sized formats and comics that aren't about Super-heroes.


Still, I'll take European sci-fi graphic novels anyway I can find them for as long as I can find them.

EDIT: Wait. Marvel's breaking these stories up and publishing them as single issue serials? BAD FORM MARVEL

[Truthseeker]

I am really excited for these. Is there any word on if they will be bring these books over as is? European books have a lot of mature themes and content that I would hate to see watered down. I am really excited to get a copy of Sky Doll.

[DAV!S]

Originally Posted by The_Adventurer

Wait, I recall when DC teamed up with Humanoids. And that partnership died in FIRE because (the majority of) American consumers just can't wrap their collective heads around over sized formats and comics that aren't about Super-heroes.


Still, I'll take European sci-fi graphic novels anyway I can find them for as long as I can find them.

EDIT: Wait. Marvel's breaking these stories up and publishing them as single issue serials? BAD FORM MARVEL

Well, it might be that changes are needed to help the American market wrap their headaround the stories.

[whoME?]

Holy geez! HHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOLYYYYYY GGGEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZ!

[Poolman]

WOW!

Awesome news, I've read some of those books in Spain and they are great!
I'm so glad this is getting published in America as well!

[Bevbos]

Gotta love the French. That first piece looks great.

[deathmasterj]

This is excellent news!

But when will we get more English translations of XIII or the last 2 parts of I Am Legion?

[Andre]

Its about time they did something like this!! Awesome! Go go French comics!

[KyleV]

DAV!S said: Well, it might be that changes are needed to help the American market wrap their headaround the stories.

Agreed. I think that's pretty clear if people look at the OGN market in America, or the lack thereof. Add to that relatively unknown creators and concepts here in the states, and you have a bust.

The overhead has got to be pretty low for Marvel as there's really no way to know if this will work, but breaking down a $15-$20 OGN into smaller, less expensive bites is a good way to get people to try the books.

I'm just happy to see some diversity from either of the big two, even if they're not actually producing it, they'll still get more coverage than most indies.

[OptimusGeo]

Seriously... these all look a-may-za-zing... I might have to pick them all up if the stories are a nice as the art.

[Chief Jon]

That illustration work is brilliant. Bravo Marvel and Soleil! I'll be looking forward to this.

[Gordon McAlpin]

Originally Posted by The_Adventurer

EDIT: Wait. Marvel's breaking these stories up and publishing them as single issue serials? BAD FORM MARVEL

It's not clear if they're doing that or not -- Sky Doll is a three-volume series according to Wikipedia, so the three issue series could have each issue be a full volume, not, say, volume 1 broken up into three issues.

Oh, and: Universal War One and Le Fleau Des Dieux look GORGEOUS. Want to read. Now.

[chrissama200]

This is great news. I hope someday I'll see "Cañari."

[Sluggo]

Very exciting. I eagerly await further news regarding format, frequency, whether or not they are indeed going to publish these as individual comic books or graphic novel "volumes", etc.

[Poolman]

Originally Posted by Gordon McAlpin

It's not clear if they're doing that or not -- Sky Doll is a three-volume series according to Wikipedia, so the three issue series could have each issue be a full volume, not, say, volume 1 broken up into three issues.

Oh, and: Universal War One and Le Fleau Des Dieux look GORGEOUS. Want to read. Now.

Actually having read those, each volume is around 44-46 pages long.
I wonder how are they going to split it.

[Hobowatcher]

Lets just hope there is no story editing or censorship.

For once, I am looking forward for a Marvel release.

[Hobowatcher]

Originally Posted by Sluggo

Very exciting. I eagerly await further news regarding format, frequency, whether or not they are indeed going to publish these as individual comic books or graphic novel "volumes", etc.

They might go the route ASP did with Okko. That is, monthly then a collection.

[Spy_Smasher]

Originally Posted by Hobowatcher

Lets just hope there is no story editing or censorship.

Agreed. There's plenty of things Marvel can do to screw this up but here's hoping they don't.

[carl kolchak]

Now this IS Excellent. It's the kind of stuff that Marvel should have been doing years ago. Bring some variety into the field. Very good news.

[batlash]

I'm excited about this. Hope this means we'll soon get an English edition of "K" drawn by Humberto Ramos. (Don't know anything else about it, but I really enjoy Ramos' art.) Looks like they have lots of other interesting stuff as well.

[libertas]

Just please please keep them as they are. No splitting into monthlies, no resizing, no editing.

[Illustr8r]

So when's the Spider-Man/Druuna crossover? I mean, now that he's single again, he may as well trade up.