GEORGE SINGLEY ON CHIMAERA COMICS

[MattBrady]

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

A new publishing outfit is making its publishing debut this July/August.

And a whole new superhero universe will be introduced by Chimaera Studios President/CEO George T. Singley. He is joined by comic book veteran Brian Augustyn, who serves as Chimaera’s Editor-in-Chief.

While Chimaera Studios had previously partnered with and published titles through Image Comics, Speakeasy Comics and Arcana Comics, the newly established Chimaera Comics will be focusing on publishing cohesive continuity series of the “Chimaera Hero Universe” with titles like Consortium Of Justice, Wargod, Lonebow, Blaze Anderson: Cosmonaut!, Titus, The Byzantine, and an all-new run of Singley’s fan-favorite Image Comics series Hellhounds.

Chimaera Studios will also be publishing the official Chimaera Universe Role-Playing Game with Mongoose Publishing this spring. The Core Handbook will be 240 pages of everything needed to start playing the game and become immediately immersed into the Universe. The first supplemental module for the game is the Hellhounds companion book with 90 pages of everything required for the Hellhounds slice of the Chimaera Hero Universe. More companion books will be released throughout the year.

George T. Singley and Chimaera Studios/Chimaera Comics are represented by Ken F. Levin and NightSky Entertainment (in all facets of Hollywood and Entertainment licensing). Ken is recognized by the industry as one of the leading developers of comic art properties for film and television, was recently featured in Variety’s cover story on The Boys (set up with Neal Moritz of Original Entertainment and Jason Netter of Kickstart Entertainment for a tent pole theatrical motion picture at Sony Pictures’ Columbia Studios), and his successes include Wanted (being released by Universal Studios June 23rd, starring Angelina Jolie), Max Allan Collins’ Road To Perdition, Mike Mignola’s Hellboy and Hellboy 2 (being released July 11th, directed by Guillermo del Toro), to name just a few.

NightSky Entertainment released this statement: “George Singley and Chimaera Studios are on the cutting edge of vanguard comic art properties, and we could not be happier to have this opportunity to work with them in the development of these extraordinary titles.”

In an exclusive chat with Newsarama.com, Singley spoke about his decision to go solo this time around, revealed his publishing plan for the year, and more.

Newsarama: How did the name Chimaera Comics come about?

George T. Singley: Well, it’s the publishing division of the studio, Chimaera Studios, so Chimaera Comics just made sense. Plus, I really like seeing lion heads in flames!

NRAMA: How did Chimaera get started? It was Hellhounds, then published by Image, that started it all, right?

GTS: Yep. That’s correct. I was publishing my creator owned series Hellhounds at Image Comics and also working on other projects with creators on the side to publish with other publishers... and I thought, well, we are all working together for the same goals and I’ve surrounded myself with talented and reliable professionals... why not just start a studio? That was that. I asked specific people to join and they all said yes... and now here we are.

NRAMA: What made you decide to venture into the publishing business on your own, with your newly created Chimaera Comics imprint?

GTS: Well, if you want something done right... ya know? We've actually been moving towards this for a little while now and the timing is right. We have specific publishing plans as well as ancillary plans and sometimes it’s just better to get it done your way... the way you want it.

NRAMA: As the publisher, what goals do you have for the company?

GTS: Well, to put it simply... I want to produce/publish a line(s) of books that fans and retailers will embrace and enjoy. We want to put out entertaining and dynamic books that readers will appreciate, support, and look forward to getting in their hands. To secure this with fans and retailers alike, we will never solicit any books unless that series has at least 3 issues completed... and during the first year of publishing we will never solicit more than 5 books a month and that’s a heavy month. Most (75%) of the months according to the current schedule are set for 2 to 3 books a month tops. So retailers and fans can feel secure in ordering and receiving the books when they are scheduled to be released and in stores. So order up people. Help us out and enjoy great books!

NRAMA: So, that’s your publishing plan for the first year? 2 to 3 books a month…

GTS: 2 to 3 books a month solicited for the majority of the year with the maximum amount never exceeding 5 books a month and that may happen only a few months out of the year/next year. We are launching with our event series Consortium of Justice #1 in July/August of this year and that series will introduce new and old readers alike to the Chimaera Hero Universe and the events that will shape the Universe moving forward. This is the perfect issue to get in on the ground floor of a new universe and enjoy the ride! Wargod #1 also launches July/August with the Absolution storyline... the first three issues are already completed and it looks amazing. Then, throughout this year (and next), we will be publishing series like Hellhounds, Lonebow, Blaze Anderson: Cosmonaut!, The Bouncer, and Titus, to name a few. Also creator-owned books by Brian Augustyn and other industry pros (to be announced later)… will be peppered throughout the schedules.

NRAMA: How do you view the current industry?

GTS: The industry is in a better place now than it has been in the recent past and continues to get stronger. I would much rather see small sustainable growth and strength in our industry than another quick “Boom!” and collapse... obviously. But things are looking better than they have been for the industry that I love and I hope that it continues along that path.

NRAMA: In what way can Chimaera contribute to elevating the current state of the industry?

GTS: Well, one thing is make absolute sure we stay on target and get everything out when we say so and put out quality books. The industry can always use another quality publisher that produces what and when they say they will. And then actually delivers. Publishers that succeed in doing this are strengthening the industry and the vital trust between publishers and retailers/fans.

NRAMA: Who do you see as your target audience?

GTS: The majority of the books will be all ages/teen but there will be a few mature readers titles. Our Chimaera Hero Universe titles are targeted to fans that are looking for something different than the Marvel or DC universes. Or those fans as well who are looking to support and enjoy another Hero Universe... fans who enjoyed and supported the likes of Valiant, CrossGen, Image, etc.

NRAMA: And there's the publication of the official Chimaera Universe Role-Playing Game in partnership with Mongoose Publishing. How did that come about?

GTS: Mongoose Publishing puts out some of the best RPG games on the market with titles like Conan, RuneQuest, Judge Dredd, Elric, etc. and I knew that’s where I wanted the Chimaera RPG to be. I contacted Mongoose and we've been working out the deal for sometime now. The Chimaera Universe Role-Playing Core Rule Book is 240 pages in hardbound and it's already completed and at Mongoose. The Hellhounds Companion Book is being completed now ahead of schedule and we plan to publish a new companion book bi-monthly. It’s a fun game and has a unique team dynamic system that helps immerse you in the game play from the start to finish!

NRAMA: Is it safe to assume that Chimaera is venturing into the video game/MMORPG arena as well? Ever thought of entering into the world of animation?

GTS: Yes. It's safe to assume that... and due to NDA's that’s about all I can say right now. Sorry.

NRAMA: Chimaera will also be accepting submissions for creator owned projects to be selected and published under the Chimaera Comics banner. How does one go about submitting to Chimaera?

GTS: Creators that have projects they want to submit to Chimaera Comics for publication consideration should send 5 fully inked and lettered sequential pages, a cover, and series pitch to contact@chimaerastudios.com

The creator will keep all rights to his/her property and when accepted for publication will be offered a contracted deal which will be discussed with said creator. Just please, guys, don't send obscenely large files... our eyes work... keep it short and sweet.

NRAMA: What do you look for in terms of quality and presentation?

GTS: Talent, skill, dynamic storytelling technique, and definitely professionalism. All are needed.

NRAMA: What kind of deals do you offer to Chimaera's family of creators?

GTS: That’s between each Chimaera creator and Chimaera Comics. Each creator that gets accepted for publication will be extended an offer contract.

NRAMA: Which method of distribution are you focusing on?

GTS: Direct Market and online.

NRAMA: Brian Augustyn comes with a wealth of experience, having worked for almost every major comics publisher including DC, Marvel, Wildstorm, Event, Acclaim, Dreamwave, Chaos, Kandora Publishing, etc. He was an editor at DC… At what point did he come into the picture as Editor-in-Chief of Chimaera Comics?

GTS: Brian is who I wanted for E-i-C from the get go when we decided to start the publishing company. He's a smart and talented industry vet and you already named all the other reasons why in your question. [laughs]

NRAMA: How did you first come into contact with him?

GTS: A few years ago a mutual friend of ours introduced us and now here we are.

NRAMA: What influenced you to want to create comics?

GTS: I have loved comics since I could pick up a pencil or pen. Comics are in my blood and most creators know that’s something you can't shake. Once it's got you... It's got you. [laughs]

NRAMA: When were you first exposed to comics?

GTS: When I was 5 years old. I loved Batman and the whole crew. And my mom and dad would read me comics and let me watch the Batman (Adam West) TV Show. I was hooked from then on.

NRAMA: Who're some of your favorite creators in the business?

GTS: Wow, that’s a big list. [laughs] I guess if I have to name a few, it would be Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Bruce Timm, Mike Mignola, Keith Giffen, Frank Miller, Bernie Wrightson, Frank Cho… geez, man! There’s too many to name... I dig a lot of guys’ work.

NRAMA: What comics are you reading these days?

GTS: Wow, another big list. [laughs] Honestly, I try and get my hands on everything I can and read as much as possible. It’s mostly even between Marvel/DC and indie books.

NRAMA: Anything else that you'd like to add before we call it a day?

GTS: I hope you guys enjoy and are entertained by the books we publish and the quality we deliver. Please check us out at www.chimaerastudios.com and I appreciate your support of our books! Chimaera Comics is here for you.

[mhawkins]

Good luck! It's a lot harder to maintain (let alone start) an independent company than people think it is, but I'm always impressed at the few, brave individuals who give it a shot.

Matt

[Kevin M]

ohIcan'twait!

I loved Speakeasy comics and I can't see anything here that I won't buy.

As someone who's grown tired of DC's Infinite Crossover and Marvel's Hype Wars I say,
God bless you George Singley

[deadjacket]

I LOVE the Wargod preview pages on the Chimaera website!

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by mhawkins

Good luck! It's a lot harder to maintain (let alone start) an independent company than people think it is, but I'm always impressed at the few, brave individuals who give it a shot.

Matt

Hey Matt! I appreciate the comment and know what you mean I appreciate the kind words buddy.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by Kevin M

ohIcan'twait!

I loved Speakeasy comics and I can't see anything here that I won't buy.

As someone who's grown tired of DC's Infinite Crossover and Marvel's Hype Wars I say,
God bless you George Singley

Well bless you too Kevin! I'm glad you dig our books and are happy to have you on board. Thank you for supporting us and we'll put out our best work for you. I promise.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by deadjacket

I LOVE the Wargod preview pages on the Chimaera website!

See...I said they were awesome in the interview...guess I wasn't too far off LOL. Thank you for the compliment buddy and I hope you enjoy all of our books...Wargod issue #4 is well underway so we are ahead of the game...I can't wait for you all to see these books!

[Blackbeard]

Best of luck with your new venture, George! I'm looking forward to reading all the Chimaera titles.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by Blackbeard

Best of luck with your new venture, George! I'm looking forward to reading all the Chimaera titles.

Thank you Dwight! And btw POO and ARCHIBALD rocked...fantastic work my friend.

[Blackbeard]

Originally Posted by GeorgeTSingley

Thank you Dwight! And btw POO and ARCHIBALD rocked...fantastic work my friend.

You're too kind, good sir. Thanks!

[Vince@Aspen]

Best of luck George! It's a tremendous challenge but it sounds like you're enthusiastic and up to the task.

[CaptainTemerity]

Anxious to read these. Especially Lonebow, for some reason that I can't really fathom.

New publishers/Universes can always be a scary trial. A lot of them just don't work (at least not for long). But I really hope for the best for Chimaera. And having new, cool comics to read is never a bad thing for a fan.

[toxicreaver]

Hi.

I loved Speakeasy ... and bought a lot of their titels but I hated the way the company ended.

I´m not sure I´m in this time.

Greetings from Germany,

TR

[DiscoVietnam]

Good luck - you guys are going to need it.

I'm not sure what the survival rate of "super-hero universes" are outside of Marvel and DC, but I'm guessing it would be close to 0%.

Still, you never know! Best of luck.

PS: I think the idea of the role-playing games is a great idea!

[Slickpuppy]

I love super-heroes, and I'm always glad when someone wants to show me new ones. I'll be happy to give the Chimaera line a good look. Best of luck to you, Mr. Singley!

[Bobby Nash]

Congratulations on the new venture, George. I wish you nothing but success.

Bobby

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by Vince@Aspen

Best of luck George! It's a tremendous challenge but it sounds like you're enthusiastic and up to the task.

Thanks Vince I appreciate your kind words.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by CaptainTemerity

Anxious to read these. Especially Lonebow, for some reason that I can't really fathom.

New publishers/Universes can always be a scary trial. A lot of them just don't work (at least not for long). But I really hope for the best for Chimaera. And having new, cool comics to read is never a bad thing for a fan.

Thanks Captain! I hope you enjoy Lonebow...he's one of my favorites too. We appreciate your support.

[Tony Lee]

Good luck George and Brian :-)

George, Brian was a great Editor In Chief at Markosia and gave me a lot of advice when I became Group Editor for a time in 2007 (before Craig Johnson took over the editorial reigns in November), and he pretty much steered the ship back on course there. I'm glad that now Markosia are sailing straight with sails into the wind, he as a new ship and course to plot. You can't do better than Brian for experience and skill when starting a brand new company.

It will of course be a shame to see Brian leave his current EiC position, but it'll be interesting to see how things go with your new venture, where I'm sure he'll be far more hands on.

And George - if you're going to mention Mongoose, you should at least mention Starship Troopers, one of their biggest selling games... ;-)

Good luck, guys.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by toxicreaver

Hi.

I loved Speakeasy ... and bought a lot of their titels but I hated the way the company ended.

I´m not sure I´m in this time.

Greetings from Germany,

TR

Hey TR...good to hear from you. It was indeed unfortunate what happened to Speakeasy...however we are NOT Speakeasy...our business model is different...give us a chance buddy...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by DiscoVietnam

Good luck - you guys are going to need it.

I'm not sure what the survival rate of "super-hero universes" are outside of Marvel and DC, but I'm guessing it would be close to 0%.

Still, you never know! Best of luck.

PS: I think the idea of the role-playing games is a great idea!

Hey Disco...thanks for the well wishes buddy...hope you check us out and dig the role playing game. But remember Image has heroes and they do ok...so I wouldnt say it's 0%

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by Slickpuppy

I love super-heroes, and I'm always glad when someone wants to show me new ones. I'll be happy to give the Chimaera line a good look. Best of luck to you, Mr. Singley!

Thanks for the support Kevin! I hope you enjoy our hero stories...and be sure to let me know what you think buddy.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by Bobby Nash

Congratulations on the new venture, George. I wish you nothing but success.

Bobby

Thanks Bobby...I hope you're along for the ride.

[GeorgeTSingley]

Originally Posted by Tony Lee

Good luck George and Brian :-)

George, Brian was a great Editor In Chief at Markosia and gave me a lot of advice when I became Group Editor for a time in 2007 (before Craig Johnson took over the editorial reigns in November), and he pretty much steered the ship back on course there. I'm glad that now Markosia are sailing straight with sails into the wind, he as a new ship and course to plot. You can't do better than Brian for experience and skill when starting a brand new company.

It will of course be a shame to see Brian leave his current EiC position, but it'll be interesting to see how things go with your new venture, where I'm sure he'll be far more hands on.

And George - if you're going to mention Mongoose, you should at least mention Starship Troopers, one of their biggest selling games... ;-)

Good luck, guys.

Thanks for the kind words and well wishes Tony...I appreciate it.

YIKES! Ugh...I'm an idiot...I can't believe I forgot to put Starship Troopers in there...oh well at least we got it plugged here now...it is a great game.

[Jon Malin]

Cool, best of luck to George and all of those at Chimaera.