“Why don’t Walmart sell comics?” That would save comics. ” This is often said in the Hot Stove League of comics. And now Atlas Comics has returned from the grave of its deceased publisher to see if that’s true, or at least if collectibles based on long-vanished lines can sell at the retail giant. .
Atlas’ revival is being led by Steven Paul of SP Media Group. Paul’s producer credits include the films Ghost Rider and Ghost in the Shell, as well as numerous B-movies. He was joined in the venture by a rogues gallery that included Scott Karol, president of SP Media Group/Atlas Comics; Jason Goodman, grandson and publisher of Atlas founder Martin Goodman, and Jeff Robin, former editor-in-chief of Atlas/Seaboard and author of the best-selling Tom Clancy Opcenter novels.
It also sells products through an exclusive partnership with Walmart, including a line of collectible action figures with Mego Toys and a line of apparel with Mad Engine (well, we haven’t even mentioned comic sales. ), and of course includes live-action movies. ” is being developed jointly with Paramount Pictures, where SP Media is headquartered.
The line made its big debut at NYCC in a 1,200-square-foot booth (2843) sponsored by Walmart, with autographs from Robin and Goodman, Mego Toys President Marty Abrams, and comic book legend Larry Hama. Display goods. and Atlas/Seaboard associate editor and writer Rick Myers. Oscar nominee Jon Voight was also in attendance, and he’s said to be a big fan of Atlas. (Also a fan of other controversial stuff.)
But perhaps in the ultimate splash, Atlas and Walmart are sponsoring free Wi-Fi at the Javits Center. I know because I saw this sign. We thank them for that.
But what exactly is Voight and all the fans? Well, I’ll leave the long history lessons to the old-timers, but Atlas/Seaboard is a company founded by Marvel founder Martin Goodman after he left Marvel. It flourished in the 70’s, if you can call it that. Even the Wikipedia page for Atlas/Seaboard reads like an excerpt from Alex Segura’s Secret Identity. Atlas is the original name of the company founded by Goodman that bridged the gap between Timely Comics and Marvel Comics. Atlas/Seaboard refers to the 70’s revival in which Stan Lee’s brother Larry Lieber was hired to play the role of Stan Lee. The company was ultimately founded on poor distribution (a common problem with 70s newsstand comics) and high page fees paid to contributors such as Neal Adams and Wally Wood. And its output was small: a total of 23 manga titles and 5 manga magazines, none of which lasted more than four issues.
An obscure manga publisher remembered primarily by manga history buffs? Yes. Still, the watchword for 2024 is to leave no piece of intellectual property unused, and here we are. So let’s get to the press release.
“Walmart is excited to further enhance the collectibles experience in-store and online and connect with the comic book community with exclusive merchandise inspired by dynamic Atlas character designs that fans can fall in love with once again.” said Frank Barbieri, vice president of content and digital. At Walmart.
“Atlus/Seaboard has a treasure trove of fascinating characters and a deep history in comics, and we’re thrilled to bring them back,” said Paul. “The opportunity to continue Martin Goodman’s legacy and share this experience at New York Comic Con is an honor for all of us as we begin to breathe new life into the title for modern audiences.”
The reboot’s primary title will be Devilina, “one of Atlas/Seaboard’s most popular characters.” As you can guess from the name, she has demonic origins. She is Satan’s sister who must stand up to the demonic forces and banish her brother to hell. The Devilina movie is currently in development.
Other titles being rebooted: Phoenix, Grim Ghost, and Hands of the Dragon. And expectations are high.
“The dynamic characters and worldbuilding of Atlas/Seaboard date back to the Golden Age of comics and were created by some of the greatest creators of all time,” said Goodman. “We aim to honor their legacy and my grandfather’s vision to build a powerful source of content and innovation.”
“As an editor at a major comics publisher, it’s no exaggeration to say that reintroducing Atlas/Seaboard to the world and sharing this moment with our fans at Comic-Con is an absolute honor and thrill.” Robin added. “The possibilities for what’s next for Atlas/Seaboard are exciting, and we’re extremely proud to see it flourish for many years to come.”
To kick things off on a high note, Voight will be at the Atlas/Seaboard booth from 2:30pm to 2pm ET on Friday and Saturday, and on Saturday he will be a judge in the costume contest to determine the best Devilna. The winner will receive four (4) limited edition Mego Toys action figures. And yet another IP-based comic book company is born.
Something like this:
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