New publisher THE LAB PRESS is breaking the mold with an unconventional publishing approach, focusing exclusively on physical media with collectible, high-quality OGN hardcovers. The company wants to remind people that it’s not just a crowdfunded project, but a publisher dedicated to high-quality graphic novels that represent both emerging voices and established creators .
“The book is simply beautifully designed and makes you want to stop and take a closer look at the artwork, a level of quality typically reserved for omnibuses and special editions,” says Editor-in-Chief Deigen.・Walker says.
“You remember reading these books,” Dagen continues. “In a time when everything seems fleeting and ephemeral, we are designing our stories and physical editions to be something that can create lasting connections.”
Hoping to disrupt traditional comics publishing approaches, The Lab Press eschews traditional single-issue publishing and even digital formats, choosing instead to sell graphic novels exclusively to bookstores and comic shops. They are also abandoning the intellectual property farming model by creating stories that progress on set from start to finish and set out sustainable ideas and green approaches.
“Our goal is to bring extraordinary, impactful stories to a loyal group of readers who value quality and originality,” said Diane Ritchie, vice president of business development. “We are just beginning this journey, and we hope you will join us.”
“We like stories with a beginning, middle, and end,” says CEO and publisher Nicholas Kalikow. “We have no intention of releasing the first volume of a trilogy unless we are fully committed to publishing the entire set. Readers, retailers, and creators deserve to be rewarded for their time and investment.”
We are planning to start with the hardcover version of “ESSENTIALS” next month. The comic, co-written by novelist and actor Luke Arnold and Emmy Award-winning author Chris “Doc” Wyatt, is expected to be an outstanding debut.
Having previewed ESSENTIALS, I can confidently say that it’s a visual and tactile delight. Every detail of this OGN has been thoughtfully designed, from Bill Sienkiewicz’s stunning premier cover artwork to the luxurious cloth slipcase and oversized hardcover format. Hey, it even smells like a new manga.
“Bill Sienkiewicz continues to push the boundaries of comics with each new work,” said Mike Zaghari, Chief Creative Officer of THE LAB. “His art is brave and often subversive, which is why we’re thrilled to have his cover featured on all THE LAB books scheduled for 2025.”
But this is just the beginning of what’s to come for The Lab Press. The company has an exciting line-up for 2025, with four books set to be released this year. One book for each season. This includes SUPER SCIENCE, which will be released this May, along with a preview of 99 Cent’s introductory prologue chapter, set to debut in April, just in time for New Comics Day.
Let’s take a closer look at all these newly announced titles for 2025.
necessities
Released in February
Wake up! The world you see around you is not real. It is a fabrication made for you and by you. It’s made from your fears, hopes, misery, and memories. This subjective reality will soon engulf you completely and then all humanity will be lost. But don’t give up! Disgraced mathematician Harris Pax has teamed up with Button (an extradimensional being who owns his niece’s favorite toy) and is here to set you free! Please bring only the essentials with you when you depart.
Essentials p. 116 Essentials p.119
Screenplay: Luke Arnold & Chris “Doc” Wyatt
Interior Artists: Jason Howard, Vince Locke, Andrea Mutti, MK Parker,
Glenn Fabry, Danny and Brendan McCarthy, Brad Simpson (Colors), Wesley Wong (Colors), Dee Cunniff (Colors)
Cover Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz, Glenn Fabry & Jordie Bellaire (Colors), Jason Howard
Additional details: 140 page story, intended for adult readers
super science
Released in May
In a world where imagination becomes reality, global phenomena give ordinary people extraordinary scientific power. Now, with the proliferation of new superheroes and supervillains, it’s up to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Mad Scientist Division, led by the no-nonsense Detective Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and her ideal partner Officer Jack Mantle, to survive the chaos. No. The series is a combination of wit and wonder, featuring manipulative businessmen, unlikely heroes, genius and clumsy battles, forming a sci-fi comedy of epic proportions.
Super Science p. 7 Super Science p. 8 Super Science p. 9 Super Science p. 10
Author: Nicholas Kalikow
Interior Artist: MK Parker
Cover artists: Bill Sienkiewicz, Gene Ha, MK Parker, Veronica Fish
Additional details: 185 page story, intended for adult readers
A special prologue chapter (99 cent comic) called Super Science Chapter Zero will be released in April.
hunger
Cover by Wolf Skull Jack
Released in July
Bombay under British rule in 1896. After learning of his mother’s death, starving mutant Izuna embraces his monstrous nature and seeks revenge against the oppressive forces.
As she transforms into a half-human, half-mutant, half-bestial creature, her insatiable hunger reflects intergenerational trauma and themes of historical colonialism, supernatural fear, and identity and identity. This graphic novel brings together the oppressed and the oppressors to forge an inseparable bond. Empowerment.
Hunger p. 4-5 Hunger p. 6
Writer: Niharika Negi
Interior Artist: Joe Bocardo, Jose Villarrubia (colors)
Cover Artist: Touray Lotay, Joe Bocardo
Additional details: 105 page story, intended for adult readers
creatures and corridors
Released in October
In the summer of 1994, the forbidden role-playing game “Creatures & Corridors” takes a dark turn for five high school sophomores, warping reality into nightmarish fantasy.
Orcs, tentacle horrors, and deadly traps turn their living rooms, gardens, and basements into battlegrounds. Now they must overcome the game’s dangerous challenges while risking their lives under the evil watch of a demonic game master.
Screenplay: Brandon Orman
Interior artist: Andrea Mutti
Cover Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz, EM Gist, Isabella Escobar
Additional details: 110 page story, intended for adult readers
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