People were shocked when Marvel Executive Editor Mike Marts left the company to join Joe Pruett to startup AfterShock Comics earlier in the year. The former X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy editor, who also had a run editing the Batman books at the Distinguished Competition, shocked us all again today with the announcement that they have recruited some of the top names in the field to write their first comics.
Names such as Garth Ennis (Preacher, Punisher), Jimmy Palmiotti (Power Girl, Jonah Hex), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Paul Jenkins (Inhumans), Justin Jordan (Green Lantern: New Guardians, The Strange Talent of Luther Strode), Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Ant-Man), Frank Barbiere (Five Ghosts, White Suits) and Marguerite Bennett (A-Force, Batgirl) will be joining the fledgling publisher for their first stories, joining the also announced Neil Gaiman (Sandman), Amy Chu (Sensation Comics), and Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, The Infinity Guantlet) who will be writing an anthology with artist Brian Stelfreeze.
“When we launched AfterShock, our mission was to attract the best comic book creators in the business, and we’re beyond excited to develop original projects with these industry leaders,” said Marts. “But it’s only the beginning.” Added Ennis: “AfterShock looks to be making all the right moves. I’m delighted by the arrival of a new home for independent, creator-owned comics.”
This announcement comes just days before AfterShock Comics’ inaugural trip to that geek mecca San Diego Comic-Con International, and I can’t wait to hear what else they have in store for us.
