THE LAB PRESS has secured a distribution deal with Simon & Schuster and Diamond Comic Distributors for its upcoming graphic novels. Simon & Schuster will distribute titles in North American and UK comic shops, starting with their debut trade release in Essentials, set for release in February 2025.
“We are thrilled to partner with Simon & Schuster and Diamond in bringing our creators’ daring visions to bookshelves and coffee tables across the globe. These books are crafted with an exceptional level of quality and artistry,” says THE LAB’s CEO & Publisher, Nicholas Kalikow. “We look forward to collaborating closely with both teams as THE LAB aims to establish its own distinct presence in the comics industry.”
“THE LAB and Simon & Schuster make a great team, thanks to their shared commitment to graphic novels and getting books into the hands of readers,” said THE LAB’s VP of Business Development Diane Richey. “They know how to spotlight diverse creators and this partnership will allow THE LAB’s unique stories and fresh voices to reach more readers, fueling the growing passion for graphic novel storytelling in the book market.”
Now, Essentials was the debut release from The Lab Press that was originally a crowdfunded project that raised over $30,000. A 140-page, reality-hopping, sci-fi epic the project was co-written by Luke Arnold — the novelist and actor of the Emmy-winning Black Sails — and Emmy-nominated writer Chris “Doc” Wyatt (Rocket and Groot) with an iconic cover from legendary artist Bill Sienkiewicz (Marvel’s New Mutants).
Each reality featured in Essentials is illustrated by a different starstudded artist including Glenn Fabry (Preacher), Jason Howard (Transformers), Vince Locke (A History of Violence), Brendan McCarthy (Spider-Man: Fever), Andrea Mutti (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), M.K. Perker (Air), and DaNi (Sandman The Dreaming). Our review of Essentials even called it, “An interesting read with fantastic art, and shiny big swing for a brand-new comics publisher.”
The creators working on Essentials will return to THE LAB PRESS for future graphic novel projects in 2025 and beyond, with THE LAB PRESS itself planning to release up to four high-quality graphic novels per year beginning in 2025.
Art by Glenn Fabry & Colors by Brad Simpson“THE LAB is proud to be partnering with Diamond Comic Distributors for the comics market,” adds THE LAB’s Chief Creative Officer Mike Zagari. “We know our original graphic novels with both established and up-and-coming comic industry writers and artists will be in good hands with Diamond overseeing their presence in comic shops. We can’t wait for people to pick up Essentials at their local comic shop in February.”
“2025 is gearing up to be a bold year for The Lab Press, with a brand new graphic novel dropping every season,” explains THE LAB’s Editor-in-Chief Dagen Walker. “We believe in delivering, not teasing—when you hear about one of our books, it means it’s almost in your hands. Expect hardcovers that will surprise you with their quality and audacious stories, created for readers who seek human moments in untethered worlds.”
Art by Jason HowardEssentials goes on sale in the book market and comic book shops beginning February 2025.
English (US) · 