DC Comics is at BookExpo with something new: books.
Although it has published graphic novels for years, DC has been mostly absent from earlier book shows. This year, the 80-year-old publisher will have a booth (1220), a panel on Friday, and autograph sessions with creators to promote its new graphic novel imprints: DC Zoom, for middle grade readers; DC Ink, for young adults; and DC Black Label, which features classic DC characters in standalone stories. While the first titles were announced in early 2018, this is the first show at which DC will have books in hand.
Publisher Dan DiDio says the imprints will serve both the direct market (comic shops) and the book trade. “Our network of retailers has been very vocal about access to content that would be introductions to comics for casual and new readers,” he says. “Similarly, developing books for young adult and middle grade readers was a reaction to the growth of the industry and identifying where new readers are. So we’re creating books for those readers in a format they recognize and are familiar with.”
The two children’s imprints, DC Zoom and DC Ink, launched their first lists this spring. DC Zoom’s fall releases include Dear Justice League by Michael Northrop and Gustavo Duarte (Aug.) and Black Canary: Ignite by Meg Cabot and Cara McGee (Oct.). Upcoming DC Ink titles include Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo (July), and Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass by Mariko Tamaki and Steve Pugh (Sept.).
“These books are an opportunity to introduce younger readers to graphic storytelling using our robust roster of characters from DC’s history,” says DiDio. “Combining our characters with recognized and popular writers and artists from YA and middle grade literature reimagines our heroes and villains with a fresh look, while incorporating the kinds of stories and topics that resonate with these audiences.”
DC Black Label’s inaugural title, the collected edition of Sean Murphy’s Batman: White Knight (Oct. 2018), quickly found an audience. It went on NPD BookScan’s top 20 graphic novels list, where it stayed for four months. The imprint includes both single-issue comics and trades, as well as new editions of older graphic novels, including Darwyn Cooke’s The New Frontier (Feb., 2019) and Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman.
Creators Meg Cabot, Kami Garcia, Michael Northrop, and Mariko Tamaki will be signing at the booth. A complete schedule, along with ARCs, promotional posters, and bookmarks, is available there.
Friday, 11:15–11:50 a.m. Meg Cabot, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Kami Garcia, and Sean Murphy will participate in the “DC Showcase,” on the Choice Stage. Dan DiDio will moderate.
