DC Comics and Humanoids Publishing have announced a deal in which DC will publish 36 graphic novels a year under the Humanoids imprint. Humanoids Publishing is the U.S. arm of Les Humanöides Associés, one of Europe's leading publishers of graphic novels and home to such comics superstars as Moebius, Alexandro Jodorowky and Enki Bilal. The move greatly expands Humanoids' exposure in the U.S. and gives DC a substantial addition to their catalogue as they pursue the graphic novel market.
Under the new arrangement, the books will be published under the Humanoids imprint and distributed via DC's channels to both bookstores and comics shops. DC will retain all worldwide English-language publishing rights, but Humanoids retains all motion picture rights. The line launches in July with three titles and is expected to include both European comics bestsellers such as The Incal and Metabarons and new work by top American creators including Travis Charest, Kurt Busiek and John Cassaday.
While the exact lineup is still under wraps, Justin Connolly, Humanoids' director of U.S. operations, confirmed that Enki Bilal's December 32nd, which has sold some 400,000 copies in France, will definitely appear as part of the deal. "This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to bring one of the great catalogues of graphic novels to our audience," said DC publisher and president Paul Levitz.
