Geoff Johns, Brad Meltzer, Francis Manapul, Bryan Hitch + more form ‘Ghost Machine’

The creator collective will publish new comics across several genres through Image Comics.

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank are doubling down on their creator-owned projects, and they’re bringing a bunch of friends with them.

Along with Jason Fabok, Bryan Hitch, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut, they’ve formed Ghost Machine, a “first-of-its-kind creator-owned and operated media company,” per the press release, where creators will co-own all the characters and universes developed, “sharing in all publishing, media, merchandise, and beyond.” They point to the recent Hollywood strike as an example of why creators need more empowerment in the current media landscape.

“Our ambition for Ghost Machine is to push beyond superheroes, introducing new genres, characters and shared universes, completely co-owned by all the creators involved. We see this as the future of how creatives will work and retain creative control and meaningfully participate in success like never before,” reads the Ghost Machine founding creators’ joint statement. “Our passion is for the magic of graphic storytelling and the emotional resonance of compelling characters. But we are not just a comic book company—we are the first wholly creator-owned and operated media company of its kind, born out of a desire to create and succeed together.”

The founders released a video explaining their vision for Ghost Machine:

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DC Comics announces plans to celebrate ‘Action’ #1000

Oversized issue + a hardcover will help celebrate the milestone.

At the New York Comic Con, DC Comics co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee revealed the company’s plans for the upcoming 1000th issue of Action Comics, which is set to arrive next March.

Plans include an oversized edition of Action #1000 featuring a story by Peter Tomasi and Dan Jurgens, as well as “an all-star talent line-up writing back-up stories,” including a story co-written by DC COO Geoff Johns and Superman film director Richard Donner. They’ll also publish a hardcover book celebrating the 80th anniversary of Action Comics #1.

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