Alias Enterprises
Encyclopedia
Alias Enterprises is a United States
publishing company. Their main divisions are Alias Comics (all-ages comic book
s) and Cross Culture (Christian comic books). Based in San Diego, California, it was founded in January 2005 by Brett Burner and Mike S. Miller
. They publish comics such as Lullaby
, The 10th Muse
, The Legend of Isis, and Sixgun Samurai.
filling a virtually untapped market with three all-ages titles: Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker, Lions, Tigers and Bears
, and The Imaginaries. All three were successful projects in the independent marketplace, particularly Lullaby, which has seen continuing success since its initial release. Also in 2005, Alias expanded into a self-publishing company with plans to launch 12 titles in April of that year with cover prices of 75 cents. The titles all shipped late and were released irregularly afterwards, but landed them a spot with Diamond Comic Distributors
as a Top 20 Publisher.
Alias Comics offered 25-cent preview issues, 75-cent introductory issues, and 50,000 copies of free (to retailer) preview books called "the Comic Book Digest" as marketing efforts, but continued to have problems with shipping. In mid 2005, Alias chose to move its comic printing stateside, but due to the accumulation of problems at the domestic printer, decided to go back to its original partner in South Korea
. The subsequent lapse in shipping, going from a domestic printer to a South Korean printer, resulted in a two to three month lapse in delivery of Alias comic books to comic stores. Being gone from the shelves for so long created several problems for the fledgling company, causing a loss of retailer and consumer confidence.
Nearly a year after opening their doors, several Alias comic book creators began to leave the publisher, citing various concerns. In 2005, studios Monkey Pharmacy, Runemaster Studios, and Dabel Brothers Productions
stopped producing books for publication by Alias. In November, Alias underwent a restructuring plan. Its publisher, Brett Burner, purchased majority shares of the company in order to take control of the company's financial records.
In March 2006, Alias announced a new policy toward its creators requiring work to be completed and in-hand before being solicited for publication, citing an effort to maintain a more exact release schedule. Later, Alias signed an agreement with Christian publisher Zondervan
to produce 24 manga
or graphic novels to be released over the next few years through its Cross Culture division, consisting of three 8-book series. These titles included Hand of the Morningstar, Kingdoms, and The Manga Bible.
Also in 2006, Alias' Christian division, Cross Culture Entertainment, began publication of Bubblemag, a Christian pop culture magazine. In Fall 2006, Alias executives announced their intention to rebrand Alias Comics as a Christian comic company. Within a few weeks, Abacus Comics opened for business. Abacus Comics is owned solely by Miller, and was opened for the express purpose of publishing several of his "creator-owned" titles which were initially run through Alias Comics.
In 2007, Lamp Post Inc. obtained full rights to all Alias and Cross Culture properties, placing them under its label.
Comics that went to other venues after publication at Alias:
Comics that came to Alias after initial publication at another venue:
Cancelled Alias comics:
NOTE: These are only initial pre-order sales via Diamond Comic Distributors
U.S. and do not include possible reorders or sales through other channels.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
publishing company. Their main divisions are Alias Comics (all-ages comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
s) and Cross Culture (Christian comic books). Based in San Diego, California, it was founded in January 2005 by Brett Burner and Mike S. Miller
Mike S. Miller
Mike S. Miller is a comic book illustrator and writer who currently resides in San Diego, California.-Biography:A longtime artist for many comic publishing companies including Marvel, DC, and Image, Mike Miller is most known for his work on the comic book adaptation of George R. R...
. They publish comics such as Lullaby
Lullaby (comics)
Lullaby is a comics series published by Alias Comics written in majority by Ben Avery and illustrated by Hector Sevilla.Lullaby was hosted for purchase on Wowio, and is advertised on other websites such as Misfile....
, The 10th Muse
Tenth Muse
The Tenth Muse is an independent superhero comic book series about a modern-day daughter of the Greek god Zeus. It was created in 2000 by Darren G. Davis and originally written by Marv Wolfman...
, The Legend of Isis, and Sixgun Samurai.
History
Alias was founded by artist Mike S. Miller and publisher Brett Burner (also owner of Lamp Post Publications). In January 2005, they launched their first productions through Image ComicsImage Comics
Image Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
filling a virtually untapped market with three all-ages titles: Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker, Lions, Tigers and Bears
Lions, Tigers and Bears
This article is about the comic book series. For the song, see Lions, Tigers & Bears.Lions, Tigers and Bears is a comic book series from Image Comics and Hermes Press, created by Mike Bullock with artwork by Jack Lawrence, Paul Gutierrez, Michael Metcalf, Mike Wieringo and Bob Pedroza.The story...
, and The Imaginaries. All three were successful projects in the independent marketplace, particularly Lullaby, which has seen continuing success since its initial release. Also in 2005, Alias expanded into a self-publishing company with plans to launch 12 titles in April of that year with cover prices of 75 cents. The titles all shipped late and were released irregularly afterwards, but landed them a spot with Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. is the largest comic book distributor serving North America. They transport comic books from both big and small comic book publishers, or suppliers, to the retailers. Diamond dominates the direct market in the United States, and has exclusive arrangements with most...
as a Top 20 Publisher.
Alias Comics offered 25-cent preview issues, 75-cent introductory issues, and 50,000 copies of free (to retailer) preview books called "the Comic Book Digest" as marketing efforts, but continued to have problems with shipping. In mid 2005, Alias chose to move its comic printing stateside, but due to the accumulation of problems at the domestic printer, decided to go back to its original partner in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. The subsequent lapse in shipping, going from a domestic printer to a South Korean printer, resulted in a two to three month lapse in delivery of Alias comic books to comic stores. Being gone from the shelves for so long created several problems for the fledgling company, causing a loss of retailer and consumer confidence.
Nearly a year after opening their doors, several Alias comic book creators began to leave the publisher, citing various concerns. In 2005, studios Monkey Pharmacy, Runemaster Studios, and Dabel Brothers Productions
Dabel Brothers Productions
Dabel Brothers Productions is a U.S. publishing company of comic books and graphic novels. It was founded in 2001 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia...
stopped producing books for publication by Alias. In November, Alias underwent a restructuring plan. Its publisher, Brett Burner, purchased majority shares of the company in order to take control of the company's financial records.
In March 2006, Alias announced a new policy toward its creators requiring work to be completed and in-hand before being solicited for publication, citing an effort to maintain a more exact release schedule. Later, Alias signed an agreement with Christian publisher Zondervan
Zondervan
Zondervan is an international Christian media and publishing company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Zondervan is a founding member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association .- History :...
to produce 24 manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
or graphic novels to be released over the next few years through its Cross Culture division, consisting of three 8-book series. These titles included Hand of the Morningstar, Kingdoms, and The Manga Bible.
Also in 2006, Alias' Christian division, Cross Culture Entertainment, began publication of Bubblemag, a Christian pop culture magazine. In Fall 2006, Alias executives announced their intention to rebrand Alias Comics as a Christian comic company. Within a few weeks, Abacus Comics opened for business. Abacus Comics is owned solely by Miller, and was opened for the express purpose of publishing several of his "creator-owned" titles which were initially run through Alias Comics.
In 2007, Lamp Post Inc. obtained full rights to all Alias and Cross Culture properties, placing them under its label.
Publications
In alphabetical order:- ArmorQuest: Genesis (2005–2006) by Ben Avery and Sherwin Schwartzrock
- Atomik Mike (2006) by Stephan Nilson
- The Blackbeard Legacy (2006–2007)
- Chrono Mechanics (2006) by Art ThibertArt ThibertArthur "Art" Thibert is a comic book artist, primarily known as a freelance inker, although he has a substantial résumé as a penciler and has even written some comics...
and Richard Birdsall - David: The Sheperd's Song (2005) by Royden Lepp
- David's Mighty Men (2005) by Javier Saltares
- Deal with the Devil (2005) by Mike S. Miller and Sherwin Schwartzrock
- The Devil's Keeper (2005) by Mike S. Miller, Sean Jordan, and Carlos Paul
- The Dreamland ChroniclesThe Dreamland ChroniclesThe Dreamland Chronicles is an all-ages fantasy webcomic and comic book series created by Scott Christian Sava with 3D computer graphics.-Plot summary:...
(2005– ) by Scott Christian Sava - The Hammer Kid (2006) by Kevin GreviouxKevin GreviouxKevin Grevioux is an American actor, screenwriter, and comic book writer. He is most known for his role as "Raze" in the Underworld movies.-Biography:...
- Hyper-ActivesHyper-ActivesHyper-Actives is a comic book limited series published by Alias Comics featuring teenaged superheroes. The series is written by Darin Wagner and illustrated by Clint Hilinski and Andrew Dalhouse...
(2005–2006) by Darin Wagner and Clint Hilinski - Judo Girl (2005–2006) by Darren G. DavisDarren G. DavisDarren G. Davis is an American independent comic book publisher and writer. He is currently the head of Bluewater Productions, based in Vancouver, Washington.-Career:...
, Terrance Griep, and Nadir Balan - Killer Stunts, Inc. (2005) by Scott Kinney
- Legacy Manga Digest (2005) by Carmen Trifilleti and Edu Francisco
- The Legend of Isis (2005–2006) by Ryan Scott OttneyRyan Scott OttneyRyan Scott Ottney is an American writer and journalist from New Boston, Ohio.Ryan's first published comic book work was The Legend of Isis from Alias Enterprises and Blue Water Productions . Also The Prometheus Effect and Bikini Bandits ...
, Darren G. Davis, et al. - Lethal Instinct (2005)
- LullabyLullaby (comics)Lullaby is a comics series published by Alias Comics written in majority by Ben Avery and illustrated by Hector Sevilla.Lullaby was hosted for purchase on Wowio, and is advertised on other websites such as Misfile....
vol. 2 (2005–2006) by Mike S. Miller and Hector Sevilla - Monkey in a Wagon vs. Lemur on a Big Wheel (2005) by Ken Lillie-Paetz and Chris MorenoChris MorenoChris Moreno is an American comic book illustrator.-Marvel Comics:World War Hulk: Front Line issues 2,4, and 5 were written by Paul Jenkins.-Image Comics= Interviews :* * * * * - Websites :*...
- Opposite Forces vol. 2 (2005) by Tom Bancroft
- Orion the Hunter (2006)
- OZF5 (2005) by Ramon Madrigal and Ryan OttleyRyan OttleyRyan Ottley, aka Uncle WYA, is an American comic book artist. He is best known for work on Image Comics' Invincible.-Career:Ottley is the artist and co-creator of the webcomic strip Ted Noodleman: Bicycle Delivery Boy, and it was through this webstrip that Robert Kirkman first encountered Ottley's...
- Pakkins' LandPakkins' LandPakkins' Land is an epic all-ages fantasy story created by husband and wife team, Gary and Rhoda Shipman. Originating as a critically hailed comic book series, the story was written by the pair with Gary Shipman illustrating the series....
vol. 2 (2005) by Gary ShipmanGary ShipmanGary Lee Shipman is an American comic book illustrator and writer. He is father to three children.-Biography:Shipman, with wife Rhoda Shipman, created the independently produced comic book series Pakkins' Land, both plotting out the stories together and Gary scripting, lettering, penciling, and... - Psi-Kix (2005)
- Revere (2006) by Ed Lavallee and Grant Bond
- Sixgun Samurai (2005–2006) by Mike S. Miller, Sean Jordan, and Harold Edge
- Super Teen*Topia (2006) by Kirk Kushin
- Ted Noodleman: Bicycle Delivery Boy (2005) by Jim Keplinger and Ryan Ottley
- Tenth MuseTenth MuseThe Tenth Muse is an independent superhero comic book series about a modern-day daughter of the Greek god Zeus. It was created in 2000 by Darren G. Davis and originally written by Marv Wolfman...
vol. 3 (2005–2006) by Darren G. Davis, et al. - TwinBlades (2006) by Adrian Todd and Ryan Odagawa
- Valkyries (2006) by Kevin Grevioux
- Victoria's Secret Service (2005) by Darren G. Davis and Nadir Balan
- Yenny vol. 2 (2005–2006) by David Álvarez
Comics that went to other venues after publication at Alias:
- Monkey in a Wagon vs. Lemur on a Big Wheel (went to Silent Devil Productions)
- ElsinoreElsinore (comics)Elsinore is an American comic book published by Devil's Due Productions. It is written by Ken Lillie-PaetzElsinore tells the tale of Murchison, a disgraced doctor who was recruited by the titular asylum in order to help prevent the apocalypse...
(went to Devil's Due PublishingDevil's Due PublishingDevil's Due Publishing is an independent comic book publishers in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, DDP is best known for its wide selection of genres, including licensed and original creator-owned properties that populate its monthly comic book series and graphic novels.Though...
) - Lions, Tigers and BearsLions, Tigers and BearsThis article is about the comic book series. For the song, see Lions, Tigers & Bears.Lions, Tigers and Bears is a comic book series from Image Comics and Hermes Press, created by Mike Bullock with artwork by Jack Lawrence, Paul Gutierrez, Michael Metcalf, Mike Wieringo and Bob Pedroza.The story...
(went to Image ComicsImage ComicsImage Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
) - XIII (uncensored trade paperbacks by Dabel Brothers ProductionsDabel Brothers ProductionsDabel Brothers Productions is a U.S. publishing company of comic books and graphic novels. It was founded in 2001 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia...
)
Comics that came to Alias after initial publication at another venue:
- Chrono Mechanics (came from Image ComicsImage ComicsImage Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
)
Cancelled Alias comics:
- The Gimoles
Circulation
According to the sales estimates from industry resource site ICv2, Alias' top-selling monthly comics for their first year were:- May 2005: 4,945 copies (rank 188) of 10th Muse vol. 2, #1
- June 2005: 7,836 copies (rank 214) of Lethal Instinct #1
- July 2005: 4,005 copies (rank 203) of Legend of Isis #2
- August 2005: 3,546 copies (rank 242) of Legend of Isis #3
- September 2005: 3,286 copies (rank 222) of XIII #2
- October 2005: 3,352 copies (rank 243) of Legend of Isis #4
- November 2005: 7,432 copies (rank 195) of Lullaby #1
- December 2005: 3,038 copies (rank 251) of Legend of Isis #7
- January 2006: 3,886 copies (rank 208) of Lullaby #2
- February 2006: -- no issue shipped, only a TPB
- March 2006: 3,909 copies (rank 261) of Victoria's Secret Service #1
- April 2006: 4,701 copies (rank 210) of Lullaby #3
- May 2006: 2,959 copies (rank 291) of Blackbeard Legacy #1
NOTE: These are only initial pre-order sales via Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. is the largest comic book distributor serving North America. They transport comic books from both big and small comic book publishers, or suppliers, to the retailers. Diamond dominates the direct market in the United States, and has exclusive arrangements with most...
U.S. and do not include possible reorders or sales through other channels.
External links
- "The Class of 2005: A Tough Year for Comics Start-Ups" January 2006 look at Alias' and SpeakeasySpeakeasy ComicsSpeakeasy Comics was a Canadian publishing company of comic books and graphic novels. It was founded in August 2004 by Adam Fortier, and ceased operations on February 27, 2006.-History:...
's problems (by Heidi MacDonald at Publishers WeeklyPublishers WeeklyPublishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
) - "State of the Union 2006: Alias" February 2006 short interview with Mike S. Miller about 2005 and 2006 for Alias and Cross Culture (by Rik OffenbergerRik OffenbergerRik Offenberger is an American comic book journalist and publicity agent, an early utilizer of the Internet for distributing comics news, and currently the public relations coordinator of Archie Comics.-Career:...
at NewsaramaNewsaramaNewsarama is an American website that publishes news, interviews and essays about the American comic book industry.-History:Newsarama began in Summer 1995 as a series of Internet forum postings on the Prodigy comic-book message boards by fan Mike Doran. In these short messages. Doran shared...
).