Strip Magazine - New UK High Street Title

[Goosegash]

Slightly worrying comments posted on the Forbidden Planet website - hope Freeman and co know exactly what they're getting into.

This Bosnian publisher? It's a scam. They haven't published this many "Strip Magazin"s. Lead by Ivo Milicevic, this publisher used to start a new magazine every few years or so, print a number one (or maybe two or three more) under a different name, and then quit. They have certainly never published six Strip Magazines as their website suggests, or three Metal Hurlants. Or for that matter, any Adele Blanc de Sec and any other albums listed there.
What Ivo Milicevic seems to do (although this is also questionable because he does not communicate with any publishers from Bosnia, or Croatia and Serbia, markets that are closest to us; or the comic book people in general) is obtain the rights for a title (most famously, Modesty Blaise, which has seen at least a dozen different incarnations in his magazines in the past 20 years) and then promise that he will publish something and expect it to hit off from number one. So that, when it doesn't, he just gives up until he gets more financing so he can cover the losses he incurred on himself for the first magazine.
At least, that's been the practice so far. I really, really hope that this time it's different, especially since it's obvious that some serious British names and authors are involved, but I wouldn't get your hopes up, at least not until you see an issue number 5 or so in a bookstore near you.

[Emperor]

And in the follow-up they say they have spoken to the publisher and would like their comment removed:

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2010/strip-magazine-coming-to-a-newsagent-or-comic-shop-later-in-the-year/

It is difficult to know what to make of it. Similar concerns were raised in the comments on the first Bleeding Cool article about this but they have yet to provide sources, despite claiming there are some just not in English (to which I pointed out there are plenty of handy online translation services). Nothing has been forthcoming yet but I do know someone who knows quite a bit about Yugoslavian comics so I'm going to see what they say.

I'm not worried - John is an old hand at this kind of thing and I'm confident he'll have his ass covered. The bulk of the costs are going to come from getting everything set up and ready to roll, as well as getting enough stories in the bag to last the first handful of issues, all the money for which would need to be spent before the launch of issue #1 (certain people around these parts have costed up such a project, so can add more detail if needed I'm sure). After that if the comic is selling poorly then it is going to be tricky justifying pouring a lot more cash in.

Of course, my main worry is that folks saying this won't last will put people off from reading the comics, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy. So me, I'm going to be Spreading the Word to anyone who might not have heard of it and then we'll just have to wait and see.

I never get tired of that severed shin flying towards me.  Nice job, Jim!

I am fascinated by the way the end of his leg just seems to explode off - that's how hard Hook Jaw is.

[JayzusB.Christ]

I'd buy the hell out of it...

-pj

Most other UK comics came out when I was a wee lad and had little or no disposable income other than enough for 2000ad, and some goes on the arcade games. 
But I'm going to buy the living fuck out of this one, I think

[Jim_Campbell]

I'm not worried - John is an old hand at this kind of thing and I'm confident he'll have his ass covered.

I agree. If the editorial side was in hands less experienced then I might be a bit concerned, but John knows what he's doing and I will trust to his judgement on something like this.

Cheers!

Jim

[Bolt-01]

I agree too. John knows his trade. Here's to a succesful launch issue and many more after!

[Richmond Clements]

I'm not worried - John is an old hand at this kind of thing and I'm confident he'll have his ass covered.

I agree. If the editorial side was in hands less experienced then I might be a bit concerned, but John knows what he's doing and I will trust to his judgement on something like this.

Cheers!

Jim

Yup- that was my first thought when I read the claims too.

[Emperor]

Lots more information is out now - the publisher is also bringing out graphic novels and translations of European albums:

http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2010/09/strip-magazine-publishers-at-british.html

[Bluecube]

Any more details on when Strip will be in the shops? And will it be available through the likes of WH Smiths or just the specialist retailers? I haven't bought another comic other than 2000AD for about 20 years now so I'm really looking forward to this.

[Emperor]

I seem to recall that the plan was to have a kind of ashcan out at BICS and launch soon after but there are Strip People around here who will know better.

[Jim_Campbell]

I seem to recall that the plan was to have a kind of ashcan out at BICS and launch soon after but there are Strip People around here who will know better.

Some contracts are still being finalized, and -- as I understand it -- announcements on schedules proceed from those contracts being signed. Since John Freeman has taken my family hostage and is threatening to kill them unless I put in some time at PrintMedia table at BICS, I figure the presence at Brum is a given. John also mentioned on Facebook that he'd seen a printed dummy of Strip, so an ashcan isn't out of the question, I'd imagine.

Cheers!

Jim

[O Lucky Stevie!]

Don't 'spose anyone knows if this will be distributed through Diamond outside the UK?

[Emperor]

It seems that sample pages will be available at BICS and appearing on myebook around that time for people not attending.

Don't 'spose anyone knows if this will be distributed through Diamond outside the UK?

According to John they are currently aiming to get it into newsagents and the like, but want to make sure they maximise availability/distribution so hope to get Diamond distribution, it just isn't the main focus at the moment.

[Emperor]

Any more details on when Strip will be in the shops?

They are waiting on a third party (all very mysterious) and will be able to give a better answer to this next week, hopefully.

And will it be available through the likes of WH Smiths or just the specialist retailers?

As mentioned above getting it into newsagents is the big priority but they do seem to be planning to get it out into the direct market (if Diamond play ball I suppose, as they can be... difficult).

[Christov]

So... just of curiosity... the type of curiosity that seeks employment... are Strip looking for content?

Because I'm ready and willing to sell my soul.

[Emperor]

So... just of curiosity... the type of curiosity that seeks employment... are Strip looking for content?

They seem good for the moment (as they'd have to have the first stories all boxed off well in advance and, as those are continuing it'd mean they'd have the outline of the first few months in the bag too) but John Freeman has said he'll let us know when he is looking for content, just try not to step on my face in the ensuing stampede as I'm still using it.