Apparently the NYC offices of Virgin Comics are now closed, once again proving that starting a high-profile and almost ludicrously ambitious comic book publishing company is a near impossible venture in this day and age, especially if you’re paying people like John Woo and Guy Ritchie and Jenna Jameson (and, more importantly, their co-writers) to produce books while expecting to be successful/make any money.
Although calls to Virgin Comics CEO and cofounder Sharad Devarajan (who is also president of Gotham Entertainment) have not been returned, sources confirm that the venture has been closed and that a statement will likely be issued soon. The closing appears to effect only Virgin Comics’ U.S. publishing operations in New York City and does not effect the operations of Gotham Entertainment, the Bangalore, India-based partner in the venture that produces comics targeted at the South Asian consumer market.
The company produced about 17 different comics series in addition to publishing about 18 trade paperback collections and 3 hardcover titles. It is unclear what will happen to the rights to these properties.
They had some real nice looking books, though. Although personally, as far as Hollywood-comic-pet-projects go, I’m more interested in finding out when the next Shaolin Cowboy is due.
The only thing surprising about this announcement is that it didn’t come in 2005.
Even funnier is that with 750,000,000 people in India – even THEY didn’t want to read comics about their own characters.
It just gives real indie publishers like Dark Horse, IDW and Boom more power to produce stuff people want to read. With all of the Hollywood connections at Virgin you’d think they’d steal a few of those 3 publishers’ tricks and release some no-brainer licensed comics from their band of celebs.
Does this mean I wont be subjected to the no-doubt amazing Hugh Jackman created comic? Because you know, actors are great writers.
Oh yes I could rant on Virgin for hours…days even!