Press Releases

Press Releases

Red Foil Exclusives for Seven Years in Darkness

June 25, 2024 / June 25, 2024 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

Get these exclusive variants only from the CEX Comics online store! Seven Years in Darkness Year #1Red Foil ExclusiveBill Sienkiewicz Seven Years in Darkness Year 2 #1Red Foil ExclusiveJason Shawn Alexander Written byJoseph Schmalke Art byJoseph Schmalke Welcome to the Academy of Black Magic, where 72 students will enter for their first year, and after seven years learning the dark arts, only seven will graduate alive! The limited edition of the very first issue of SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS (limited to 100 copies printed total!) features the rare BILL SIENKIEWICZ cover and a gorgeous red foil logo. This book was printed as part of the original run but has remained locked in the Academy’s vault until the release of SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS YEAR TWO #1! The time to release this exclusive is now! And we are only releasing 50 of them! Get them now, while you can! And just like with the RED FOIL variant for SYID #1, the SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS: YEAR TWO #1 RED FOIL variant was printed as part of the original print run and was also limited to just 100 copies. In honor of the launch of SYID: YEAR TWO #1, we are releasing 50 copies of this variant as well! Look at the cover if you dare! But beware, it might just put a spell on you!

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Press Releases

CEX Comics Out Now!

June 4, 2024 / June 4, 2024 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

Seven Years in Darkness Year Two #1 Cover AJoseph Schmalke Cover BJoseph Schmalke Cover CJason Shawn Alexander Cover DJason Shawn Alexander Written byJoseph Schmalke Art byJoseph Schmalke Welcome to Year Two at the Academy of Black Magic. The 59 surviving Apprentices advance into their second year of studies as the new class of Mages. This inaugural tale for year two follows a magically gifted student, Honey, who finds herself the target of a patristic entity intent on corrupting and ultimately devouring her soul. DiamondCover A: JAN241508Cover B: JAN241509Cover C: JAN241510Cover D: JAN241510 LunarCover A: 0124CX352Cover B: 0124CX353Cover C: 0124CX354Cover D: 0124CX355 Marguerite vs. the Occupation (one-shot) Cover AKasey Quevedo Cover BSebastian Piriz Written byJohn Luzar Art byKasey Quevedo August 1944, four years after the Nazis invaded France during World War II, 17-year-old Marguerite returns to her childhood home, only to find a German machine gun crew occupying the bombed-out remains of her bedroom-perverting her home and room that once brought her joy and wonder. She’s about to take her home back! DiamondCover A: JAN241506Cover B: JAN241507 LunarCover A: 0124CX350Cover B: 0124CX351

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Press Releases

THE MIRACLES DEBUT WILL ASTONISH YOU WITH A SECOND PRINTING!

September 7, 2023 / September 7, 2023 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

THE MIRACLES #1 premieres this fall! Shelbyville, KY — September 7, 2023 — With fan interest increasing, CEX Publishing is proud to announce that we are rushing a second printing of the premiere issue of THE MIRACLES by Joseph Glass and Vince Underwood in order to meet demand. The release of this new printing will coincide with the first printing to ensure that all fans can find their copy when they hit store shelves this fall. The Miracles tells the story of a family of superheroes and an astonishing secret they keep, all with a meta twist that you have to read to believe. Quantities of this second printing are limited, so be sure to let your favorite retailer or specialty shop know before they are gone. “When initial orders came in, we were a little concerned as they didn’t match the excitement we were seeing online,” said Andy Schmidt, CEX Publisher. “We believe so strongly in this project that we felt that the only thing we could do is rush a second printing rather than disappoint fans.” This 56-page double-sized introduction issue sees high school senior Elliot Morgan discovering he has superhuman abilities, and as any comic fan would do, he immediately adopts the role of a superhero. “I can’t wait for people to meet The Miracles,” says writer Joseph Glass. “It’s a story I’ve wanted to tell since I started writing comics. It’s allowed me to touch on a number of issues that interest me, including refugees, the role of heroes in this […]

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LUCIANO VECCHIO COMES TO LIGHT WITH SERENO

May 24, 2023 / May 24, 2023 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

CEX PUBLISHING AND ZOOP ANNOUNCE A NEW CAMPAIGN FOR THE ULTIMATE SERENO COLLECTION Check out the exclusive cover for SERENO: THE NIGHTWATCHMEN HC, by Luciano Vecchio Shelbyville, KY — May, 24, 2023 — CEX Publishing and Zoop are proud to announce a new campaign for the SERENO: THE NIGHTWATCHMAN hardcover collection featuring an exclusive cover designed by Argentinian comic book writer and artist Luciano Vecchio (Iceman, Marvel Voices, Champions, DC Pride). Meet Sereno, the Mystic Master of Light and guardian of New Teia, a city where magic and science intertwine by night! Sereno is a deeply personal work for Vecchio, a prominent LGBTQ rights advocate, who has contributed to both Marvel’s Voices: Pride and DC’s Pride Anthology. “I’m truly ecstatic that Sereno will finally be available in English!” Vecchio said. “This is a foundational series for me, one that pushed me to grow beyond being just an artist but to a full-on author. It challenged me to rethink the way I approach comics, superheroes, and our role as creators. It’s an extremely intimate and personal work and I’m excited to share it with as many readers as possible.” Originally offered by CEX Publishing as a three issue mini series, this collection includes loads of exclusive extras and features a new cover designed exclusively for Zoop by Luciano Vecchio! “When I first saw Sereno I was immediately struck by Luciano’s art and his style for the series.” said Andy Schmidt, publisher at CEX Publishing. “It was clear this was not only a great book for readers, […]

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Press Releases

OOPS, WE DID IT AGAIN!

April 20, 2023 / April 20, 2023 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS conjures up a Third Printing! SHELBYVILLE, KY — April 20, 2023 — CEX is excited to announce the third printing of SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS #1, following the rapid sell-out of both the first and second printings at the distributor level. This new comic series by artist/writer Joseph Schmalke has been a hit with fans and is now available again at comic shops and specialty stores. If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out this dark and magical new series, now is the perfect time to jump on board! While some retail copies may still be available, they are vanishing quickly! Get your copy right away! “The response to Seven Years in Darkness has been immense,” said CEX Publisher Andy Schmidt, “and I want to thank the retailers and fans who have made this third printing possible. We know you’ll love it as much as we do.” Seven Years in Darkness: Year One #1 third printing is now available for retailers to order through Diamond Comics and Lunar Distribution. Retailers, don’t forget to order this new printing by Monday, May 1! #SevenYearsInDarkness SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS #1 – THIRD PRINTINGCreated by JOSEPH SCHMALKEDiamond ID: MAR238093Lunar Code: 0423CX809UPC: 79394597454200113

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Press Releases

SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS CONJURES UP A SECOND PRINTING!

April 5, 2023 / April 5, 2023 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

DEBUT ISSUE OF JOSEPH SCHMALKE’S SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS SELLS OUT AND CONJURES UP A SECOND PRINTING! Check out the new second-printing variant cover for SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS #1, in stores in April! SHELBYVILLE, KY — April 5, 2023 — CEX is proud to announce that demand for Joseph Schmalke’s Seven Years in Darkness: Year One #1 has exceeded expectations and is sold out at the distributor level. CEX Publishing will rush the first issue back to print in order to keep up with rising demand for the indie horror title. The new printing will feature an alternate logo color and is limited to a single cover design. The Academy of Black Magic is about to welcome its first new class of students in 200 years, but this is no Hogwarts. 72 children enrolled, but only SEVEN will graduate alive… Seven Years in Darkness: Year One #1 is the start of an epic fantasy and horror adventure that thrills and terrifies at every turn. Seven Years in Darkness utilizes Schmalke’s stunning visuals to capture the anxiety that comes with attending high school. Joseph Schmalke has masterfully crafted something that is both chillingly familiar and artfully terrifying. “Given the interest in the series, we overprinted in an attempt to meet demand, but it wasn’t enough,” said Andy Schmidt, publisher at CEX. “Joe has managed to build such a devoted fanbase for Seven Years prior to its launch, and that fanbase is continuing to grow. As a result, we made the decision to fast-track a second […]

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Press Releases

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT JOSEPH SCHMALKE’S NEW SERIES SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS

October 4, 2022 / October 4, 2022 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

72 children enroll, but only SEVEN will graduate alive.. Shelbyville, KY — October 4, 2022 — Joseph Schmalke and CEX Publishing are launching a new series: Seven Years in Darkness, and attendees at New York Comic-Con will get their first look thanks to an Ashcan being sold at the convention. SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS tells the story of the first group of students to enter a wizarding school in over a hundred years. 72 children are selected for the new class, but only seven will graduate, alive. Joseph Schmalke is the Co-Publisher of Black Caravan and a comics creator, writer, and illustrator residing in Westbrook, Maine. Joe is the artist and writer on several comic book titles including: THE INFERNAL PACT, CHERRY BLACKBIRD, PHANTOM STARKILLER (with Peter Goral), WE DON’T KILL SPIDERS, THE ELECTRIC BLACK (With Rich Woodall), and MURDER HOBO (With Jason Lynch). “Seven Years In Darkness breaks with some horror taboos where children could die in a high fantasy winner-takes-all situation.” Schmalke said. “A group of kids are forced into the academy of Black Magic and while seventy-two enter only seven will leave alive. CEX took a bold move picking up this book and I’m excited to partner with them as they are run by some of best creators in the industry.” SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS: YEAR ONE is a four-issue miniseries released bi-monthly. SEVEN YEARS IN DARKNESS #1 will feature three covers from JOSEPH SCHMALKE and BILL SIENKIEWICZ (Elektra: Assassin, Stray Toasters, New Mutants) and will be included as part of Diamond and […]

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Press Releases

CEX PUBLISHING IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE SERENO FROM LUCIANO VECCHIO

October 3, 2022 / October 3, 2022 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

Check out all the covers and first look of SERENO #1, hitting stands February 2023 Shelbyville, KY — October 3, 2022 — CEX Publishing is proud to announce the introduction of the next great superhero: SERENO! Written and drawn by Argentinean artist Luciano Vecchio, the superstar talent known for his work on Ironheart, Champions, Wiccan & Hulkling, Edge of the Spider-Verse, and Iceman for Marvel Comics and DC Pride, Teen Justice, and Super Sons for DC Comics. SERENO #1 marks the first time the series has been translated into English for an American audience. SERENO #1 introduces readers to the city of New Teia, where magic and science intertwine by night, and its guardian SERENO! SERENO, the Mystic Master of Light, must defend New Teia from an evil conspiracy set on transforming the city. SERENO must battle an avatar of Paranoia, a shepherd of Nightmares, and a Cult of Hate all while resisting his attraction to the super cat burglar Rufián.  “SERENO holds a great importance for me, it is the work that made me find my own voice as an author beyond merely drawing for other’s stories,” Vecchio said. “This is my answer not just to who MY Superhero is as a queer creator, but also to what the Superhero narrative genre as a whole and as Modern Myth means for me, and what I mean for it in turn.” SERENO is a three-issue limited series with a double-sized first issue. Attendees of New York Comic Con will have the opportunity to get an […]

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CEX AND SCOTT REED PRESENT A LOVE LETTER TO THE COMICS OF THE 80s THIS OCTOBER

June 17, 2022 / June 17, 2022 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

Check out the variant covers that pay homage to some of the most influential comics of the era. Shelbyville, KY — June 17, 2022 — This October, CEX is proud to present 1984’s most shocking comic book, revealed at last: SAGA OF A DOOMED UNIVERSE #1. The heroes have fallen, only one remains: costumed loser Roy Brannon. Can Roy step up and become the champion the world needs? Or will the sinister Doctor Nihilist succeed in his plans of conquest? The fate of the universe is in Roy’s hands. SAGA OF A DOOMED UNIVERSE is an epic love letter to the event comics of the 1980s. Featuring bronze age style art provided by series creator SCOTT REED (Hark, The Overman, Incredible Hulk), SAGA OF A DOOMED UNIVERSE channels the charm and allure of the era in a complex story you’ll want to re-read again and again. “I saw a lot of comics come through comiXology Submit when I oversaw the program”, says John D. Roberts, Co-Founder of comiXology and Digital Director of CEX, “but Saga of a Doomed Universe really stayed with me. When I joined CEX one of my first priorities was to call Scott and bring it to CEX.” SAGA OF A DOOMED UNIVERSE follows in the footsteps of epic comics from the 80s like; Secret Wars, Crisis on Infinite Earths, and Watchmen. It’s a massive opus steeped in comics lore that every comics reader will enjoy. The story grabs you from the beginning and won’t let go until the end. Scott Reed is a […]

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CEX PUBLISHING PARTNERS WITH LUNAR DISTRIBUTION

December 8, 2021 / January 31, 2022 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

CEX joins an ever-growing list of publishers distributed by Lunar. SHELBYVILLE, KY — December 8, 2021 — CEX Publishing is proud to announce a distribution deal with Lunar Distribution, effective for January-shipping books. CEX joins an ever-growing list of publishers including Ahoy Comics, Uncivilized Books, Scout Comics, and DC Comics who have partnered with Lunar Distribution to distribute their books to comic book retailers and specialty shops nation wide. Starting December 2021, retailers will be able to order CEX titles via Lunar Distribution beginning with the newly announced series Past the Last Mountain by G.I. Joe, TMNT and Power Rangers writer Paul Allor, two-time Silver Ledger Award winner Louie Joyce, and Space Corps artist and writer Gannon Beck. Additional CEX titles like fan favorite Stud and the BloodBlade, Charlie’s Spot, Space Corps, Hocho by Jeff McComsey and Jeff McClelland, and the Edgar Allan Poe adaptation The Conqueror Worm, by Clara Meath, will follow soon after. “Lunar Distribution has quickly established themselves as having a reputation for quality service, quick and accurate shipping as well as having some of the lowest prices available to the Direct Market,” said CEX Publisher Andy Schmidt. “We are thrilled to partner with them, building on our mission of bringing high-quality, creator-owned books to retailers and readers alike.” “Lunar is very happy to add CEX to our distribution family. ” said Christina Merkler, Co-Owner of Lunar. “It is important to us to partner with publishers that are committed to quality and to the growth of our industry.” “Through this partnership, Lunar allows […]

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Can’t-miss-comics heat up the summer!

June 14, 2021 / June 11, 2021 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

The debut of Howling Snow and the continuing adventures of Stud highlight a busy August for Comics Experience Publishing! Comics Experience Publishing unleashes adventure this August with the second issue of Stud and the BloodBlade, and debut of Howling Snow! Get in on the ground floor of the next great creator-owned comics publisher! Each issue has DOUBLE-SIZED CONTENT FOR JUST A DOLLAR MORE. On sale in comics shops August 25, pre-order each RIGHT NOW through Diamond or at CEXPublishing.com. Initial order cut-off at Diamond for these incredible comics is June 24! Stud and the Blood Blade #2By Perry Crowe (Writer), Jed Dougherty (Artist), D. Forrest Fox (Colorist), Anthony Rella (Letterer) Victim of his weapon’s curse, Stud awakens as a prisoner within the BloodBlade – alongside thousands of lost souls who all have a bone to pick with our ginger giant! More monsters than you can shake a stick at, plus so much blastin’ action that you’ll be gaspin’ for aspirin! Includes a variant cover by comic artist and toy designer Emiliano Santalucia that’s so good, you’ll want to preserve its original packaging! Even more insane preview pages are available here. How to order:Cover A (Diamond code JUN211431): Art by Jed Dougherty $4.99Cover B (Diamond code JUN211432): Art by Emiliano Santalucia $4.99 Howling Snow #1By David Ramirez (Writer), Ensoul (Artist), Kevin Lintz (Letterer) Once a formidable swordsman and a master of the mystic arts, Fox roamed the land in human form for one hundred years. Now he is a disenchanted soul, in constant search of pleasure […]

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Your next adventure awaits: you’re invited to the world of Howling Snow!

June 7, 2021 / June 11, 2021 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

This kung-fu fable highlights August releases from Comics Experience Publishing. A village under threat. A reluctant hero wrestling with temptation. A path to enlightenment for all. It comes together this August in Howling Snow #1 from Comics Experience Publishing (CEX)! Written by exciting new voice David Ramirez Ramos with the unique art stylings of Ensoul, Howling Snowsatisfies readers looking for incredible action with a powerful spiritual core. On sale in comics shops August 25, pre-order RIGHT NOW through your local shop or at CEXPublishing.com.  Once a formidable swordsman and a master of the mystic arts, Fox roamed the land in human form for one hundred years. Now he is a disenchanted soul, in constant search of pleasure and distraction. But all that changes when Fox encounters a demon wolf, fueled by an intense rage that threatens to shatter Fox’s fragile peace. Can Fox reawaken his slumbering fighting spirit and find balance between the animal, human and supernatural realms? Find out in this beguiling and gorgeous one-shot comic! “My objective was to tell a kick ass story of Kung Fu, magic and animals in human form,” says Ramirez. “Even though it is a story of myth and fantasy it is very much a reflection of being an expat in China, of the loneliness and ennui of being a stranger in a strange land but also the beauty and even the sort of enlightenment that you can find as a wanderer on the road.” About the Creators David Ramirez Ramos: Originally from Mexico, Ramirez has spent most of his adult life in China and roaming Asia. […]

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Stud and the BloodBlade #1 launches Comics Experience Publishing!

May 1, 2021 / May 14, 2021 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

From Perry Crowe and Jed Dougherty comes a loving, shocking, and raucous tribute to the muscle-bound heroes of our youth. “Dude, this is the wildest shit I’ve read in 10 years.” Dave Wilkins, artist Comics Experience Publishing (CEX) proudly debuts with Stud and the BloodBlade #1. Written by Perry Crowe (Heavy Metal, Los Angeles Times, Kirkus Reviews, The Frontiersmen) with art by Jed Dougherty (Savage Hearts, Harley Quinn, World’s Finest), Stud appeals to fans of ’80s nostalgia, deconstructionist superhero comics, and LGBTQ leads. Letting creators create as only they can is CEX Publishing’s mission, and there couldn’t be a better way to demonstrate that than with Stud. On sale in comics shops on July 28, pre-order RIGHT NOW through your local shop or at CEXPublishing.com.  “These days people are taking a more critical look at their heroes,” say Stud’s creators, Crowe and Dougherty. “Recent hit comic books and TV series poke fun at superheroes as fascistic tools of runaway consumerism, indulging in heroes who can fly though the air, run across water, and cut people in half with laser-vision. Our new comic book miniseries, Stud and the BloodBlade, pokes fun at the mega-beefcake do-gooders of our youth. Its brawny hero can handily dispatch hordes of punny monsters but struggles against more insidious foes like moral relativism and social norms. Yes, readers want jetpacks and battle-axes and muscles, muscles, muscles—but they also want same-sex kisses. They want STUD.” About the Creators Perry Crowe:“I’ve been reading comics for decades and professionally reviewing graphic novels for years, but Stud and the BloodBlade will be my first comic available in comic shops, and I […]

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Let Creators Create: Introducing Comics Experience Publishing

April 28, 2021 / May 12, 2021 by CEX Publishing | Leave a Comment

Comics Experience, a leader in comics education and creator rights, launches a new imprint for creator-owned comics. It all starts with an amazing three-month line-up of all-new releases. Creator-Owned, Creator-Friendly, and Creator-Focused. After more than a decade of championing new creators through online education and a unique publishing program, Comics Experience evolves once more. Comics Experience Publishing (CEX) launches this July with all-new creator-owned comics by the next generation of up-and-coming creators. Retailers and readers can place their pre-orders starting RIGHT NOW with Diamond and through our store page. Founded by former Marvel and IDW editor and current writer of Crime Syndicate for DC Comics, Andy Schmidt, the focus for CEX is on comics first. But how are we different? Here are a few of our guiding principles: Prioritize great comics storytelling and storytellers over IP farming Target marketing efforts to each book’s unique audience 100% creator-owned. 100% creator-controlled. “It really just came down to the industry needing a publisher like this. That’s not any knock against a lot of other great publishers, but we need something simple and straightforward that takes a long-term approach to the health of creators and the market overall,” says President and Publisher Andy Schmidt (founder of Comics Experience, the online comic school). “We’re not in the IP business, we’re in the comics-making business. The simplicity of: ‘Treat people the way you’d want to be treated if you were in their shoes’ should be more common than it is. That’s the backbone of CEX.” We are bringing opportunities to new […]

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