Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan have announced the “full reversion of publishing and other media rights” of their acclaimed series Demo, originally published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar.
“Demo is one of the most important things I’ve done,” Wood says in the press release. “And it’s been my continuing mission for it to reach as many people as possible. We’re currently exploring options and offers from other publishers with that goal in mind.”
The 12-issue series about ordinary, if often troubled, young people with extraordinary powers was a darling of the comics blogosphere, and earned two Eisner nominations.
I post this because it’s worth noting, but also so we won’t be surprised if and when a Demo collection is announced at another, larger publisher, or if there’s movement in other media.
The full text of the press release can be found below:
Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan Announce ‘Demo’ Rights Reversion
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — September 23, 2007 — Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan announce the immediate and full reversion of publishing and other media rights for their critically-acclaimed comics series Demo.
First published in 2003 by AIT/Planet Lar, Demo challenged the format of the typical superhero book for a grounded and more realistic look at the personal lives of young people with unusual powers. The unconventional series was nominated for two Eisner Awards and has seen print in multiple languages. Wizard Magazine named it the “Indie Book of the Year”, Comic Book Resources said it’s “what the X-Men would be if they were created today”, and Variety proclaimed it “more human than mainstream comics dare to be.”
“Demo is one of the most important things I’ve done,” series writer Brian Wood said. “And it’s been my continuing mission for it to reach as many people as possible. We’re currently exploring options and offers from other publishers with that goal in mind.”
“Working on Demo was a real turning point for my career in comics and as also an artist;” artist Becky Cloonan said. “Now this opportunity†marks a turning point for Demo itself.”
“We will update readers and retailers when future plans for Demo are finalized,” Wood said. “Should be soon, so stand by.”
Brian Wood is currently writing DMZ and Northlanders for DC/Vertigo, The New York Four for DC/Minx and Local for Oni Press. Becky Cloonan is currently illustrating American Virgin for DC/Vertigo and writing and illustrating East Coast Rising for Tokyopop. They can be found at www.brianwood.com and www.estrigious.com/becky
