ComicsPRO: Image Comics aiming to create new comic-book fans

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Image Comics sales and licensing co-ordinator Joe Keatinge and Image’s chief operating officer Robert Kirkman discussed upcoming plans and incentives for the publisher at the ComicsPRO annual members meeting.

Kirkman said specials and incentives will be announced to tie into The Walking Dead TV series, and that extensive promotion is planned for Comic-Con International in San Diego.

“We have a huge opportunity here, potentially, to create longtime comics fans,” Keatinge said.

Keatinge said working in conjunction with ComicsPRO in the past year has led Image to some of its best launches in recent history.   The “Chew” series has built strongly in the periodical format, and the first volume in the trade paperback series was the No. 1 book its month of release.

Cowboy Ninja Viking has been turned into an ongoing series due to direct-market response, Keatinge said, and the series will return in August.

“Choker” issues 1 and 2 have both sold out from Image, and No. 1 has gone to a second printing.