Open Book Press Releases

SMASH! Comics Turns Five!

2006-04-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

The much talked about indie comics label will celebrate their anniversary with a bang!

(Kincardine, ON)– In an industry fraught with fly-by-night financing and dreams that are often bigger than budgets it’s rare to see an independent comic imprint that has survived more than one publisher, let alone survive for half a decade. SMASH! Comics, gearing up for the summer of 2006, have accomplished both and are ready to celebrate!

In June of 2001 the now defunct Lightningstrike Publishing launched a new comic book imprint. Thanks to the friends and connections owner Mike Gagnon had made on the convention circuit he was able to gather a group of trusted creators and get a specialty investment firm to finance the operations. Thus SMASH! Comics were born.

Through rocky circumstances the comics imprint survived the bankruptcy of the investment firm that backed it, the attempted illegitimate seizure of ownership by that firms bankruptcy lawyers, and the closing of its parent company. In fall of 2004 Gagnon met investor Chris Campanozzi and the two formed a new publishing house, Open Book Press. Open Book decided to keep SMASH! Comics alive as a logo used on all the graphic novels they publish.

The thriving Open Book Press is expanding into the comic book market with the re-launch of the SMASH! Comics line of comic books which begin shipping in May 2006. Every comic is perfect bound instead of stapled and made of the same high quality paper and covers that the company uses for its graphic novels. This means that it will be the only line of comic books that can also be easily carried and stocked in traditional book stores. The new line-up of comics is mostly made up of established and successful self-published series such as Mr. Scootles by H.C. Noel, Underlords created by Greg Robinson, Monkeys with Machineguns by UK comic stars Chris Lynch and Stu.Art and others who have come looking to join SMASH! Comics.

As part of the celebration to mark the five year survival of SMASH! Comics each comic will bear a commemorative 5th anniversary logo on the cover beginning in June. The company will also begin shipping a different comic every month with a cover price of only $1 U.S. These special editions will be released from August to December of 2006. The company will also be releasing a set of limited edition trading cards in fall 2006.

For SMASH! Comics and further updates please check out www.openbookpress.com

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Christian Bonneray, Publicist, (419) 244-8828 or bonneray3@sbcglobal.net

Traditional Comics Become All Grown Up

2006-03-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Bayville, NJ, March 17th, 2006 – Traditional book and graphic novel publisher Open Book Press is turning the comic book industry on its ear in summer 2006. The reason the publisher is shaking things up is not only from the re-launch of SMASH! Comics, which it acquired in fall 2004, but by releasing it’s new comic book line in a graphic novel inspired format which can be embraced by fans, comic retailers, and even more importantly – traditional book stores.

Traditional comic books are generally produced on thinner paper, in a folded and stapled format, and released on a monthly schedule, giving each comic only a 30 day shelf life. This is one reason why comic books have never been embraced by the book industry, which favors product with a long shelf life, increasing the chance of sales.

The new SMASH! Comics line however is not going to be your traditional comic book line. Open Book Press has taken what works for the comics industry, and more importantly what works about graphic novels in the book industry and combined the two. Essentially this new line of comic books are, in reality, short graphic novels. Like graphic novels they have a standard ISBN book number, corresponding barcodes, perfect binding (square spines), and have overall better production quality than traditional comic books.

“The biggest part of this equation is that we are not going to be using the traditional monthly comic book schedule.” said company co-owner Mike Gagnon. No it’s not a typo, you read right, no monthly schedules. “The biggest reason being that when you release on a monthly schedule your retailers are only going to have one month to make that sale, that’s why we’ve used the graphic novel format and why our comics will all be either stand-alone one-shots or continuing series with installments that are released bi-monthly or quarterly and in most cases each installment can stand alone and be read on it’s own so that it has a perpetual shelf life and does not have to be removed when the next book featuring the same character is released. This opens a big doorway for us to be the only comic book publisher who publishes in a format that can be sold in a traditional book store.” Gagnon added.

Open Book Press has also carefully selected all of its new titles from creators who have already established a built in fan-following and have previously found success when self-publishing their work or working with other publishers. Full listings can be found on their website at www.openbookpress.com. Retailers and distributors from the book industry who have chosen to support these new titles by carrying them have been applauded by both the comics and traditional publishing community for having the vision to be involved early on and take part in what could soon be seen as a pop culture revolution.

Because of the format Open Book Press is using for SMASH! Comics they will be competing more with other publisher’s short graphic novel lines and not so much with their monthly comics. When seen in that light Open Book has priced the books very competitively with black and white books ranging from 32 to 48 pages and in price from $3.75 - $4.25, and color books ranging from 40 to 52 pages and in price from $8.49 - $9.95. Currently similar products produced in a perfect bound format run around $5 for black and white and $7.95 to $8.95 for color. Although individual installments will carry a higher cover price than regular comic books, fans will be able to follow a quarterly comic book from SMASH! for as little as $16 for an entire years worth of stories. A regular monthly comic book costs at least $36 to follow for one year.

The first wave of the new SMASH! Comics, which are essentially graphic novels, will ship to stores in May and features such fan favorites as Mr. Scootles by H.C. Noel, and Grafenveer by Wayne Sanders and Christian N. St. Pierre. The comics will be black and white for the first few months, with new full color series scheduled to debut in late summer 2006.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Open Book Press Offers a Ray of Hope to Speakeasy Creators

2006-03-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Bayville, NJ, March 14th, 2006 – North American book and graphic novel publisher, and soon to be comic publisher Open Book Press, is issuing a public statement that it is willing to discuss and review materials from creators who are now left without a publisher due to the closure of Speakeasy Comics on February 27th 2006.

Like most of the public the publishers of Open Book Press were surprised to hear about the closure of the small press publisher. “I’m actually a big fan of their comics, I have quite a number of them in my collection, many autographed from meeting the creators at shows I have attended for my business.” said Open Book Press co-owner Mike Gagnon.

It is because of that fandom that Gagnon has opened the doors for creators who are now stuck in limbo, not having a publisher to carry their work any longer. Open Book Press had only just recently changed its guidelines to state that submissions would only be accepted or solicited at public appearance events where an editor was in attendance. Now the company is making an exception for anyone who had a comic series being published or slated to be published by Speakeasy.

“Let me make this clear so there are no misunderstandings. We are not saying that we will open the flood gates and passively envelope the entire Speakeasy stable. What we are saying is that we are willing to make an exception in our submission guidelines in order to help out the creators who are now stuck in the lurch. I can guarantee that we will not be accepting any and all Speakeasy Comics submitted to us. We’re not looking to spread ourselves thin with too many titles, what we do want to do is help out those creators and add to our new comics stable by picking a select handful of books that we feel have the most potential.” added Gagnon

In fall 2004 Open Book Press acquired SMASH! Comics, another comic book publisher based out of Toronto, that was experiencing difficulty. Now the line has been revamped and set to re-launch in May 2006, with buzz saying this new SMASH! Comics line will revolutionize the industry. Open Book Press has also approached the owners of Speakeasy Comics to express interest in a similar deal where Open Book would buy the left over assets of Speakeasy. So far Open Book Press has only expressed interest to the owners of Speakeasy who have not made any public response or scheduled any discussions.

The Canadian office of Open Book Press, based in Kincardine, Ontario, is currently handling the production of the new SMASH! Comics line and submissions form Speakeasy’s former creators can be sent to: Open Book Press, 661 Palmateer Dr., Kincardine, ON, N2Z 1R5

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Cry Wolf Added to the Lakewood Library

2006-03-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Lakewood, OH, March 13th, 2006 – The award winning Lakewood Public Library located at 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio, has added the award winning graphic novel, Cry Wolf, by area creators Doug Crill and Dan Frey, to their collection.

Kenneth Warren, director for the Lakewood library stated the reasons for adding Cry Wolf to the collection were “Lakewood Public Library seeks innovative creative expression and uniquely crafted graphic novels. Cry Wolf fit the bill.” and added “A big factor is that the book represents Ohio based creative expression, which is something we want to support.”

Other factors involved with the libraries decision have been all the media attention the book and its creators have gotten, with rave reviews, and even having it selected at the best graphic novel of 2005 by thecomicfanatic.com. It is hardly a surprise that an innovative library such as LPL, consistently ranked as first or second according the annual Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings, would be interested in this book and show the vision to make it a part of their collection early on.

Lakewood is known for being one of the strongest independent libraries in the U.S. Director Warren also added “Independent artists, writers, musicians, and poets all have a place in the Lakewood Public Library collection.”

The book itself takes place in 1920’s Chicago during gangsters and prohibition. The protagonist is a young private eye who is sent on a case to Borneo and it attacked by a giant wolf. When he returns home he finds that his wife has been killed by mobsters, and that he is infected with lycanthropy due to the wolf bite. Kurt decided to turn his new curse into a tool for revenge. This book is recommended for mature readers. The book is expertly written by Doug Crill and illustrated in a 1920’s pulp style by Daniel J. Frey, both are Ohio residents.

Cry Wolf (0-9735716-7-5) is available for public borrowing at the Lakewood Public Library in Lakewood, Ohio. The book is sold to major retailers by Baker & Taylor and is available form most major online retailers. A sequel, “Cry Wolf: Ghost of Sijan” is scheduled to ship in June with the ISBN: 1-897290-04-7. Both books are published by Open Book Press.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Open Book Press Graphic Novels Available at Borders

2006-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Ann Arbor, MI, January 24th, 2006 – Book retail giant Borders Books and Music has informed young upstart publisher Open Book Press that they will make their current line of graphic novels available to order at the counter of all Borders and Waldenbooks locations throughout the United States.

This announcement is the direct result of the young company’s reputation for garnering good press coverage, and dedication to driving sales through multiple channels. Borders have acknowledged these efforts and have agreed to make the books available to order at the counter, and if successful, will result in their books being carried on the shelves.

Open Book Press is encouraging all fans and potential fans in the U.S. to purchase their books by ordering at the counter of their local Borders or Waldenbooks.

The graphic novels currently available to order are:
• Cry Wolf – Winner of the best graphic novel of 2005 from www.thecomicfanatic.com ISBN: 0-9735716-7-5
• Grafenveer Vol.1 – First installment of the medieval tale by Wayne Sanders & Christian N. St. Pierre. ISBN: 0-9735716-3-2
• Monkeys & Midgets – The hilarious all ages comedy by Mike Gagnon and Nelson G. Danielson ISBN: 0-9735716-1-6
• Dreams in Texture – Exquisitely illustrated collection of horror, poetry and fantasy comics by Kevin Clorey and Tom Muzzell. ISBN: 0-9735716-2-4

The children’s book “Jessica’s Journey” by Jacqueline S. Bruce, also published by Open Book Press will also be made available to order at the counter. Borders is currently continuing to review the extensive list of Open Book Press’s other books and has expressed interest in arranging authors signing for all of the books in the near future.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

CRY WOLF -- ONE OF THE BEST GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR 2005

2006-01-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

(Toledo, Ohio – January 17, 2006) The prestigious comic book website, The ComicFanatic.com, has christened Cry Wolf as one of the best original graphic novels of 2005. The novel wound up in a three-way tie for the coveted title with two other original novels: Ravenous and Dead West.

“It is indeed an honor to have been selected as one of the best graphic novels of 2005,” said author Doug Crill. “We hope that the Cry Wolf series will continue to be a success with the next three installments.” Book two of the series entitled, “Ghost of Sijan,” is slated for a spring 2006 release from publisher Open Book Press of Canada.

According to Crill, Cry Wolf had received several other accolades in 2005. The biggest event came when the book was selected by the University of New Mexico as required reading material for a writing class about the myths and legends of lycanthropy through the ages. Because of this announcement, Cry Wolf and three other books from Open Book Press were chosen to be the exclusive graphic novels of this year’s American Music Awards.

In December of 2005, Crill and his novel were the featured guests on Global Talk Radio’s -- “A Story to Tell,” hosted by Kevin Dawson. “It has been a very rewarding year for us,” said Crill. Back in 2004, Crill and the book’s illustrator, Daniel J. Frey, formed Dark Dance Productions to create a wide range of quality-illustrated material for publication. Currently, book one of Cry Wolf is available online at Amazon.com, BookSurge.com, Open Book Press.com, and a number of other online distributors. It can also be purchased at http://www.crywolfgraphicnovel.com/ as well as fine bookstores everywhere.

For more information about Cry Wolf, or to schedule an interview, please contact Christian Bonneray at bonneray3@sbcglobal.net or phone (419) 244-8828. To listen to Mr. Crill’s radio interview go to www.globaltalkradio.com.

Open Book Press Announces the Return of SMASH! Comics

2005-12-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

Bayville, NJ, December 22nd, 2005 – It’s not even Christmas Eve yet and year old book publishing trailblazer Open Book Press is looking forward to 2006. The Reason? The announcement of their long awaited revival of indie comics imprint SMASH! Comics, and the line-up associated with it.

For months now the company has been feeding the fans and media small details about the planned revival of the comics imprint. The company acquired the SMASH! Comics imprint roughly one year ago from the defunct Canadian publisher Lightningstrike Publishing, which formerly ran the imprint successfully for three years, publishing some of the most original black and white comics to be found.

Since Open Book Press purchased the imprint fans have only been able to find the SMASH! Comics logo on several of its hit graphic novels, such as Monkeys & Midgets, Cry Wolf and Grafenveer among others. That will all change in the very near future.

Much of the details have been kept under wraps until now as they have been building a solid line-up. The new SMASH! Comics consist of many varied genres which include new as well as established comic creators and will be producing both black and white and color comics.

One of the creators who have signed on are Greg Robinson of the hit color mini-series Underlords, the trade of which will be published under the SMASH! Comics banner. Other creators are people such H.C. Noel creator of Mr. Scootles which has earned praise from magazines such as Wizard, and a hero book called Storm Blazer created by John Lai. There is also a full color “presents” style comic planned with creators at Atlantis Studios tapped to provide the art. The hit UK anthology “Monkeys with Machineguns” will also be moving to SMASH! Comics.

Current creators associated with the company will also be returning; with new works from Kevin Clorey, as well as three mini-series written by Wayne Sanders scheduled, a sci-fi series called Destroyer with covers by South American phenom Kiro, a super natural color series called Katalina, and the third is a comic book version of the hit graphic novel series Grafenveer.

Local Author Making Big Leap With New Book

2005-11-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Kincardine, Ontario, November 24th, 2005 – Local author Lynda Janzen is making her mark on the international book stage with her highly anticipated novel, “The Jewel of Scotland”.

The book is a work of detective fiction that takes place in the real life settings of Scotland, and right here in Kincardine, Ontario, and is available to be ordered nationwide.

The story revolves around a self-employed, middle-aged, single mother named Cairn MacRae who finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue and deception when she finds her family heirloom stolen by jewel thieves, her daughter stolen by their employer, and her heart stolen by a mysterious stranger. The heroine must do whatever it takes to make her way from small town Ontario to the rugged terrain of Scotland in order to save her daughter and recover her priceless family brooch.

The book is published by Tiverton based publisher Open Book press, and is being distributed to book stores and libraries by Baker & Taylor, BookSurge Direct, and Book Wholesalers International.

A private launch party is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Harbour St. Gallery in Kincardine on the weekend of December 10th.

“The Jewel of Scotland” is currently available with online retailers such as Amazon.com, Abebooks, and the publisher’s website at http://www.openbookpress.com/. The book will be arriving on the shelves of major bookstores and finer book retailers nationwide in time for the holidays.

More details can be found at: http://www.openbookpress.com/

Open Book Press Purchases North American Rights To “Man, Interrupted”

2005-11-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

Bayville, New Jersey , November 10th, 2005 – The rumors surrounding one of the most anticipated books of the year were finally confirmed late last week.

Open Book Press, whose American offices are located in Bayville, New Jersey, has purchased the North American rights to the book and are negotiating its properties from Mainstream/Random House Publishing, which is based in Edinburgh .

The book entitled “Man, Interrupted” is the heartfelt, gripping, autobiography of James Bailey. The book details Mr. Bailey’s life and struggles with OCD, a life stricken with fear and interaction with people. With Jim, the slightest offhand remark could set off a serious panic attack.

The book has already garnered high literary acclaim from people such as the Oscar winning director/writer, Mel Brooks, and best-selling NY Times author Mary Janice Davidson.

The reader will take a ride through the life of a man who cannot control the irrational obsessive thoughts that course through his own mind and eventually almost drive him completely over the edge as he fights to define and take control of his sanity while recovering in one of the most famous OCD hospitals in the . Flush with humor and soul defining moments, one would never guess that this is James Bailey’s debut novel.

The book is already on the fast track to production and is tentatively scheduled to be available through major US stores and distributors on December 15th 2005. There is also buzz in Hollywood that a motion picture adaptation of the book may already be in development with Brighton Coast Entertainment with Patrick Hughes attached as the producer, and could even begin production as soon as late 2006.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Small Press Acknowledged by Organizers of the American Music Awards

2005-11-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Bayville, New Jersey , November 15th, 2005 – Owners of small press publisher Open Book Press have confirmed that they have been given a very important nod from the organizers of the 33rd Annual American Music Awards.

Thanks to the reputation the young company has built for quality and originality it has been chosen, above all of its competitors in the publishing industry, to be the official graphic novel supplier of the 2005 American Music Awards.

Open Book Press was approached by Hollywood Connection, the company in charge of organizing the celebrity gifts at the AMA’s, to supply graphic novels for the celebrity gift bags handed out back stage each and every year at the show. “They told us they really wanted to do something new, fun and original this year for the gift bags and thought graphic novels would be a unique idea.” said company co-owner Mike Gagnon. He added “Hollywood Connection decided to choose us thanks to a lot of the recent press we’ve gotten for our books.”

This kind of recognition could be huge for the year old company as well as its creators, and already speaks well for its books, beating out the likes of Top Shelf, Moonstone, IDW, and even bigger companies, basically the entire graphic novel industry.

The books will be distributed in the celebrity gift bags at the American Music Awards on November 22nd. Each celebrity gift bag will have one of the following graphic novels:

Monkeys & Midgets – By Mike Gagnon & Nelson Danielson of Tiverton & St. Catherine’s, Ontario respectively.
Cry Wolf – By Doug Crill and Daniel J. Frey of Toledo, Ohio area.
Dreams in Texture – By Kevin Clorey and Tom Muzzell, both of Hanover, Ontario
Grafenveer – By Wayne Sanders & Christian N. St. Pierrefrom Alabama & New York areas respectively.

The company can be contacted for more info on each individual book. As well the gift bags will include a secret exclusive gift certificate for the celebrities, only printed in a small number specifically for this year’s show.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Open Book Press Achieves Hurricane Katrina Fund Raising Goals

2005-11-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Tiverton, Ontario, Canada & Bayville, New Jersey, November,3rd , 2005 – The final results are in on the month long charity auctions placed on eBay by small press publisher Open Book Press.

The auctions ran for the entire month of October, and consisted of items donated by the company, as well as by other publishing professionals and the public. Items that were auctioned of included rare collectibles, autographed books and comics, electronics, computer parts, and even guaranteed publishing of winning bidders writing and comics work.

The fundraising goal set by the company was set at $1,500 That goal was met and slightly exceeded with a grand total of $1,550 generated in fundraising efforts. 100% of the proceeds from the month long auction have been donated to the American Red Cross through the eBay giving networks, and it will go directly into relief efforts for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Of the items that were auctioned off approximately $600 was generated from auctions for guaranteed publishing. Two lucky bidders have won guaranteed publishing for their books and one lucky bidder won the bid that clinched publishing for their comic book mini-series. This is something that Open Book Press has never offered before, and may never again, but it is certain that the company will continue to help worthwhile charities in the future.

On behalf of the staff and creators associated with Open Book Press the company would like to thank those who donated items, those who bid generously, and the media for helping get the word out and let the public know about this worthwhile cause. All those who donated items will receive a certificate of thanks form Open Book Press as well as bonus than you items from the company. You can help in the relief efforts for hurricane Katrina victims by donating to your local Red Cross Chapter.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Open Book Press Prepares to close-out Hurricane Charity Drive With A Bang

2005-10-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Tiverton, Ontario, & Bayville, New Jersey , October, 27th , 2005 – Just a few short days remain in the amazing Hurricane Katrina charity auctions being held on eBay by Open Book Press.

The goal of these auctions, which have been held for the entire month of November by Open book Press, is to raise a minimum of $1,500 for the American Red Cross hurricane Katrina relief fund. “We are very near that goal.” Says Open Book Press co-founder Mike Gagnon. Final proceeds will be tallied on November 1st 2005.

Some items that have already been sold at auction include computer parts, autographed comic books, books, rare books, original artwork, collectibles, plus one lucky bidder has won guaranteed publishing for their book, and another guaranteed publishing for a 6-issue comic book mini-series. Some items still on the auction black are original art, comics, and one more chance at guaranteed publishing.

The items being auctioned off have been generously donated by Open Book Press as well as many publishing and comic book professionals in order to help raise money. “This isn’t over yet!” Says Open Book’s editorial manager Chris Campanozzi “We’ve auctioned off some big stuff, but we have a ton of last minute auctions that will only last for 1-3 days and they will be for some valuable stuff.”

You can help in the relief efforts for hurricane Katrina victims by viewing the charity auctions currently listed on eBay or by donating to your local Red Cross Chapter. Open Book Press auctions end at midnight on October 31st 2005.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com Auctions can be viewed at: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/smashcomics

Cry Wolf Graphic Novel Will Teach University Students

2005-10-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Tiverton, Ontario, & Bayville, New Jersey , Oct., 26th, 2005 – Doug Crill & Daniel J. Frey, the author and illustrator of the graphic novel Cry Wolf, as well as their publisher Open Book Press are proud to announce that the academic quality of the Cry Wolf graphic novel has been recognized in a big way.

This 70 page cult hit graphic novel revolves around a young private investigator who must leave his new bride and risk his life to find an old friend in the jungles of Borneo . In the process the private eye is confronted with the legend of the werewolf, and returns home with more than when he left. The story is set in Chicago in the 1920’s in the midst of the prohibition and gangster era.

The story has now been approved as a teaching text by the University of New Mexico , to be used in their English 220 class. The class will revolve around the role of the werewolf in historical and modern literature, the symbolism associated with the werewolf form different times and cultures. The symbolism of different types of werewolves and their roles will also be examined.

Other popular works of werewolf horror fiction will be examined as well. These will include books such as Guy Endore’s “The Werewolf of Paris”, Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll & Mister Hyde’, as well as popular modern and historical films. Biblical stories and ancient mythology involving the werewolf will also be studied.

The focus of the course is to examine Lycanthropy as a device in literature and teach the proper use of it in writing and how the symbolisms of the wolf trigger responses in the conscious and subconscious mind.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com, course info will be posted at http://www.unm.edu

Open Book Press Continues To Help Hurricane Victims

2005-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Tiverton, Ontario, Canada & Bayville, New Jersey, October, 11th , 2005 – This week will mark the second week that Open Book Press has continued to raise funds for hurricane Katrina victims through a series of eBay auctions.

These auctions will be stretched out throughout the entire month of October. “We’re almost half a month in and we’re doing quite well.” said Open Book Press co-owner Chris Campanozzi. “I’d like to thank all those who have donated items, and all of those who have bid generously, and encourage the public to continue viewing the auctions and bidding throughout the entire month of October.” added business partner Mike Gagnon.

The list of items currently on auction consist of computer parts, printers, scanners, books, limited edition collectibles, original artwork, rare and autographed comics and books, and even one lucky winner can get their own comic book series published at a starting bid of $175 U.S. “We auctioned of the rights to have us publish a book last week, and another auction to have your book published will be posted after the current comic book publishing auction is over.” said Campanozzi. “People get really excited about the book publishing auctions and the autographed book auctions” added Gagnon.

The auctions will run throughout the entire month of October and will be sold by the company, which uses the seller ID of “smashcomics”. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the American Red Cross hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

You can help in the relief efforts for hurricane Katrina victims by viewing the charity auctions currently listed on eBay or by donating to your local Red Cross Chapter. Open Book Press will continue to accept item donations until October 22nd, 2005. All unsold items will be returned.
For more info on donating items e-mail mike@openbookpress.com. Open Book Press is hoping to reach a minimum goal of $1,500 in auction donations in the month of October.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com Auctions can be viewed at: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/smashcomics

Open Book Press Is Crying Wolf

2005-09-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tiverton, Ontario, Canada & Bayville, New Jersey, September, 28th, 2005 – Both the management at Open Book Press and the creators of their newest graphic novel, Cry Wolf, are excited over the overwhelming fan reaction to the book.

This 70 page graphic novel is being officially declared a sleeper hit. The book was written by Doug Crill, and illustrated by Daniel J. Frey, and is being scooped up by readers worldwide at book stores, and through online sources like Amazon.com, BookSurge, and the company’s own website at www.openbookpress.com.

The story is set in Chicago in the 1920’s and revolves around love, gangsters, and werewolves. It is illustrated in an old fashioned “woodcut” style very similar to the pulp comics of the time in which the story takes place. The book currently retails at $12.99 and plans are already in the works for a sequel.

“We believed the book would sell of course,” said Open Book Press Co-Publisher Mike Gagnon “We just weren’t prepared for the huge fan response that we did get, leaving even us overwhelmed.” Gagnon also stated that the book is now the highest seller in the Open Book Press line-up.

Response from fans regarding why they have taken to the book has ranged everywhere from a love of good werewolf stories, to the original artwork, to interest in good gangster and adventure stories.

You can currently find the graphic novel “Cry Wolf” by Doug Crill and Daniel J. Frey at BookSurge.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble stores, and more!

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com

Open Book Press Raising Money For Hurricane Victims

2005-09-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Tiverton, Ontario, Canada & Bayville, New Jersey, October, 1st, 2005 – Today marks the first day in an entire month of eBay auctions being set-up by Open Book Press to help raise money for the American Red Cross relief efforts on the American Gulf Coast.

These auctions will be stretched out throughout the entire month of October. The idea came from Mike Gagnon & Chris Campanozzi, co-owners of Open Book Press. The items that are being auctioned off have been donated by the two owners, various creators who have books published by the company, as well as friends and business associates of Open Book Press.

The list of items being auctioned is continuing to grow as more and more donations come in from the public and other comic professionals. Items to be auctioned off include graphic novels, rare small press comics, sketches, original art, rare comic t-shirts, collectibles dating from 1970’s to present, autographed comics, and other collectible items donated from personal and private comic collections. The company will also be accepting and auctioning off personal items that can be sold that are not comic related. The owners have already begun assembling donations of electronics and other items.

The auctions will run throughout the entire month of October and will be sold by the company, which uses the seller ID of “smashcomics”. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the American Red Cross hurricane Katrina relief efforts. “We both feel that it’s the right thing to do, and we’d like to help out any way we can”, said Co-Owner Mike Gagnon. “Our hearts and best wishes go out to everyone affected by this disaster.” he added.

You can help in the relief efforts for hurricane Katrina victims by viewing the charity auctions currently listed on eBay or by donating to your local Red Cross Chapter. Open Book Press will continue to accept item donations until October 22nd, 2005. All unsold items will be returned. For more info on donating items e-mail mike@openbookpress.com. Open Book Press is hoping to reach a minimum goal of $1,500 in auction donations in the month of October.

More details can be found at: www.openbookpress.com Auctions can be viewed at: http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=smashcomics