CEX PUBLISHING PARTNERS WITH LUNAR DISTRIBUTION

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 us to offer our creators additional avenues to distribute their books to retail stores and empowering them to find and build their audience as well as allowing us to continue expanding the CEX Publishing line,” Schmidt continued. “Lunar is crucial to helping us build a stronger relationship with our retail partners by giving them more options to help their business succeed.”

CEX titles will become available for order on the Lunar website starting in December 2021. For more information visit www.lunardistribution.com.

ABOUT LUNAR DISTRIBTUION

Lunar distribution is committed to providing our Direct Market partners the best products, price, and customer service. Our customers receive their merchandise quickly, accurately and as carefully packed as possible. We are continually growing and always striving to improve in every facet of the business.

ABOUT COMICS EXPERIENCE PUBLISHING

CEX Publishing is dedicated to bringing new creator-owned comics to the market, focused on great storytelling and diverse content, and an emphasis on fostering an engaged and positive community. Its sister company, Comics Experience, has been the industry’s leading comic school for more than a decade.

Follow CEX Publishing on Twitter @CEXPublishing and Instagram @CEXpublishing. For more information about CEX Publishing, visit: www.CEXpublishing.com and stay tuned in to weekly announcements, articles, and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR ARTWORK PLEASE CONTACT:
Matt Harding
CEX Publishing
Marketing@cexpublishing.com

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Can’t-miss-comics heat up the summer!

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 #2
By 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 $4.99
Cover B (Diamond code JUN211432): Art by Emiliano Santalucia $4.99


Howling Snow #1
By 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 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!

Even more beautiful preview pages are available here.

How to order:
Cover A (Diamond code JUN211429): Art by Ensoul $4.99
Cover B (Diamond code JUN211430): Art by Queenie Ng $4.99

Additionally, each is available for advanced pre-order by readers and retailers at CEXPublishing.com/Store.

Retailers, ask about our bulk pricing for variants at marketing@CEXPublishing.com

For more information:
Press: marketing@cexpublishing.com
Comic Stores: accounts@cexpublishing.com

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

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 EnsoulHowling 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. He is the creator of the fantasy martial arts role playing game Legends of the Wulin by EOS Press, and Co-founder of the indie gaming studio 5 Emperors. David also works with artist Billy Tan helping with the English localization of his comic series Generations Wu. He likes anime and old Hong Kong movies, loves ancient myths and enjoys good food, booze and company. He currently remains in his homeland with his lovely wife Lily.

His secret origin in his own words: “A traveler from Mexico one day found a commemorative stone upon a garden in China and vowed to become like the legendary scholar it celebrated: a wandering immortal, a traveling writer and drunkard that makes the world his home.”

Ensoul: A Chinese illustrator; she graduated from the sculpture department of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and is currently working for a Beijing publishing house. Her artwork has appeared in China Daily.

Preview art is available at CEXPublishing.com, and review copy PDFs are available for press and retailers by request through marketing@CEXPublishing.com!

How to order Howling Snow #1

Howling Snow features DOUBLE-SIZED content for just $4.99—more story for less money. Two regular covers are available through Diamond Comics Distribution:

Cover A (Diamond code JUN211429): Art by Ensoul $4.99
Cover B (Diamond code JUN211430): Art by Queenie Ng $4.99

Additionally, each is available for advanced pre-order by readers and retailers at our store.

Retailers, ask about our bulk pricing for variants at marketing@CEXPublishing.com

Stud and the BloodBlade #1 launches Comics Experience Publishing!

STUD and the Bloodblade #1 Page 5

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

STUD #1 - Signature Series cover

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 could not be more excited. Through Comics Experience’s classes, I learned how to produce a comic, and from the Comics Experience workshop, I got great feedback—from both fellow workshoppers and seasoned comics pros—that really helped me shape Stud into the beefy, boisterous bonanza that is now poised to kick off Comics Experience Publishing. Such a huge honor!”

Jed Dougherty:
“I started drawing ‘zines in the ’90s, but my first paying comics gig was working for Howard Chaykin as an art assistant around the turn of the century. While doing assistant work, I drew a few indie comics (Wynter DarkUltravixen) then got work at DC doing fill-in jobs and a 6-issue stint on Worlds’ Finest.  As a comics creator, the most rewarding part of the job is finally getting the new book in front of readers! Perry, colorists Mark Dale & D. Forrest Fox, letterer Anthony Rella and I have been working on this book for years. It is so gratifying to finally get Stud and the Bloodblade out on the bookshelves!”

Preview art is available at cexpublishing.com, and review copy PDFs are available for press and retailers by request through marketing@cexpublishing.com!

How to Order Stud and the BloodBlade

Stud features DOUBLE-SIZED issues for just $4.99—more story for less money. Two regular covers are available through Diamond Comics Distribution and through CEXPublishing.com

  • Cover A (Diamond code MAY211362): Art by Jed Dougherty $4.99
  • Cover B (Diamond code MAY211363): Art by Robert Atkins $4.99 

Additionally, exclusive variants are available for advanced pre-order by readers and retailers at the CEX Store page.

  • Signature Series edition, Signed by Crowe and Dougherty (Limited to 250): $29.95, special $24.95 sale price for advanced pre-orders
  • Metal Cover Edition (Limited to 50): $149.95, special $99.95 sale price for advanced pre-orders

Retailers, ask about our bulk pricing for variants at marketing@cexpublishing.com

Let Creators Create: Introducing Comics Experience Publishing

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:

  1. Prioritize great comics storytelling and storytellers over IP farming
  2. Target marketing efforts to each book’s unique audience
  3. 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 and seasoned creators with a commitment to building our line with diverse content for all audiences and ages.

“Letting creators create shouldn’t be a radical idea,” says Publishing Director Bon Alimagno (formerly of Marvel Entertainment, Amazon, and Harris Comics). “Bringing the best ideas to market shouldn’t come at the expense of creator ownership and control. And in 2021, every tool available, whether online or offline, should be embraced to connect creators with retailers and readers. We’re not going to be afraid to challenge the old ways of doing things. That’s the only way to drive the comic book industry towards what it always strives to be: more surprising, more diverse, and more global than any other.”

It all begins this July with Stud and the BloodBlade #1, a Kickstarter-backed new limited series by Perry Crowe and Jed Dougherty! Check Previews (Cover A: MAY211362 & Cover B: MAY211363) and our store page for more details and pre-ordering.

In the coming months, we’ll be introducing the world to exciting new work by David Ramirez Ramos and Ensoul (Howling Snow), and Gannon Beck and Bryan Richmond (Space Corps)!

Retailers, please reach out to us at marketing@cexpublishing.com for a preview PDF of selected pages of our first titles! You’re going to love ‘em!

Join our Retailer newsletter for exclusive news and special offers on our Retailers page.

CEX will also be accepting open submissions starting later in May — more details to come!

For more information:
Press: marketing@cexpublishing.com
Comic Stores: retailers@cexpublishing.com