According to the publishers, interest in superheroes is at an all-time high, with superhero movies like Batman, Iron Man and Spiderman routinely breaking box office records. Even independent comic books like Kiss Ass and Watchmen have received the Hollywood treatment. Future’s Comic Heroes will tap into this phenomenon, with all-new editorial, lavish design and collectable packaging combining to cover everything associated with the superhero universe.
The launch of the 132-page quarterly, priced at £7.99, follows the “huge success” in 2009 of a “superheroes special” from sister-title SFX. This was one of the most successful SFX specials in the seven year plus run of one-offs, says Future.
Comic Heroes is the latest magazine launch from Future in music and film – specialist sectors where it holds strong market positions. Last year, Future launched Classic Rock Presents: Prog – a quarterly title dedicated to the Progressive Rock genre.
Comic Heroes will be edited by Jez Bickham and promises to take an in-depth look at the latest superhero movies, videogames and of course, the comic books themselves – with news, previews, reviews and comprehensive features. The launch issue lifts the lid on guaranteed summer blockbuster, Iron Man 2.
Robert Price, Future UK Chief Executive said: “Our success in launching two new monthly magazines and a number of specials in 2009 was thanks to our in-depth knowledge and editorial expertise in the specialist sectors we launched into. We’re leaders in film and science-fiction media, so this launch makes absolute sense for us, particularly given the incredible popularity of the superhero genre at the moment.
Stuart Galbraith, Associate Publisher of Comic Heroes, and its sister-title SFX – Europe’s bestselling sci-fi and fantasy magazine, added: “The interest in superhero movies is at an all-time high and with a massive slate of new movies in development it really looks as though we are entering the decade of the superhero – with new Batman, Captain America, Iron Man, Spiderman, Thor and X-Men movies due within the next few years, as well as the forthcoming Avengers film which brings many of Marvel’s biggest characters together in one epic.
“SFX readers have always maintained a healthy interest in superheroes but their recent special demonstrated an appetite from enthusiasts for more. Comic Heroes is a premium-priced magazine that promises to give die-hard fans a very special package.”
About Future
Future says: “Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong market positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines include T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car, Classic Rock, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, and musicradar.com. Future produces over 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 18 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 25 annual live events that attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 90 countries internationally, making us the UK’s number one exporter and licensor of monthly magazines.”
