ReelArt Studios and Dark Horse Comics Ink Sales Agreement

Dark Horse Comics Celebrating 20 years 1986 - 2006

Dark Horse Comics and ReelArt Studios have announced an agreement for Dark Horse to act as exclusive sales agent for Reel Art'€™s upcoming program of licensed, limited-edition statues, busts and wall plaques.

"€œWe are very excited to be associated with ReelArt Studios in putting this sales program together," Dark Horse Vice President Product Development David Scroggy stated, "€œand are confident that they will help us make the release of these highly collectable, top quality limited editions a key component of both Dark Horse’s and Reel Art'€™s collector program."

"Mike Richardson is one of my business heroes.'" ReelArt Studios President Michael Hudson remarked, "and Dark Horse is an amazing company, well managed and staffed with people who love what they do. The company has stood the test of time and has never forgotten it's roots. With a sales and marketing staff that is second to none, unparalleled product quality, like minded business principles and a matching love for pop culture, I couldn't imagine a better union for ReelArt Studios. I anticipate great things to come from this exciting venture with Dark Horse."

"I echo Michael’s excitement,” Dark Horse President Mike Richardson responded. "€œEver since I looked over their product line, I knew that our two companies would be a great fit." Many of my favorite artists and characters are represented, such as Frank Frazetta, Tarzan, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Frank Cho and William Stout, to name just a few."€

The initial offerings handled by Dark Horse will be: Going Ape, based on work by Neal and Jason Adams; Dino Girl ,based on work by William Stout,; Number One, also inspired by Stout,; The Blue Bulleteer from AC Comics,; The Three Stooges wall plaque,; Suzanne, inspired by Gil Elvgren and Attack of the Brain Monster, inspired by Brett Blevins.

There is a full schedule of upcoming projects, which can be viewed at reelartstudios.com. Of special note is a series of four large statues that capture the most famous paintings of legendary artist Frank Frazetta in three dimensions. The first of these, Snow Giants, is slated for display at both ReelArt Studios and Dark Horse Comics booths at Comic-Con International in San Diego July 20-23. Sculpted by Tony Cipriano, this oversize masterpiece is one of the most eagerly-anticipated pieces in years.

The creation of these sculptures begins with the design. Some of the field’s top sculptors are contracted, and at this point traditional sculpting and painting takes place, arriving at a finished piece that is remarkably true to the look and style of the original subject matter. Edition sizes are carefully considered, resulting in a track record of quick sell-outs that enhances each pieces’ investment potential.

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has published original comic books, graphic novels and collectable merchandise items. In recent years, it has selectively added distributed items to its own product line, under the direction of Rachelle Callaway, Director of Distributed Products.