A press release from Marvel Comics and Dabel Brothers Productions has been making the rounds, announcing that their recent publishing partnership—in which DB Pro would create a slate of books which Marvel would distribute—is coming to a close. Most notably is the fact that all the current books (including Hege Knight II: Sworn Sword, which is currently in its third issue, two different Orson Scott Card adaptions, and the popular Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake comics) that have been released under the Marvel logo will continue with them. It is unclear whether creative teams will be changing due to this, or whether DB Pro will continue to participate in these projects through to their completion.
UPDATE:
Mike S. Miller, artist on Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword, has stated both in private correspondence and in Newsarama’s forum that the creative team for the book will remain unchanged.
Press release:
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Dabel Brothers Productions, LLC announced today that they are mutually ending their publishing relationship. In 2006, Marvel and Dabel Brothers signed an agreement for Marvel to market, print and distribute several limited and ongoing series, in addition to some other dynamic new properties. Founded in 2001, the Dabel Brothers have specialized in creating comic books and graphic novels based on the works of best-selling authors’ series such as Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter; George R. R. Martin’s Hedge Knight; and Orson Scott Card’s Tales Of Alvin Maker and others.
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. President and Publisher Dan Buckley explained, "We have great respect for the Dabel Brothers’ business and the relationships they have generated. Our partnership has been an exciting experience for both companies. We wish the Dabels well in their future publishing endeavors and hope to work with them again, should the opportunity present itself."
"Working with Marvel was a dream come true for all of us, and we enjoyed the opportunity to learn from the comic book industry’s market leader," said Ernst Dabel, President of Dabel Brothers Productions. "We’re looking forward to applying those lessons to our business as we resume our status as a self-publisher, and we plan to continue producing top-quality adaptations of best-selling science fiction, fantasy, horror and thriller novels by popular authors.
Going forward, Marvel will continue to publish Anita Blake Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton; the Hedge Knight series by George RR Martin; Tales of Alvin Maker and Wyrms by Orson Scott Card; Magician Apprentice by Raymond Feist; Lords of Avalon by Kinley MacGregor; and Highwayman by R.A. Salvatore. Dabel Brothers Productions will begin work on its next wave of books, slated for release in early 2008.