Nashville, TN, May 12, 2014……Legions
of fans already know them as musical heroes who entertain huge crowds
every night. Now, fans get to see them as they really are in “The
Average Joes,” a full-color 64-page comic book featuring Colt Ford and
Friends as superheroes selflessly saving the world and fighting crime in
the name of justice.
The
premiere issue of “The Average Joes,” will be sold online, at limited
retail outlets nationwide and at available at live concerts. An
exclusive deluxe package available only at Wal-Mart July 1, 2014, will
include both Colt Ford’s new album, “Thanks for Listening,” as well as
the comic book.
Brought
to life in volume one are label artists Colt Ford, The LACS, Lenny
Cooper and Sarah Ross, each touting a distinct superpower poised and
ready to maintain the peace at a moment’s notice.
The
comic book series is the brainchild of Average Joes CEO/President,
Shannon Houchins. “The concept for the comic book was developed as a
marketing tool to provide artist content for all of our demographics,”
explained Houchins. “Our artists’ fan bases range from very young
children to adults.” Conceptualized by Houchins, “The Average Joes” was
published and illustrated by critically acclaimed independent comic
book company, 12-Gauge Comics.
Collaborating
on the project for 12-Gauge Comics were writer Doug Wagner, Artist
Daniel Hillyard and Colorist Charlie Kirchoff. An impressive list of
credits for the creative team include writer Doug Wagner’s work on such
titles as Batman: Arkham Origins, Legends of the Dark Knight,
ThunderCats, and the World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn graphic novel for DC
Comics; Witchblade/Red Sonja for Dynamite Entertainment; and The Ride,
25 To Life, and I.C.E. for 12-Gauge Comics; Artist Daniel Hillyard’s
credits include ANTI, a comic series from Gale Anne Hurd, producer of
AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD, and SHERWOOD, TEXAS, the new series reimaging
the legend of Robin Hood; and COLORIST Charlie Kirchoff whose first job
was coloring segments of Humanoids Publishing’s “Metal Hurlant,” and
went on to work for several publishers including Dark Horse, IDW, Image,
12 Gauge and others.
About 12-Gauge Comics – Publisher
12-Gauge
Comics was founded by Keven Gardner in 2004 and currently publishes
some of the most successful and critically acclaimed independent comic
books in the marketplace today. Initial success came quickly for the
company, when its debut title, THE RIDE, launched as the top-selling new
black and white comic of the year in 2004. That was quickly followed by
the release of Jason Pearson’s smash-hit BODY BAGS, which sold out
immediately. 12-Gauge then solidified its position as a force to be
reckoned with by packaging THE O.C.T. (Occult Crimes Taskforce), an
original comic book concept co-created and starring actress ROSARIO
DAWSON. THE O.C.T. has been featured on “The Today Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel
Live!,” “Access Hollywood,” and many other media outlets.
In 2009
12-Gauge began to firmly solidify its unique identity by publishing
under its own banner (prior titles were through Image Comics), starting
with the company’s first licensed property, THE BOONDOCK SAINTS: The
Comic Series. Featuring original stories by series creator/director TROY
DUFFY, the comics were a huge success. 12-Gauge then moved into the
untapped market of country music with superstar recording artist TRACE
ADKINS. In LUKE MC BAIN, Adkins lends his likeness to a hard-as-nails
character in an adventure story of revenge and redemption. Adkins went
on a wide publicity tour for the comics, with highlights being a guest
appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and a feature
story in “USA Today.” Critical praise has continued to follow the
release of other new titles, such as the high-concept
series MAGUS, R.P.M. from NYT #1 Bestselling author MICK FOLEY, the
action-franchise ICE, gritty crime drama LOOSE ENDS, and Gale Anne
Hurd’s ANTI.
