Publisher's Weekly reports that Hachette is considering entering the comic book field.
The Hachette Book Group has hired Rich Johnson, formerly of DC Comics, to look into heading a new graphic novel imprint. In an internal memo released to PW, Hachette announced the decision to go graphic by stating that the publisher "has been looking for a creative way to be part of this exciting category." Johnson, who had been v-p of book trade sales at DC, has been hired as a consultant to consider acquiring titles in a number of categories under the graphic umbrella including licensed manga, original manga, original American comics and graphic novels, webcomics, licensed adaptations and children's graphic novels.
While Hachette did say that Rich will be attending Frankfurt to "make contacts and gather information for this potential new venture," the publisher said it looks forward to releasing a statement with information on the name of the imprint along with details about new hires and staff.
Whether it's an Hachette internal memo about comics or a secret intelligence agency report about how the war in Iraq has affected the rise of global jihadism, it appears that nothing remains a secret for long. Thank goodness for leakers, or we'd never have any juicy news to comment on.
