(Disclosure: PW Comics Week co-editor Heidi McDonald is the editor of several graphic novels for this line.)

Last year, Fox Filmed Entertainment joined with HarperCollins to create the Fox Atomic Comics imprint, in order to publish content connected to Fox Atomic theatrical releases as well as to publish original content. The first goal was realized with the recent release of the graphic novel 28 Days Later: The Aftermath. The second will come to fruition later this year with the release of the horror graphic novel The Nightmare Factory.

28 Days Later: The Aftermath, edited by Jimmy Palmiotti and written by Steve Niles, was released on April 4 with an initial print run of 20,000. The story spans the gap between the original cult-favorite film and the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, due out in May. Avoiding the usual practice of creating a graphic novel adaptation of the exact story presented in the film, Fox Atomic is offering something different.

"Why try and replicate what should be seen on the big screen?" asks R. Eric Lieb, editor-in-chief of Fox Atomic Comics. "We want to offer fans something new and interesting—a graphic novel that ties into the film, but also delves deep into the mythology of the title to give fans more information or a new adventure in a world they know and love."

Following on the heels of 28 Days Later will be a second film tie-in graphic novel, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning. The prequel story to the highly popular horror film series, is due out in July, the same month that the latest film in the series, The Hills Have Eyes 2, will be released on DVD.

Fox Atomic's more ambitious goal of creating original content begins with The Nightmare Factory. Slated to be in stores in time for Halloween, the book, the first of a recurring series, will present four stories by the esteemed horror writer Thomas Ligotti, each presented by a different team of artist and writer.

Announced pairings for the book include writer Stuart Moore and artist Colleen Doran on "The Last Feast of the Harlequin" and artist Ted McKeever alongside writer Joe Harris on "Dr. Locrian's Asylum."

"We like to work with established writers and artists who can bring their wealth of experiences and distinct styles to bear on our books," said Lieb.