Little, Brown to Consider Comics

by Rachel Deahl, PW Daily -- Publishers Weekly, 9/27/2006

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.