Graphic novel publisher Dabel Brothers Publishing and Del Rey have announced a new agreement for distribution of Dabel Brothers graphic novels into the trade book market. The deal was negotiated on behalf of Del Rey by Editor-in-Chief Betsy Mitchell.
Ernst Dabel, President of Dabel Brothers, said “While we will retain our autonomy and continue to operate as an individual company, we expect the Del Rey sales team to greatly expand our reach into such markets as libraries and independent bookstores. Dabel Brothers titles have done well historically in the comic book stores and in the book chains. We’ve had great success with George R.R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight, which was one of the bestselling graphic novels of 2004. Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter, published in July, is already one of the bestselling graphic novels of 2007. Most of the titles we’ve published have debuted in the top 200, and that was accomplished as a comic book company, with a narrow focus on the markets we knew. We’re extremely excited about our future now that we are working with Del Rey”
Next Spring, Dabel Brothers will debut comic book adaptations of three major properties: Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Prodigal Son; Jim Butcher’s bestselling The Dresden Files; and George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards. The graphic novel versions, to be distributed by Del Rey, will go on sale in Summer or Autumn 2008.