Alias Releases DB Pro

Alias Comics announced today that they have officially released creative studio DB Pro from its publishing contracts, without contesting any of their delayed titles or the terms of their departure. Originally an independent publisher known best for their book, WATERDOGS, the Dabel Brothers (DB Pro) then signed contracts with Image Comics to publish GEORGE R. R. MARTIN'S: THE HEDGE KNIGHT. Leaving Image halfway through the series, the Dabels joined Devil’s Due Publishing who published the remainder of THE HEDGE KNIGHT, as well as their unfinished series, DRAGONLANCE: THE LEGEND OF HUMA.

The Dabel Brothers joined the launch of Alias Comics in early 2005 with planned titles such as a LEGACY trade paperback, IMPERIAL DRAGONS, XIII, TAD WILLIAMS: THE BURNING MAN, the subsequent THE BURNING MAN/THE WOOD BOY trade paperback, ROBERT SILVERBERG'S: THE SEVENTH SHRINE trade paperback, ORSON SCOTT CARD'S: WYRMS and more.

However, after a series of late and failed deliveries, and an _expression by Dabel Brothers that they would like to return to their roots as an independent publisher, Alias has now decided to release the studio from any further publishing obligations.

“Alias is all about promoting and defending creator and studio rights,” said Alias Publisher, Brett Burner. “DB Pro has been afforded other publishing opportunities which they believe are in their best interests to follow, and we are not in the business of holding creators back from reaching their full potential.”

As part of their release, DB Pro will take with them all unfinished and future projects currently in production. All previous Alias orders for these as-yet unpublished books have been cancelled — all books currently in print will remain available through Diamond.

“Dabel Brothers had a number of books that were behind schedule which we were waiting for them to complete. Unfortunately those books were never finished and delivered to us,” said Burner. “We understand that [DB Pro Managing Editor] Les Dabel has been exploring independent publishing, so rather than causing undo friction between our companies, Alias has chosen to allow Dabel Brothers to pursue those options, and we wish DB Pro well in their chosen path.”

Books previously solicited through Alias that have now been cancelled by the publisher because of non-delivery include: XIII #6, the XIII trade paperback, IMPERIAL DRAGONS #2 (and all subsequent issues), THE BURNING MAN (all three issues), and a SEVENTH SHRINE trade paperback.

“We wish them all the best, and hope that their new direction offers them what they could not find with Alias,” said Alias Executive Director Mike S. Miller