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Blackthorne Publishing

From Alfawiki
Blackthorne Publishing Inc.
IndustryComics
Founded1985
FounderSteve Schanes
Ann Fera
Defunct1990
HeadquartersEl Cajon, California, U.S.
Key people
John Stephenson (editor-in-chief)

Blackthorne Publishing Inc. operated as a U.S.-based comic book publisher from 1986 until 1989. The company gained recognition for its Blackthorne 3-D Series, reprints of vintage comic strips such as Dick Tracy, and various licensed titles. Their financial zenith was driven by licensed 3-D comics featuring the California Raisins. Nevertheless, the company's downfall was largely influenced by the unsuccessful and costly 3-D comic adaptation of Michael Jackson's movie Moonwalker.

History

Established in 1985 by the married duo Steve Schanes and Ann Fera, both formerly connected to the now-defunct Pacific Comics, Blackthorne launched with a startup capital of $16,000 primarily sourced through credit card debt. Their inaugural publication was Jerry Iger's Classic Sheena (April 1985), which combined reprinted material with a fresh cover illustration by Dave Stevens. Despite early financial hurdles, Blackthorne grew methodically, deploying sales representatives to extend distribution beyond conventional comic book channels to include retailers like Hallmark Cards, Spencer Gifts, and 7-Eleven outlets nationwide.

By the end of 1987, Blackthorne was releasing 22 titles monthly and servicing up to 1,200 gift shops. The publisher earned acclaim for its strategy of reprinting classic newspaper strips—a cost-effective approach with limited competition—securing rights to approximately 60 strips to maintain market advantage.

In addition to comics, Blackthorne produced paperback books and movie prop-related publications, including those featured in Russkies. After suffering losses on color comic lines in 1987, the company pivoted towards more lucrative black-and-white licensed books and 3-D publications. Financial strain intensified following the bankruptcy of their distributor Sunrise Distribution in 1988; although Blackthorne pursued legal action, it was unsuccessful in recouping losses and subsequently underwent a federal audit.

By early 1989, Blackthorne ranked as the fifth-largest comic publisher in the United States, generating roughly $1 million annually and employing eight full-time editors. The firm published about 240 titles each year with average print runs near 10,000 copies per title, focusing on volume production and niche licensing agreements. However, a substantial licensing expense for the Moonwalker adaptation led to significant financial difficulties when sales fell short of expectations.

In mid-1989, Blackthorne began outsourcing operations and laid off most staff members, including editor-in-chief John Stephenson. Burdened by debts totaling $180,000, the company ultimately ceased operations in early 1990.

Original series

  • Adventures in the Mystwood, single issue
  • Alien Ducklings, four issues
  • Alien Worlds graphic novel
  • Atomic Man Comics, three issues
  • Blackthorne's 3-in-1, two issues
  • Brik Hauss, one issue
  • Cold Blooded Chameleon Commandos, five issues
  • Crow of the Bear Clan, six issues
  • Danse, one issue
  • Dogaroo, one issue
  • Duckbots, two issues
  • Enchanted Valley, two issues
  • Failed Universe, one issue – parody of New Universe
  • Figments, three issues
  • Fragments (Black), two issues
  • Freak-Out on Infant Earths, two issues – parody of Crisis on Infinite Earths
  • The Gift, one issue
  • Ground Pound! Comix , one issue
  • Hamster Vice, six issues – parody of Miami Vice
  • Jack Hunter (Vol. 1, color), one issue
  • Jack Hunter (Vol. II, Prestige format B&W), three issues
  • Jax and the Hellhound, three issues
  • Labor Force, eight issues
  • Lann graphic novel
  • Laffin' Gas, twelve issues
  • Legion Of Stupid Heroes, one issue – parody of Legion of Super-Heroes
  • Mad Dog Magazine, three issues
  • The Man of Rust, one issue
  • Midnite, three issues
  • Mr. Cream Puff, one issue
  • Nervous Rex, ten issues
  • Of Myths and Men, two issues
  • Omega Elite, one issue
  • Omni Men, one issue
  • Operative: Scorpio graphic novel
  • Outposts, one issue
  • Pajama Chronicles, one issue
  • Planet Comics, three issues
  • Possibleman, two issues
  • Pre-Teen Dirty-Gene Kung Fu Kangaroos, three issues – parody of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • Red Heat, two issues
  • Revolving Doors, three issues
  • Roachmill, six issues
  • Rivit, one issue
  • Serius Bounty Hunter, three issues
  • Shuriken graphic novel
  • Starlight Squadron, one issue
  • Street Poet Ray, two issues
  • Street Wolf, three issues
  • To Die For, one issue
  • Timeline Color Comics, likely a single issue
  • Tracker, two issues
  • Twisted Tantrums of the Purple Snit, two issues
  • 'Wings Comics graphic novel
  • Wolph, single issue
  • Xeno-Men, single issue
  • 'X-L graphic novel

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Blackthorne 3-D Series

Totaling 80 issues

Prominent licensed titles included:

  • Bullwinkle & Rocky (various editions)
  • Baby Huey
  • BattleTech
  • Betty Boop
  • Bozo the Clown (three issues)
  • Bravestarr (two issues)
  • California Raisins (five issues plus trade paperback)
  • Casper the Friendly Ghost
  • Classic Jungle Comics
  • Dick Tracy
  • The Flintstones (four issues)
  • G.I. Joe (six issues plus annual)
  • Gumby (seven issues)
  • Hamster Vice in 3-D (two issues)
  • Kull of Atlantis (two issues)
  • Laurel & Hardy (two issues)

... along with other licensed franchises such as Star Wars, Transformers, Rambo III, Red Sonja, Sheena, Solomon Kane, among others.

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Licensed and reprint titles

References

  • Profiles of publishers and interviews highlighting Blackthorne Publishing's commercial activities and industry standing.
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