Red Giant Entertainment
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Comic book publishing |
| Founded | June 27, 2005 (as Castmor Resources, Ltd) |
| Founder | Benny R. Powell |
| Headquarters | Clermont, Florida , United States |
Key people | Benny R. Powell (Founder), David Campiti (former COO and board member), Chris Crosby (CTO), Mark Fischbach (board member) |
| Products | Comics, Graphic novels, Webcomics, Film, Television, Video games and apps |
| Website | redgiantentertainment |
Red Giant Entertainment, Inc. is a transmedia entertainment firm and comic book publisher headquartered in Florida, established in 2005 by Benny R. Powell, who previously worked as a marketing writer at Priceline.com. Among its notable leadership figures are David Campiti, who served as COO and board member bringing extensive industry expertise, and Chris Crosby, the CTO and CEO of Keenspot Entertainment. Additionally, in 2014, the company broadened its media capabilities by appointing YouTube personality Mark "Markiplier" Fischbach to its board.
History
Originally incorporated on June 27, 2005, in Nevada under the name Castmor Resources, Ltd, the organization founded Red Giant Entertainment, Inc. in Clermont, Florida, in 2010. On June 11, 2012, Castmor Resources purchased Red Giant Entertainment and subsequently changed its name to Red Giant Entertainment, Inc. by June 26, 2012.
On March 4, 2013, Red Giant enhanced its digital presence through the acquisition of ComicGenesis, LLC, a Nevada-based platform hosting more than 10,000 independent webcomics. David Campiti joined the board and held the position of COO from 2013 until his exit in 2018, playing a pivotal role in guiding the company during a significant expansion period.
Webcomics
In collaboration with Keenspot, Red Giant published several webcomic titles such as Wayward Sons: Legends, Exposure, Jade Warriors, Buzzboy, Medusa's Daughter, Katrina, and Porcelain.
Giant-Size Comics
The Giant-Size Comics series was introduced on May 3, 2014, as a complimentary print anthology supported by advertising for Free Comic Book Day. This collection included contributions from seasoned professionals including Mort Castle, story editor Brian Augustyn, and Larry Hama.
Since 2019, projects under the Absolute Comics imprint have been funded via crowdfunding campaigns. This imprint features a shared universe with frequent inter-series crossovers. Prominent titles include White Widow, Dual Identity, and Wayward Sons, with the latter currently undergoing film adaptation by producers linked to "The LEGO Movie."
Collections
- The Cartoon Art of Mike Deodato, Jr. (December 2013)
- Mike Deodato's Jade Warriors (Spring 2014)
- Mike Deodato's Comics & Stories (Summer 2014)
- Mike Deodato Jr's Sketchbook (2014)
Graphic novels
- Banzai Girl Volume 1 Dreams Betrayed (November 2014)
- Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule! Paperback (January 3, 2012)
- Drow Tales Volume 1: Moonless Age TP Paperback (July 3, 2012)
- Exposure Volume 1 (January 21, 2014)
- Exposure Volume 2 Blind Faith (November 2014)
- Medusa's Daughter Graphic Novel HC (2012)
- Medusa's Daughter Graphic Novel Library HC (February 17, 2015)
- Roboy Red Graphic Novel Comic (2012)
- Wayward Sons Volume 1 (Wayward Sons: Legends) (December 2011)
- Wayward Sons Volume 2 (Wayward Sons: Legends) (February 2014)
- Wayward Sons Volume 3 (April 2014)
- Wayward Sons Volume 4 (October 2014)
Film
Red Giant Media's film endeavors include various stages such as development, production, and release:
- Niko: The Journey To Magika (Available on Hulu since December 12, 2014)
- Katrina (Currently in production)
- Omphalos (2014) (In post-production)
- Shockwave, Darkside (Released; UK premiere took place on August 21, 2014)
Television
Red Giant's ventures in television encompass:
- Exposure (Development announced; production led by Kevin VanHook)
Video Games and Apps
On July 23, 2014, Bandai Namco Games America Inc. revealed a collaboration aimed at broadening its lineup with titles inspired by comic art, aligning with its strategy to emphasize cross-media offerings.
Controversy
The company encountered controversy surrounding the Japan Needs Heroes initiative, a Kickstarter-backed comic anthology launched in April 2011 to aid victims of the March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. This project featured contributions from prominent creators such as Stan Lee, Larry Hama, and Mike Deodato, with a commitment that all profits would be donated to disaster relief.
Although the campaign secured full funding by May 2011 and a follow-up drive occurred in 2013, supporters faced considerable delays. Digital versions were eventually delivered in January 2015, but physical copies had not been distributed by mid-2015. At San Diego Comic-Con that year, printed editions were exhibited but remained unshipped.
Years afterward, Red Giant explained the postponements were due to inventory being held up in a warehouse. Ultimately, refunds were processed and outstanding donations transferred to the Japan Society. This incident underscored fulfillment difficulties that adversely affected the company's credibility and stakeholder confidence.
External links
- Companies based in Florida
- Entertainment companies established in 2010
- Film production companies of the United States
- Comic book publishing companies of the United States
- American webcomic creators
- Toys based on comics
- American companies established in 2010
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment