American comic book publisher
Ape Entertainment, also known as Ape Comics, was an American independent comic book publisher that operated from 2003 to c. 2015.
The company began by publishing original limited series and graphic novels, many with mature themes; it later pivoted and became known for its family-friendly titles as well as cross-media properties such as comics based on video games. Ape Entertainment formed licensing deals with DreamWorks Animation, American Greetings, Harvey Comics, and Sesame Workshop; producing comics featuring Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Megamind, Shrek, Strawberry Shortcake, Richie Rich, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and Sesame Street.
History
Origins
Ape Entertainment was founded in 2003 by Brent E. Erwin, with a background in film production, and David Hedgecock, with experience in comic book retail and editing. Bringing on managing editor C. Michael "Mike" Hall, Erwin took on the role of marketing director and Hedgecock that of finance director.
The company's first print offerings were in 2004, including such titles as the Ape OMNIBUS Vols. 1 and 2, the 2-issue series A Different Pace, the Atomic Age Treasury of Pulp Action by David Wharton, and Make Your Own Comics: The Small Press Primer by Mike Hall. During this time, Ape Entertainment also published a selection of original webcomics, many of which were produced by managing editor Mike Hall.
Digital and licensed properties
In 2010, Ape Entertainment changed direction. It began publishing comics based on video games, starting with Pocket God and then Cut the Rope in July 2011.[1] The company made news in late 2011 when it was revealed that it had sold 150,000 units of the Pocket God #1 digital comic (while selling fewer than 1,000 print copies).[2] The success of Pocket God demonstrated the potential of adapting content from emerging digital platforms into traditional comic book formats.
By 2010, Ape Entertainment had made licensing deals with DreamWorks Animation. The company debuted its family-friendly Kizoic imprint with the Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) flip book comic, Kizoic Presents: Penguins of Madagascar FCBD 2010 / Kizoic Presents: Shrek FCBD 2010.
In 2011, Ape Entertainment acquired the rights to the legacy Harvey Comics characters Richie Rich and Casper the Friendly Ghost.[3] Ape Entertainment updated the Richie Rich character by emphasizing his altruistic side; "a mix of James Bond and Indiana Jones with the world's biggest bank account, Richie is an altruistic adventurer who travels the world helping the less fortunate!"[4] The new Richie was joined by updated versions of his robot maid Irona and his butler Cadbury.[5]
In 2012, the company produced a comic book based on Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. The comic, Madagascar Digest Prequel: Long Live the King!, was released on June 12, 2012.[6][7]
In early 2013, the company partnered with the (essentially defunct) publisher Sirius Entertainment to bring back the late Drew Hayes' comic Poison Elves, published under a new Ape Entertainment mature readers imprint: Outlaw Comics. A continuation of the original series, Drew Hayes Poison Elves #1 was based on Hayes' outline for future issues.[8] Three issues ended up being published.
In the spring of 2013, Ape Entertainment announced a partnership with Sesame Workshop, as well as plans to release a number of Sesame Street-themed comics.[9]
Decline and disappearance
By mid-2013, the company's fortunes appeared to take a downturn. That summer, Ape Entertainment editor-in-chief Brent E. Erwin, who had a background in retailing, acquired two locations of Buddy Saunders' Lone Star Comics chain.[10] In
August of that year, Ape Entertainment CEO David Hedgecock left the company to join IDW Publishing.[11] At that point, the two remaining founders, Erwin and Hall, canceled Ape Entertainment's upcoming titles[12] and reorganized the company.[13][14]
The company managed to release two Sesame Street comics in 2015,[15] but has not published anything since then.
