Gungnir, a bold new player in the graphic novel industry, has made headlines by forming a global partnership with Macmillan Publishers. This collaboration promises to amplify unique storytelling and expand the reach of indie graphic novels.
Gungnir Forms Global Partnership with Macmillan Publishers
EXCLUSIVE: Gungnir, launched earlier this year as a subversive graphic novel publisher, has quickly entered into agreements for books-to-screen adaptations.
New Distribution Deal
The indie creative house based in L.A. has secured a global distribution deal with Macmillan Publishers, integrating Gungnir into the UK-based publishing giant’s collection of indie publishers. The initial titles released through this partnership include Last Breeds, AEON, The Dangerous History Saga, Existence Equation, and Never a Never Boy.
Founder’s Vision
Matthew Medney, the former Chief Creative Officer at Iconic Arts, founded Gungnir in April, debuting with a graphic novel titled HiROQUEST. Shortly thereafter, Gungnir partnered with Storyteller Media to adapt its comics and graphic novels for television and film.
Creative Leadership
Medney, previously the CEO of Heavy Metal Magazine and co-founder of Hero Projects, leads the operation alongside Editor-in-Chief Jim Krueger and Executive Editor Steve Orlando. The creative roster includes talents such as Mohamed Samah, Simone Ragazzoni, Marco Lucchina, Giuseppe D’Elia, Alvaro Sarraseca, and Vincenzo Riccardi.
Bold Storytelling
“Macmillan is the ideal partner to help realize our vision and bring bold, original storytelling to the global stage,” stated Medney. “Our books are forged in myth and fired in rebellion, daring to challenge the gods themselves. They are bold, cinematic, and deeply human – and now, with Macmillan behind us, our authors’ voices will resonate louder and travel farther than ever before.”
Highlighted Titles
Medney emphasized two titles that embody this mandate: Steve Orlando’s Dangerous History, chronicling the rise and fall of an empire through the eyes of those who defy fate, and Jim Krueger’s Never A Never Boy, a reimagining of the Peter Pan mythology that explores what happens next. “At Gungnir, we prioritize a creative team comprised of diverse voices,” he added.
Partnership Expansion
In addition to the core Gungnir label, this deal will see Gungnir partners Storyteller, Asgard Books, and Rogue Matter come under the Macmillan umbrella.
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Storyteller’s Mission
Storyteller’s titles include Don’t Fear Your Roar by Simba Darian Sanders and Daughter of Africa by Kenyan storyteller Gina Din. Co-founder Charles ‘Professor Xavier’ Allen remarked: “Gungnir’s creative energy and Macmillan’s industry leadership make them the perfect partners for Storyteller’s mission.”
Future Endeavors
Asgard, in partnership with Animation Avenue, will announce its first titles later this summer. Co-led by Medney and Animation Avenues founder Omar Spahi, Asgard aims to bring innovative storytelling to life.
Rogue Matter, branded as a “rebel studio,” is run by storytellers Roger Mincheff and Trent Olsen, focusing on diverse and boundary-breaking narratives. Its creator slate will be unveiled later this year.
Industry Insights
Michael Friedman, former Publisher of Barnes & Noble, who helped forge the partnership, expressed excitement about Gungnir’s potential: “There’s a rare kind of lightning that strikes when vision, courage, and creativity collide – and GUNGNIR is the storm. With Matt at the helm, I have no doubt he’ll break molds and build new worlds.”
Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers, added: “Matthew and the entire Gungnir team possess a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and marketing skills that will undoubtedly captivate and inspire readers.”
