The new owners have ambitious plans that include launching eight comic book series in 2015 and adding 12 additional titles in 2016. As Krelitz explains, Heavy Metal’s comic book mission is not to compete with Marvel and DC, but rather to provide at outlet for innovative, primarily science fiction titles. "Marvel and DC are relying on time-tested characters. We're less concerned about superheroes. That's not who we are. We're about innovative sci-fi. We’re the Kurt Vonnegut of comics."
The first new Heavy Metal comic book title is Hoax Hunters, which launches its “second season” in March (Image Comics published the "first season" of the title). Krelitz has plenty of Hollywood connections (see "'Chew' Back in TV Development"), and hopes to craft a pitch that will be attractive to comic book creators, he told The Oregonian. "We're looking at (comics) properties in the same way we look at television and film. We have a much better economic model than anyone will offer in the marketplace. We have a merchandizing company that's one of the biggest in the world. Not only are we not going to fleece you to get your self-published book, we're going to help your brand building."
Krelitz plans include publishing up to 50 titles a year within five years. He told The Oregonian, "We’re planning to be a premier publisher." As for moving the Heavy Metal comic book operations to Portland, Krelitz explained: "I think it’s being closer to the talent. If you wanted to be a painter in the early 20th Century, you went to Paris. Portland is the mecca for comics. I’m looking to build something here because this is a true artists’ community."
