Special exclusive editions of a graphic novel based on the late legendary MC Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Wu Tang Clan) is the newest title in Oni Press’s Premium Direct Program, which offers limited edition releases to retailers directly, and to consumers via Kickstarter.  ODB: Oddies, Discord, & B-Sides – Lyrical Ruckus in the City is currently available for preorder with release planned for November 2024.

ODB: Oddies, Discord, & B-Sides – Lyrical Ruckus in the City is a 112-page graphic anthology produced by Oni in collaboration with production and management company Four Screens, and approved by the Estate of ODB.  Four Screens produced ‘Ol Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys, the first authorized documentary on ODB’s life and times, which will air on 2024 on A&E Network.

The graphic anthology includes work by interior and cover contributors Maan House, Mike Del Mundo, Damion Scott, Ronald Wimberly, Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Paris Alleyne, David Brame, Dojo Gubser, Jay Hero, Jason Pierre, Ike Reed & David Gorden, Chris Robinson, Regine Sawyer, and Felipe Sobreiro.  Exclusive deluxe hardcover and softcover editions will be released under the Premium Direct program, along with exclusive, limited-run Super 7 action figures, and a hyper-limited 7" vinyl single.

Oni Publisher Hunter Gorinson explained the Premium Direct program.  "As publishers, we have a near-infinite wish-list of limited-edition items -- things like signed editions, slip-cased hardcovers, boutique merchandise, and other upgraded enhancements – that are often requested by fans, retailers, and creators alike, but that would prove impractical at the retail level if we were to solicit them through standard channels," he told ICv2.  "The Oni Premium Direct program, however, allows us to connect directly with readers and retailers to produce highly specialized, limited-run items that are entirely pre-order driven and can be specially crafted in batches exponentially smaller than their standard, mass-market counterparts."

Oni Premium Direct sales to retailers will match the retailer’s discount from Diamond or Lunar, Gorinson told us, and retailer shipments will be as close to simultaneously with Kickstarter fulfillment as possible.  All of the special products offered via the Kickstarter, including the limited action figures and vinyl record, will be available to retailers ordering directly.  Oni plans a standard trade release of the unlimited softcover edition in November 2024 as well.

ODB: Oddies, Discord, & B-Sides – Lyrical Ruckus in the City is the second title in Oni’s Premium Direct program; the first was The Sixth Gun Deluxe Omnibus Library.  The trade edition of the title ships early in February.

Click Gallery below for full-size pics of the ODB releases!