Image Comics announced that it will be publishing an adults only prestige format one-shot comic written by Garth Ennis, penciled by Amanda Conner, and inked by Jimmy Palmiotti.  The book, which is titled Pro, is an over-the-top saga of a superpowered prostitute.  Garth Ennis (Preacher) is one of the top writers in comics today with a satiric sensibility that was weaned on 2000AD.  Pro will be the first adults only Image title since the publisher issued Jim Valentino's autobiographic Vignettes.  Current plans call for Image to publish Pro early next year.

 

Image also intends to publish the Joe Michael Linsner Library, which consists of graphic novel editions of all Linsner's works (including a remastered version of the second Dawn series, which has never appeared in a graphic novel format), a high end art book (The Art of Joe Michael Linsner), as well as a new Dawn series.  The Linsner graphic novels and the art book should perform exceptionally well at retail.  Image promises to make Linsner's work accessible to fans in a series of handsome trade paperback editions. And, more importantly for retailers, Image promises to keep these titles available on an on-going basis.  There is some real commercial potential here, for in addition to being a talented writer, Linsner is an exceptional artist with a very strong line.  His stylish erotica is reminiscent of the great Alberto Vargas.

 

Image Comics began publishing with a lineup that was almost exclusively mainstream superhero comics.  Now almost 10 years later, the publisher is diversifying its line with the addition of Pro and the Linsner Library.  Both Pro and the Linsner Library are excellent opportunities with plenty of commercial potential for retailers that carry adults only products.