AtlasBooks Signs Double Take for Distribution of Graphic Novels to the Book Trade

    ASHLAND, OH, August 18, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- AtlasBooks, the distribution division of Bookmasters, has signed a new sales and distribution agreement with Double Take, LLC (2T), the comic book and graphic novel publishing arm of leading video game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ: TTWO).

2T's partnership with AtlasBooks will make their graphic novels available in North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

"In reaching this agreement with 2T, we have added a world-class graphic novel publisher to our expanding list of distribution clients," said Jon Ackerman, senior vice president of sales at Bookmasters. "With graphic novel experience on our leadership team at Bookmasters, we look forward to growing our market share in the horror category, with YA readers in high schools and libraries, the general trade, and anywhere 2T's imaginative writers and artists may take the genre."

Launching a "new comic book universe" on September 28, 2016, 2T will be publishing 10 graphic novel titles whose stories are set in the world established by the 1968 cult classic horror film, Night of the Living Dead. Each of the 10 titles will stand on their own; however, they will be connected in a shared universe that includes hordes of walking dead, teams of teen super heroes, angry scientists, and attractive aliens. The stories will also contain interesting factoids about the 1960s, including medical procedures from the era and "Then & Now" pages featuring all things popular from 1966: recipes, TV shows, and then cutting-edge technology.

"Mostly, our creators tell new stories starring new characters--secret service agents, 51-foot women, and indestructible teens," said Bill Jemas, general manager at Double Take. "If you love Night of the Living Dead, you won't be disappointed; as you will be able to follow your favorite characters from their first appearances, through their dying breaths, to their first baby zombie steps."

"We believe that 2T is producing some of the best comic books in the industry," said Michael Coast, story editor at 2T. "Our books appeal not just to hardcore comic book fans but to readers who are new to graphic novels as well. Our partnership with Bookmasters will help us reach this wider audience so that they too can enjoy our exciting stories, interesting characters, and world-class art."

About Double Take
Sixteen years ago, Bill Jemas played a lead role on the team that transformed Marvel from an insolvent comic book publisher and toy manufacturer into a world-class entertainment company. In 2013, Take-Two Interactive Software hired Jemas to start Double Take.

In conjunction with their graphic novels, 2T has developed the world's first native mobile comic book player. Using panels to create a stop-motion animation effect to bring each story to life, the mobile player gives readers the optimal digital reading experience.

In the past year, Double Take has made samples of their digital comics available to thousands of readers, logging more than 500,000 digital comic views via Comixology and doubletakeuniverse.com. The 10 titles due out in September will also be available in this mobile format.

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About Bookmasters & AtlasBooks
Bookmasters, based in Ashland, Ohio, is one of the largest providers of integrated publisher services in the U.S. For more than 40 years, Bookmasters has offered services to publishers and authors such as book manufacturing, print book distribution and fulfillment, eBook conversion and distribution, editorial, and design. Bookmasters' trade distribution arm operates as AtlasBooks. To learn more, visit www.bookmasters.com.

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