The New Universe Produced by the Founding Chairman of Marvel Studios, David Maisel, and Inspired by the Art and Creations of Legends Michael Turner and Geoff Johns Takes Over Premier Pop Culture Event
LOS ANGELES, CA– Last week, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, “Marvel Studios Founder Bringing His New Universe to Comic-Con”, with some of the most visible real estate at the event, including Ekos-branded entry/exit badge scanners surrounding the entire convention and one of the largest booths. EKOS became one of the most talked about highlights of the show with tens of thousands of attendees scanning in and out of the convention daily in addition to a standing room only Ekos panel.
“The excitement around Ekos we saw this past week reminds me of the buzz that exploded when we brought Iron Man to San Diego Comic-Con in 2007, a year before the movie’s release.” – David Maisel
Maisel’s Mythos Studios, and Aspen Comics are launching a new entertainment universe called EKOS, which is inspired by the art and creations of legendary comic artist Michael Turner and writer Geoff Johns. Ekos Volume 1 will be produced by Maisel, with cover art by Joe Quesada (Former Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief of Marvel), Alex Ross, David Mack, J Scott Campbell, and other superstar artists. The comic creative team of Aspen Comics all-stars includes artist Alex Konat, colorist Peter Steigerwald, writer J.T. Krul, inker Mark Roslan, and letterist Josh Reed
“We’ve put together an incredible dream team and we cannot wait to show you the world of Ekos.” – Frank Mastromauro and Peter Steigerwald, Co-Presidents of Aspen Comics
EKOS VOLUME 1 will comprise Ekos’ first three comics including Ekos #1 that, compiled together, make up a 128 pg graphic novel. In this unique approach, both formats will be available together side by side exclusively on Kickstarter, with the Kickstarter campaign launching September 10, 2024. The Kickstarter pre-launch page went live just before the convention with fans already pouring in to follow the campaign, to be alerted of campaign updates, and to receive an exclusive digital print of an homage to Marvel’s Civil War 1 variant cover by Michael Turner that includes the main Ekos characters. These prints were available as a physical giveaway to those who came by the Aspen booth at Comic-Con, with over 5,000 distributed throughout the convention.
EKOS’ launch has already received acclaim from notables, including the head of comics at Kickstarter, Sam Kusek, who said that Ekos “is going to be the graphic novel event of the year” and Elon Musk, who publicly commented on X that Ekos is “cool.”
Additional art, content, insights, behind-the-scenes news, and more from the creative team and Maisel’s Mythos Studios will continue to be released over the next month leading up to the campaign’s launch. Fans are encouraged to sign up on the campaign pre-launch page and to follow EKOS on Instagram, X, and Facebook for exclusive news on the journey!
About David Maisel:
David Maisel is the Chairman and Founder of Mythos Studios and the Founding Chairman of Marvel Studios. In 2003, David conceived of the idea of Marvel financing and producing its own movies in a connected cinematic universe (the MCU). He then founded Marvel Studios, became its first chairman, and went on to launch the studio with the release of Iron Man in 2008. He also executive produced The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger. In 2009, he architected the sale of Marvel to Disney. Post-Marvel, David executive produced The Angry Birds Movie and founded Mythos Studios. Maisel is known for also producing the Broadway musical Fosse, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1999.
About Michael Turner:
Michael Turner is a legendary comic creator and artist. In 1994, Michael began working for Top Cow Productions, co-creating the comic series Witchblade, a popular indie comic book. Turner later debuted his creator-owned series, Fathom, in 1998. It became the best-selling comic book of that year. In 2002, Michael left Top Cow Productions to start Aspen MLT LLC., and create the hit indie title Soulfire, in addition to continuing Fathom. Turner would go on to illustrate covers for Marvel and DC Comics, including Civil War, Superman/Batman, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and more. Turner’s Marvel and DC cover work led to his iconic status as one of the most beloved cover artists and comic book pencilers of all time. His creations and art serves as the inspiration and visual DNA of this new Ekos Universe.
About Mythos Studios:
Mythos Studios is an IP entertainment studio founded by David Maisel, Founder of Marvel Studios, and is focused on bringing worlds and worlds of wonder with meaning for today’s world. Mythos Studios was founded in 2018, when it acquired Aspen Comics.
About Aspen Comics: ASPEN COMICS is an independent publishing company founded in January 2003, which prides itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements. Aspen is known for Michael Turner’s Fathom– the #1 selling comic book of 1998– Michael Turner’s Soulfire– the popular fantasy series– and more. Marvel Comics and Aspen have collaborated on various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, Ultimatum, and recently The Marvel Art of Michael Turner book via Kickstarter. Additionally, Aspen has worked closely with DC Comics to provide covers and comic work for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: Supergirl, The Justice League of America, Dark Knight: The Last Crusade, Rebirth, and Identity Crisis (the critically acclaimed, best-selling series whose Aspen covers were Eisner-nominated). In 2018, Aspen Comics joined forces with Marvel Studios’ Founder David Maisel, in collaboration with Mythos Studios, to develop entertainment strategy and multimedia projects.
