DC Comics Press Release

DC Comics is launching a new imprint called MINX, which will publish original graphic novels for teenage girls. MINX will be the first imprint from a major American comic book publisher devoted to reaching the teenage girl. It will launch in May 2007 with the publication of THE PLAIN JANES, a graphic novel written by young adult novelist Cecil Castellucci (THE QUEEN OF COOL and BOY PROOF) and illustrated by Jim Rugg (the creator and artist of STREET ANGEL). The MINX imprint will be overseen by Vertigo Senior Vice President and Executive Editor Karen Berger and Vertigo Group Editor Shelly Bond.

“The launch of MINX represents an opportunity for us to reach a very active reader who has only recently begun sampling graphic novels: the teenage girl,” said DC Comics President and Publisher Paul Levitz. “Until now, there has not been an American graphic novel imprint specifically for teenage girls. We want to reach out to this audience with creativity and offer them a line they can look to for titles designed for them.”

In an unprecedented level of commitment for an American comic book publisher, DC Comics will launch MINX with a major national, year-long marketing campaign. As part of this effort, DC Comics has hired Alloy Media + Marketing, the promotional experts behind such youth-targeted best-sellers as the GOSSIP GIRL series, SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS, and THE A LIST.

MINX is currently scheduled to publish seven books in 2007. MINX books will feature a diverse cast of characters, including a tenacious martial artist; a rebellious detective; an ex-surf punk; a big mouth blogger and a futuristic brainiac. From risk-takers to troublemakers, the MINX characters don’t just play by their own rules — they invent as they go along, resulting in up-to-the-minute, unexpected adventures.

“MINX books will appeal to the many young women who have been introduced to the visual impact of graphic novels through manga and books like PERSEPOLIS,” said Karen Berger. “The first book, THE PLAIN JANES, tells the story of a girl named Jane who leaves the city. She meets three other girls named Jane, and together, they form a secret art gang and take on suburbia to bring about change for the better. MINX stories are smart, fearless, and about the real world.”