Official Press Release
Los Angeles, April 21, 2004 - Top Cow Productions has launched its next new property, Proximity Effect, in a revolutionary new way to reach comic book fans, as well as attract non-comic book fans. The first issue of Proximity Effect premieres today at http://www.proximity-effect.com at no charge. The second issue will premiere on May 26th, online at no charge. The series will be collected into a trade paperback, filled with additional anthology stories and sporting a new cover by Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri, and will hit comic book stores on June 30th, 2004, for only $9.99 with a total of 96 story pages.
Plotted by Top Cow's Scott Tucker and drawn by Wizard Artist Contest Winner David Nakayama, Proximity Effect is the story of Lisa and Caleb. Separated, they are human like everyone else, but together they change the world. This adventure will follow Caleb and Lisa as they try to gain an understanding of the source of this power -- all the while trying not to be killed by the good guys or enslaved by the bad guys.
In addition to the unique online marketing strategy, the company has formed brand new corporate partnerships with companies such as Peavey Guitars, Broadjam, and Hardee's/Carl's Jr. to expand its reach beyond normal comic book channels. One partner, Peavey Guitar, has produced custom-painted Rotor guitars based on the artwork of Proximity Effect, and has already displayed them at a national music equipment convention. Since Lisa, one of the main characters, is an aspiring pop star, this partnership was a natural extension for the Proximity Effect brand. Another partner, Broadjam, has created a national music promotion around the property.
Retailers can order the Proximity Effect graphic novel from the June 2004 Diamond Previews catalog, now in stores, using item code APR041444D2.
About Top Cow: Top Cow was founded in December of 1992 and currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and 2 licensed) in the industry's Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise Witchblade was TNT's #1 original film of 2000. Virtually all of Top Cow's other properties are in development as feature films, live action television or animation. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into consumer products, including: toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, mouse pads, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, video games and role playing games.