Comics vets and upstarts share space on Comic-Con floor

Two local companies are making their return to Comic-Con with new comics and books, while a new upstart powered by some industry heavyweights is making its presence felt.

For the third year, Printers Row Publishing Group has a booth where it is showcasing a variety of new books. The Sorrento Valley-based company, started in 1992, has published more than 800 books.

This year at Comic-Con, Printers Row is promoting a “Stranger Things” book – its release is set to coincide with the fall return of the hit Netflix show. Also new is a “Lilo & Stitch” color-by-numbers book. In addition, a new format called platinum relief that appears to give a 3D look is being used on some book covers.

Printers Row Vice President and Publisher Peter Norton said attending Comic-Con for the third year in a row has helped him and the company converse directly with consumers.

“We’re living and learning,” said Norton.

Meanwhile, Magma Comix debuted at the Con last year and returned this year with a panel promoting their work and a booth on the convention floor.

Company officials announced a collaboration with Heavy Metal magazine that will lead to strips being published in the mag. The company also was riding high with anticipation after one of its works, The Pedestrian, was nominated for Best New Series in the annual Eisner Awards (the industry’s version of the Oscars), which are held each year at Comic-Con.

“It’s really a big honor just to be nominated,” said founder Denton Tipton.

At the far end of the convention floor was Clover Press, the latest player in San Diego’s comics industry.

Clover was started by Ted Adams and Robbie Robbins, a couple of former executives at IDW Publishing, which used to be located at Liberty Station.

Clover, which has a small office in Mira Mesa, was supposed to launch in 2019, but that was delayed by the global pandemic. They launched for good in March 2022, publishing a wide variety of books, including fantasy and horror.

So far, the company has published more than 75 books, including works by international artists from Korea, Taiwan and Brazil.

“We publish books we like,” said Clover’s Hank Kanalz.

This is the first year Clover Press has made it to Comic-Con. Kanalz noted that for years, the comics industry has been based out of New York City. But San Diego is attracting a lot of talent.

“San Diego is a very pleasant place to live,” said Kanalz. “… So between San Diego and LA, you have a lot of publishers.”