As I write this latest Substack (potentially the last one of the year!), myself and Dren Productions publisher James Mascia just wrapped our end of year summit.
And boy oh boy, is there a lot to look forward to in 2025!
Before I get into what’s coming, I have to first give credit to what James has been able to accomplish with Dren. Through sheer will and determination (and prolific comic book writing output), James has managed to carve out a wonderful niche for Dren in the Horror, Sci-fi and Fantasy world.
I’m pleased to tell you we’ve seen increases in ordering for two of Dren’s flagship books, Dungeons and Dimwits and Tales From Bizarre, the latter of which is currently being sold on eBay for $50-$100 a pop! This is unheard of!
Alien Armageddon #1 sales just came in and they were eye popping to us. Retailers have reached out to us looking for wholesale material. And our licensed properties like Axa, Teddy Scares and Death and Maiden are about to hit stores in 2025.
We’ve employed over 60 different art and artist teams last year and have begun to comission writers as well, including Dennis Knight on my own project Plan 79, as well as several anthology books.
Our Kickstarters have brought in a staggering amount of backers. So much to the point that I’ve had to personally stop and think, waitaminute, this is the real deal! Often times throughout my career I’ve pined for acceptance by outside publishers. Now, Dren is one too! Pretty cool!
It doesn’t mean you won’t see me elsewhere. Rogue Matter has been extremely kind to publish a number of projects of mine, as I’m also currently developing a number of projects for them (and getting paid for it, mind you). And I’m still pushing to get projects with different publishers too, because I think it just raises awareness on everything Dren and Rogue Matter are doing.
Speaking of which, our goal for 2025 is simple: spread the word. We’ve got 15 different series (!) already in production for next year, some of which won’t even make it to Kickstarter and stores until 2026. So there’s a LOT to look forward to.
My next Dren release will be the upcoming Plan 79 #2 Kickstarter, of which, we have three covers in production. Plus, I just got a new Tales From The Bizarre script approved and worked on for issue #12, coming in Spring of 2026. And don’t fret, Sire: Aftermath #2 is already on the Spring calendar also for release.
You will of course be hearing ALL about it.
So have a blessed holiday season! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And onto 2025!
-Mike