Legions of fans already know them as musical heroes who entertain huge crowds every night. Now, fans get to see them as they really are in “The Average Joes,” a full-color 64-page comic book featuring Colt Ford and Friends as superheroes selflessly saving the world and fighting crime in the name of justice.
The premiere issue of “The Average Joes,” will be sold online, at limited retail outlets nationwide and at available at live concerts. An exclusive deluxe package available only at Wal-Mart will include both Colt Ford’s new album, “Thanks for Listening,” as well as the comic book.
Brought to life in volume one are label artists Colt Ford, The LACS, Lenny Cooper and Sarah Ross, each touting a distinct superpower poised and ready to maintain the peace at a moment’s notice.
The comic book series is the brainchild of Average Joes CEO/President, Shannon Houchins. “The concept for the comic book was developed as a marketing tool to provide artist content for all of our demographics,” explained Houchins. “Our artists’ fan bases range from very young children to adults.” Conceptualized by Houchins, “The Average Joes” was published and illustrated by critically acclaimed independent comic book company, 12-Gauge Comics.
Collaborating on the project for 12-Gauge Comics were writer Doug Wagner, Artist Daniel Hillyard and Colorist Charlie Kirchoff. An impressive list of credits for the creative team include writer Doug Wagner‘s work on such titles as Batman: Arkham Origins, Legends of the Dark Knight, ThunderCats, and the World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn graphic novel for DC Comics; Witchblade/Red Sonja for Dynamite Entertainment; and The Ride, 25 To Life, and I.C.E. for 12-Gauge Comics; Artist Daniel Hillyard credits include ANTI, a comic series from Gale Anne Hurd, producer of AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD, and SHERWOOD, TEXAS, the new series reimaging the legend of Robin Hood; and COLORIST Charlie Kirchoff whose first job was coloring segments of Humanoids Publishing’s “Metal Hurlant,” and went on to work for several publishers including Dark Horse, IDW, Image, 12 Gauge and others.
12-Gauge Comics – Publisher
12-Gauge Comics was founded by Keven Gardner in 2004 and currently publishes some of the most successful and critically acclaimed independent comic books in the marketplace today. Initial success came quickly for the company, when its debut title, THE RIDE, launched as the top-selling new black and white comic of the year in 2004. That was quickly followed by the release of Jason Pearson’s smash-hit BODY BAGS, which sold out immediately. 12-Gauge then solidified its position as a force to be reckoned with by packaging THE O.C.T. (Occult Crimes Taskforce), an original comic book concept co-created and starring actress ROSARIO DAWSON. THE O.C.T. has been featured on “The Today Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Access Hollywood,” and many other media outlets. In 2009 12-Gauge began to firmly solidify its unique identity by publishing under its own banner (prior titles were through Image Comics), starting with the company’s first licensed property, THE BOONDOCK SAINTS: The Comic Series. Featuring original stories by series creator/director TROY DUFFY, the comics were a huge success. 12-Gauge then moved into the untapped market of country music with superstar recording artist TRACE ADKINS. In LUKE MC BAIN, Adkins lends his likeness to a hard-as-nails character in an adventure story of revenge and redemption. Adkins went on a wide publicity tour for the comics, with highlights being a guest appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and a feature story in “USA Today.” Critical praise has continued to follow the release of other new titles, such as the high-concept series MAGUS, R.P.M. from NYT #1 Bestselling author MICK FOLEY, the action-franchise ICE, gritty crime drama LOOSE ENDS, and Gale Anne Hurd’s ANTI. For more information, please visit www.12gaugecomics.com or email info@12gaugecomics.com.
About Average Joes Entertainment
Average Joes Entertainment launched in 2008 with flagship artist Colt Ford. Since its inception, the entertainment company has expanded to housing three labels, a management company, a publishing entity and a film and television production company. Founded by CEO Shannon Houchins, the Nashville-based entertainment company focuses on a grassroots approach, availability of product and cross-promotional opportunities to expand artist visibility.
Average Joes and affiliated labels’ growing roster of artists and projects includes Colt Ford, The LACS, LoCash Cowboys, Bubba Sparxxx, JJ Lawhorn, Charlie Farley, Lenny Cooper, the Mud Digger Series, Moonshine Bandits, Demun Jones, Danny Boone, Daniel Lee, Sarah Ross, Twang and Round, and Redneck Social Club.
For more information, visit www.averagejoesent.com.