Alias Go's for a christian vision

[Soulless MW]

Alias Enterprises Re-defines Their Vision: Christian Comics are where it’s at!

October 3, 2006

La Mesa, CA – Mid-level publisher Alias Comics announced today that they will be focusing their publishing efforts in and around the Christian market.

In May of 2005, Alias comics opened its doors by launching 12 books into the comic book marketplace, cementing their place in history as the independent comic book company with the largest number of launch titles ever. Several of those books were Christian titles and the founders of Alias, Brett Burner and Mike S. Miller, made no bones about the fact that they were both Christians. “Yeah, we are Christians running a comic book company that is Christian friendly, though primarily secular in what we produce,” said Brett Burner at the time.

Since that time, however, Alias has garnered more and more interest from the Christian market and mainstream Christian publishers. From the work on Ted Dekker’s ‘Saint’, a promotional comic book produced and distributed for Thomas Nelson Publishing, to a 24 book deal with Zondervan publishing (www.zondervan.com), a division of Harper Collins, as well as plans to develop the popular Christian video series ‘Angel Wars’ into comic format (www.angelwars.com), it is clear that there is a bright future for Alias comics and comics in general in the Christian world. (For a look at Alias’ work on Ted Dekker’s SAINT, go to www.aliasenterprises.com/saint.htm)

“Most people don’t realize the quality of literary work produced in the Christian Market,” remarked Burner, who stated he has been reading almost exclusively from the market for over twenty years. “Stories like C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and the more recent success of the Left Behind series have shown that work in this genre can transcend to all audiences. There is fantastic action, adventure, mystery and romance, and with some stories, the supernatural takes shape as angels and demons clash in spiritual warfare.”

Talks with these and other Christian authors and publishers have pushed the young company into a direction they are perfectly willing to go. “We’re going ‘all-Christian,’” said Mike S. Miller, co-founder of Alias. “It’s just obvious that Alias needs to do this, and all the time and effort that goes into publishing other people’s work for the secular market is taking time and effort away from the work where Alias is finding the most success financially as well as spiritually.”

What does this mean for the ‘secular’ books that Alias produces? “Our ‘official’ change takes effect January 2007,” explains Burner. “We’ve made commitments to our studios to publish their series and mini-series through December 2006 (with the exception of the Bluewater ‘Lost Raven’ graphic novel releasing in February 2007 and the ‘Pistolfist’ mini-series concluding in March 2007). We’re going to help our studios find new homes for their books as much as we can. The last thing we want to do is leave them in the lurch after they’ve helped us become what we are today.”

And what of Miller’s own titles, such as Lullaby, The Imaginaries and Sixgun Samurai? “I’ll be making an announcement soon about where my own titles have landed,” concluded Miller.

ABOUT ALIAS ENTERPRISES, LLC

Based in La Mesa, California, Alias is a publishing company dedicated to bringing the world of comics to the world beyond the comic aquarium. Alias' goal is to publish excellent comics and reach new readers for the medium in the Christian market, as well as to reach all audiences with an appreciation for the genre.

[OutlawJW]

I didn't see Revere mentioned, any idea what might come of that title?:eek:

[innocentboy]

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[DonC]

will be interesting to see how this goes ...

Watching the Hindenberg crash was also interesting.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Watching the Hindenberg crash was also interesting.
"People lined up to see the Titanic sinking; instead, we rose from the ashes like a phoenix."

Well alright, maybe not in this case. ;)

That being said, am I wrong in assuming that when they write Christian, they actually mean "crazy gay-bashing millenium cult"?

[DonC]

"People lined up to see the Titanic sinking; instead, we rose from the ashes like a phoenix."

Well alright, maybe not in this case. ;)

That being said, am I wrong in assuming that when they write Christian, they actually mean "crazy gay-bashing millenium cult"?


Probably. I read one of Miller's "non-Christian" works a while back (I think it was called Immortal Two). Almost stopped reading the book. Literally. It was so preachy that I could not stand to read it. And it was only 22 pages long.

I have no problem with religion. Just don't bash me over the head with it. I'll bash back.

Needless to say, I won't be getting these books and I think the people behind Alias are letting their religion cloud their better judgement.

[Captain Jim]

That being said, am I wrong in assuming that when they write Christian, they actually mean "crazy gay-bashing millenium cult"?

I don't think that's fair.

[Captain Jim]

I think the people behind Alias are letting their religion cloud their better judgement.

Not necessarily. I'm sure they know what their sales have been in the direct market and what they've been in the Christian market. It's dang hard for a small publisher to compete in the former (as you know), but there's probably a lot of potential in the latter.

[the goddamn batman]

Naw, I think he's right about the gay-bashing cult.

I don't understand the 'christian' angle to mean much beyond agenda pushing.

I will not be even looking at these books.

[Captain Jim]

So, would some of you people who delight in calling names care to provide some evidence? Or are you just into bashing Christians?

[Brandon Hanvey]

Please try to remain civil and not make derogatory comments about other people's beliefs. You can disagree with their views and beliefs but do not insult them.

[DonC]

Not necessarily. I'm sure they know what their sales have been in the direct market and what they've been in the Christian market. It's dang hard for a small publisher to compete in the former (as you know), but there's probably a lot of potential in the latter.


If they can get their books into non-direct markets, this could be the smartest move they could make. How many millions of copies have the Left Behind series sold? The thing is, that's a big if. There was another Christian-themed comic company about 3 or 4 years ago that went under very fast.

I'm not religious, but I certainly with them good luck with their new direction. The thing is, I don't think it's going to be successful with non-believers. From what I've read of Miller's writing in the past, he's just too over-the-top. There is no subtly. Take, for example, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. You can read the book and not realize it is Christian-themed. The message is there, but you aren't hit over the head with it. I know this because I've read the book and still don't know what the Christian message was, but everyone says it's there. Miller's work hit me over the head with his message. And like I said, I don't care for stories like that.

And as for the homophobic remarks others are making, there was some controversy a while back involving Mike S. Miller making homophobic comments on various message boards.

According to this website, (http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/rage/113211991654130.htm) these were on Newsarama:

I don't particularly care what you choose to do with the information. The fact is that homosexuality, as in the acceptance and submittance to the desires and taking action to that end, is detrimental to your physical health. I won't even get into the emotional and spiritual issues, because they are based on faith.

So if you so choose to live 'out of the closet', just live there with your eyes wide open. The average homosexual male dies in his early 40's statistically. Where the average heterosexual male dies in his mid 70's.

I haven't said whether homosexuality is 'right ' or 'wrong'. Just stated the facts and repercussions of involving oneself in that lifestyle.

If you don't like those facts, well, then feel free to live in denial.

-----------------------

The problem is people think they should just give in to whatever urges or impulses they have. "If it weren't natural, I wouldn't have the desire", ________. People have all kinds of F***ed up urges and desires. There are people who like to molest children, who like to rape women, who like to kill and mutilate other human beings, animals, whatever. Somewhere, a line has to be drawn as to what is right and what is wrong. As a Bible-believing Christian, I draw that line at what the Bible says.

I may not be perfect when it comes to following what it says, but I do my best, and take solace in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ to forgive me when I slip up.

The parts about Miller and Alias start just past half-way down.

[Ivan Isaacs]

Funny how a thread about "Alias" often turns into "Bash Miller" within a few postings. Sure I had my debate with him over at Newsarama (because he believes that people who did porn/erotica comics - in this case Milo Manara - have no right to draw non-erotic comics anymore because children might look up his name and see the erotic work) but little people are trying to discuss these topics with him. They just bash.
But nobody is bashing Chuck Dixon whose also quite vocal when it comes to homosexuality.

That said I don't have any clue about the "Christian market". I don't live in America and I don't know how that works. But I don't think that Miller is stupid. Especially not if he tries to reach a wider audience after failing in the direct market.

[malephoenix]

Wow. I was so glad to see this thread (check out my profile; I'm trying to produce "Christian-safe" comics myself), but seeing the way people on this site treat Christians...

Just...wow...

[The Mirrorball Man]

Please try to remain civil and not make derogatory comments about other people's beliefs. You can disagree with their views and beliefs but do not insult them.
I'm sorry. I am a Christian, and I have to admit that whenever I see so-called "Christian entertainement" it's either about the end of the world or about how other people should burn in hell, and I think it's disturbing.

[Mike Bullock]

I'm sorry. I am a Christian, and I have to admit that whenever I see so-called "Christian entertainement" it's either about the end of the world or about how other people should burn in hell, and I think it's disturbing.


You should check out Angel Wars, then. It's about neither. www.angelwars.com

High adventure with a nice moral. Not preachy or hard line at all.

[Rob Imes]

I'm sorry. I am a Christian, and I have to admit that whenever I see so-called "Christian entertainement" it's either about the end of the world or about how other people should burn in hell, and I think it's disturbing.

That sounds like a caricature based on a very limited view of what's out there. If you check out the Christian section of a bookstore, or even of a place like Wal-Mart or Target, you'll see books which don't fit your description, and which may not even appear obviously Christian. For example, the novels of Janette Oak and Beverly Lewis, or Harlequin Romance's Christian imprint, Steeple Hill Books. "Christian entertainment" covers a wide range of genres and topics; theology tends to be general enough to be acceptable to all, regardless of denomination.

Having said that, I think it's unfortunate that Alias is going to pigeonhole themselves as exclusively a Christian publisher precisely because of the kind of reaction we've seen in this thread toward Christian publishing. I think a better strategy is a "VeggieTales" path: aim toward the secular audience as a "wholesome" product while at the same time allowing one's products to be sold and promoted in the Christian marketplace, too. The secular audience isn't going to find them if they are only available in Christian bookstores.

[The Mirrorball Man]

That sounds like a caricature based on a very limited view of what's out there. If you check out the Christian section of a bookstore, or even of a place like Wal-Mart or Target, you'll see books which don't fit your description, and which may not even appear obviously Christian. For example, the novels of Janette Oak and Beverly Lewis, or Harlequin Romance's Christian imprint, Steeple Hill Books. "Christian entertainment" covers a wide range of genres and topics; theology tends to be general enough to be acceptable to all, regardless of denomination.
Let me be perfectly clear here: there is no Christian section in bookstores here, not to mention no Wal-Mart and no Target, and the authors you're referring to were not translated. If I'm saying all that, it's also because I come from a place where the very concept of a Christian-specific market niche seems extremely weird.

[Rob Imes]

Let me be perfectly clear here: there is no Christian section in bookstores here, not to mention no Wal-Mart and no Target, and the authors you're referring to were not translated. If I'm saying all that, it's also because I come from a place where the very concept of a Christian-specific market niche seems extremely weird.

Ah, my apologies, I didn't notice that you were not in the U.S.

Well, the explanation of a "Christian-specific market niche" is pretty simple to explain. I guess it would be no more "weird" if one were to hear about novels published for a "Muslim-specific market niche" in the Islamic world. In America, there are a lot of people for whom their religious faith is an important part of their lives. These people look at the mainstream secular entertainment and sometimes feel that their way of life and worldview is either ignored, misunderstood, or mocked.

So, they may turn to Christian-themed entertainment to help recharge their faith, keep their focus on a biblical worldview that secular entertainment may not offer. This "alternative" Christian entertainment sub-culture began in the 1970s when it seemed that the mainstream secular entertainment was increasingly hostile or indifferent to traditional Christian views.

There is an ongoing argument among Christians about whether this Christian "sub-culture" has hurt or helped Christians in making a positive impact on the larger culture.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Well, the explanation of a "Christian-specific market niche" is pretty simple to explain. I guess it would be no more "weird" if one were to hear about novels published for a "Muslim-specific market niche" in the Islamic world. In America, there are a lot of people for whom their religious faith is an important part of their lives. These people look at the mainstream secular entertainment and sometimes feel that their way of life and worldview is either ignored, misunderstood, or mocked.
You know, I understand all that, I've lived in the U.S. for a short time, I understand where you're coming from, and I think you're making a very reasonable case here.
But I live in a country where 77% of the population call themselves "Christians" (although I'd say the real number is around 50%), and the first sentence of our Constitution is "In the name of Gold almighty", and yet apart from a handful of people, nobody feels the need for a Christian-specific niche market. What does that tell us? Honestly, I couldn't tell you, but I have a feeling it may be a relevant difference.

[Red Jack]

As a non-Christian American (raised in the US by one Christian parent and one Budhist) I have worked occasionally for Christian-themed companies. I'm all for it up to a point.

There's a disconnect between being proud of one's own faith, being devout, and considering oneself to be under seige simply because there are lots of folks who don't share your veiw. Mr. Miller is a bit of a fundamentalist in his beleifs and, if he wnts to focus his company's output toward likeminded people, he shouldn't be castigated for doing so. I personally think his veiw is nutty but he has every right to test that veiw in the marketplace.

The IS a lot of Revelations-based material out there because a lot of American Christians are more in the God Fearing column than in the God Loving. But there is also a lot of Lewis-esque material as well. It takes all kinds to make the world.

I'm totally fine with people in any benign subculture creating entertainment for themselves. Why not?

If one doesn't like Miller's veiwpoint or his output, simply ignore it. No need for hubbub, bub.

[shyguy]

If anyone is wary about this announcement, it's mostly Mike Miller's fault for doing things like being overly-preachy and spreading his own particular brand on loathsome homophobia over internet message boards.

This has the potential to be quite lucrative (and also the potential to quickly go under), but I doubt Alias will be getting rid of the stigma of being a part of the "Christian Market" anytime soon.