Independent publisher Hero Tomorrow Comics has secured a new imprint and distribution agreement with Asylum Press, marking the label’s formal return to comic shop shelves.
The partnership establishes a new pipeline for the connected Hero Tomorrow Universe following an extended publishing hiatus that began when the previous distributor, Diamond Comics, experienced death and warehouse seizure. Under the new arrangement, titles will be distributed to retail networks via Lunar Distribution.
The inaugural release under this joint venture is Punchline and the Vaude-Villains vs Violante #1, a double-sized crossover comic book scheduled to arrive in comic shops on 5 August 2026. The project brings together creators based in Los Angeles and Cleveland to kickstart a wider publishing strategy. This roadmap includes upcoming trade paperback editions of previously cult-hit series such as Bloom, as well as a deluxe origin edition of Tap Dance Killer.
Expanding the shared universe
Ted Sikora, the Cleveland-based filmmaker and writer who serves as the architect of the Hero Tomorrow line, has built a catalogue that has moved more than 100,000 units since its launch in 2016. His fictional universe features interconnected characters originally derived from alternative media projects, including the horror stage musical Nothing Like Vaudeville.
The upcoming launch title, Punchline and the Vaude-Villains vs Violante #1, features a 34-page central story focusing on Drayton Hayes, a heavyweight boxer transformed into a super-powered clown, alongside a 7-page prequel comic. The artistic team includes illustrators Yvel Guichet and Donny Hadiwidjaja, with colours and letters handled directly by Ted Sikora. Retailers face an initial order deadline of 25 June 2026, with the Final Order Cut-off date locked for 29 June 2026.
Frank Forte, Publisher at Asylum Press, said in a statement,
I’m excited to add the Hero Tomorrow line of comics to the Asylum Press library. Ted has created an action-packed shared universe of characters that has a built-in fanbase, and our goal will be to expand readership, publish new titles as well as collected TPB editions of previously published singles and mini-series.”
Industry veterans combine forces
The collaboration pairs two creators with extensive backgrounds across alternative print media and Hollywood production. Frank Forte, who also operates as the editor-in-chief of Heavy Metal Magazine, possesses an extensive film storyboard portfolio including work on The Nun 2, Lovecraft Country, and Bob’s Burgers. His own publishing imprint, Asylum Press, has focused heavily on dark science fiction and horror anthologies like Zombie Terrors and Asylum of Horrors since 1999.
Ted Sikora, President at Hero Tomorrow Comics, said in a statement,
Frank Forte’s resume, which spans beyond comics to film, storyboard art, and gallery shows, has always impressed me. We’ve both been running our own companies for over forty years collectively. It’s been amazing to have his insights applied to our label. Comics aside, we can talk for hours about our favorite bronze age Marvels and the first six Van Halen albums. I’m honored to be partnering with such a talented kindred spirit.”
The arrangement signals a broader trend of independent comic labels pooling resources and leveraging specialised distribution networks like Lunar to maintain a retail presence beyond traditional, single-channel distribution.
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