New publisher, THE LAB PRESS is breaking the mold with an unconventional approach to publishing—focusing exclusively on physical media with collectible high-quality OGN hardcovers. They’ve committed to graphic novels with original characters and stories while working with both established creators and emerging voices.
“The books are just spectacularly designed and looking at them will make you pause and really sit with the artwork. This is a level of quality usually reserved for omnibus and special editions,” says Editor-in-Chief Dagen Walker.
“You’ll remember reading these books,” Dagen continues. “In a time where everything seems fleeting and ephemeral, we’re designing our stories and our physical editions to be something you can create a lasting connection to.”
Desiring to be disruptive to the conventional approach to publishing comics, THE LAB PRESS is eschewing traditional single-issue releases and even digital formats, choosing instead, to sell their graphic novels exclusively to bookstores and comic shops. They are also forgoing the IP farming model by making stories with set runs from beginning to end, set with sustainable ideas, and ecologically conscious approaches.
“Our goal is to deliver exceptional, mind-blowing stories to a loyal group of readers who value quality and originality,” says Vice President of Business Development Diane Richey. “We’re just getting started on this journey and we’re hoping you’ll join us on it.”
“We like stories with beginnings, middles, and ends,” says CEO and Publisher Nicholas Kalikow. “We’re not going to release the first volume of a trilogy unless we’re fully committed to publishing the entire set. Readers, retailers, and creators deserve to have their time and investment rewarded.”
It will kick off next month with its hardcover edition of ESSENTIALS. The comic is co-written by novelist/actor Luke Arnold and Emmy-winning writer Chris “Doc” Wyatt, and it promises to be a standout debut.
Having previewed ESSENTIALS, I can confidently say it’s a visual and tactile delight. From Bill Sienkiewicz’s stunning premiere cover artwork to the premium clothbound slipcase and oversized hardcover format, every detail in this OGN has been thoughtfully designed. Heck, it’s even got that new comic book smell.
“Bill Sienkiewicz continues to push the boundaries of what comics can be with each new piece,” says THE LAB’s Chief Creative Officer Mike Zagari. “His art is brave and often subversive, which is why we’re thrilled to have one of his covers on every THE LAB book planned for 2025.”
This is just the beginning of what’s to come for THE LAB PRESS. The publisher has an exciting lineup for 2025 and plans to release four books this year. One book per each season, with SUPER SCIENCE announced as their next book to be released this May. If that weren’t enough, as a bonus, they will also be releasing this 99-cent introductory prologue chapter set to debut in April, perfectly timed for New Comic Book Day.
Let’s dive into the all of these newly announced titles for 2025.
Essentials
On Sale February 2025
Wake up! The world you see around you is not real. It’s a fabrication created for you, by you; built from your fears, your hopes, your miseries and your memories. This subjective reality will soon consume you completely and then all humanity will be lost. But don’t give up! Disgraced mathematician Harris Pax has teamed up with Buttons (an interdimensional being possessing his niece’s favorite toy) and they are here to set you free! And when it comes time to leave, please bring only the Essentials.
Writers: Luke Arnold & Chris “Doc” Wyatt
Interior Artists: Jason Howard, Vince Locke, Andrea Mutti, M.K. Perker,
Glenn Fabry, DaNi, Brendan McCarthy, Brad Simpson (Colors), Wesley Wong (Colors), Dee Cunniffe (Colors)
Cover Artists: Bill Sienkiewicz Edition, Glenn Fabry & Jordie Bellaire (Colors) Comic Shop Exclusive Edition
Additional Details: 176 Page Book, Ages 13+
Super Science
On Sale May 2025
In a world where imagination becomes reality, a global phenomenon grants ordinary people extraordinary scientific powers. Now, amidst a surge of emerging superheroes and supervillains, LAPD’s ‘Mad Scientist Division,’ led by no-nonsense Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and her idealistic partner Officer Jack Mantle, must navigate the chaos. With a blend of wit and wonder, the series unfolds, featuring manipulative industrialists, unlikely heroes, and a battle between genius and bumbling, shaping a sci-fi comedy of epic proportions.
Writer: Nicholas Kalikow
Interior Artist: M.K. Perker
Cover Artists: Bill Sienkiewicz Edition, Tula Lotay Comic Shop Exclusive Edition
Additional Details: 224 Page Book, Ages 13+
Hunger
On Sale July 2025
In 1896 Bombay under British rule, famine-stricken mutant Izna embraces her monstrous nature after discovering her mother’s death, seeking revenge against oppressive forces.
As she transforms into a half-human, half-mutant, half-beast creature, her insatiable hunger mirrors generational trauma, forging an inseparable link between the oppressed and oppressor in this graphic novel blending historical colonialism, supernatural horror, and themes of identity and empowerment.
Writer: Nihaarika Negi
Interior Artists: Joe Bocardo, José Villarrubia (colors)
Cover Artists: Bill Sienkiewicz Edition, WolfskullJack Comic Shop Exclusive Edition
Additional Details: 152 Page Book, Ages 13+
Creatures & Corridors
On Sale October 2025
In the summer of 1992, a forbidden role-playing game, Creatures & Corridors, takes a dark turn for five high school sophomores, warping reality into a nightmarish fantasy.
With orcs, tentacled horrors, and deadly traps, their living room, yard, and basement become a battleground. Now, they must navigate the game’s perilous challenges, playing for their lives under the sinister scrutiny of a devilish Gamemaster.
Writer: Brandon Auman
Interior Artist: Andrea Mutti
Cover Artists: Bill Sienkiewicz Edition, Gene Ha Comic Shop Exclusive Edition
Additional Details: 120 Page Story, Ages 13+