Radical Studios

{{short description|American multimedia studio}} {{Infobox company | name = Radical Studios | logo = Radical Comics logo | type = Private multimedia studio | foundation = 2007 | location = Los Angeles, California | industry = Film and publishing | products = Film and comics | parent = Blatant Entertainment, Inc. | divisions = Radical Publishing<br />Radical Pictures<br />Radical Comics<br />Radical Interactive<br />Radical Family | founders = Jesse Berger <br />Barry Levine | homepage = {{URL|http://radicalstudios.com/}} }}

'''Radical Studios''' is an American multimedia studio headquartered in Los Angeles, California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/401095-Radical_Plans_for_Comics_Books_Films.php |title=Radical Plans for Comics, Books, Films |work=Publishers Weekly |date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=March 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302023611/http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/401095-Radical_Plans_for_Comics_Books_Films.php |archive-date=March 2, 2010 }}</ref> It produces feature films, television, physical and digital publishing, merchandise, recorded music, digital and online media applications and mobile and social games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://radicalpublishing.com/about/ |title=About Radical &#124; Radical Studios, Inc.Radical Studios, Inc |publisher=Radicalpublishing.com |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref>

== History == Radical Publishing was founded in 2007 by Barry Levine, David Elliott, Jesse Berger, and Matthew Berger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.radicalcomics.com/labels/Aladdin.html|title=Septagon Studios spotlights Radical Publishing|last=Radical Publishing|date=August 4, 2008|publisher=Radical Comics|access-date=3 December 2009|archive-date=4 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804105502/http://blog.radicalcomics.com/labels/Aladdin.html|url-status=bot: unknown}} from original December 3, 2009.</ref><ref name="icv2.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/11126.html |title=Radical Publishing's Ambitious Agenda |publisher=ICv2 |date=2007-08-17 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/11126.html |title=Radical Publishing's Ambitious Agenda |publisher=Webcitation.org |access-date=2014-07-23 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831081336/http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/11126.html |archive-date=August 31, 2009 }}</ref>

The company launched its first titles, ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars'' and ''Caliber: First Canon of Justice'', in May 2008.<ref name="Comic Book Resources">Glazer, Gianluca, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110614011322/http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=211179 Radical Publishing Set To Debut Their First Titles In May, 2008]" (press release), Comic Book Resources, April 23, 2008, accessed December 3, 2009. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110614011322/http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=211179 Archived] from original December 3, 2009.</ref> The company was awarded the 2008 Diamond Gem Award for New Comic Book Publisher of the Year from Diamond Comic Distributors for its first two titles, which enjoyed sellout releases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1013?articleID=79772 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215200248/http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1013?articleID=79772 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |title=Scoop - Where the Magic of Collecting Comes Alive! - Radical Receives Diamond GEM Award |publisher=Scoop.diamondgalleries.com |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref>

In May 2009 Elliott was replaced by new Editor-in-Chief David Wohl.<ref>Staff, "[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21263 David Wohl Named New Radical Comic EiC]" (press release), Comic Book Resources, May 19, 2009, accessed December 3, 2009. [http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21263 Archived] December 3, 2009.</ref><ref name=cbr22588>{{cite web |first=Shaun |last=Manning |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22588 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820054256/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22588 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 20, 2009 |title=David Wohl Discusses New Role as Radical's EiC |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2010 }}</ref> In September 2010, the company rebranded itself as Radical Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/01/31/radical-publishing-becomes-radical-studios-values-itself-at-84000000/ |title=Radical Publishing Becomes Radical Studios, Values Itself At $84,000,000 (BleediLeaks) - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News |publisher=Bleedingcool.com |date=2011-01-31 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref>

In 2011, the company reduced its overall staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/09/21/four-names-off-the-masthead-at-radical-publishing/ |title=Four Names Off The Masthead At Radical Publishing - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News |publisher=Bleedingcool.com |date=2011-09-21 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> In January, 2012 David Wohl announced that he was leaving the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/13/david-wolh-no-longer-editor-chief-of-radical-entertainment/ |title=David Wolh No Longer Editor In Chief Of Radical Entertainment - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News |publisher=Bleedingcool.com |date=2012-01-13 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> Shortly after, the company removed their title ''Under the Faerie Moon'' from Free Comic Book Day<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/02/14/radical-publishing-drops-out-of-free-comic-book-day/ |title=Radical Publishing Drops Out Of Free Comic Book Day - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News |publisher=Bleedingcool.com |date=2012-02-14 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> and cancelled the release of ''Damaged'' issue 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/news/diamond-distribution-cancellations-for-may-2013 |title=Diamond Distribution Cancellations for May 2013 |publisher=ComicList |date=2013-04-12 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref>

In March 2012, the company began production on the movie ''Oblivion'' with Universal Pictures, based on an unpublished book created by director Joseph Kosinski, starring Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough, Olga Kurylenko and Melissa Leo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/melissa-leo-joins-tom-cruise-pic-oblivion-248298/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829235718/http://deadline.com/2012/03/melissa-leo-joins-tom-cruise-pic-oblivion-248298/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2014|title=Melissa Leo Joins Tom Cruise Pic 'Oblivion'|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=2012-03-23|newspaper=Deadline|access-date=2017-02-18|language=en-US}}</ref> The film opened #1 at the box office on April 19, 2013, generating $38.5 million in its US opening weekend.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/tom-cruises-oblivion-late-shows-gross-1-1m-479081/|title=Costly 'Oblivion' $13.3M Friday And $38.5M Weekend: Tom Cruise's Bigger Openings|last=Finke|first=Nikki|date=2013-04-20|newspaper=Deadline|access-date=2017-02-18|language=en-US}}</ref> The film went on to generate $89 million in the US box office and $198 million internationally, for a global cumulative gross of $287 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Oblivion-(2013)#tab=summary|title=Oblivion (2013) - Financial Information|newspaper=The Numbers|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref>

In February 2013, the company raised $3m in equity from Los Angeles-based production company Wolfiskin Productions, to help expand its digital strategy and licensing capabilities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/comicbook-publisher-radical-studios-raises-3-million-1118065648/|title=Comicbook publisher Radical Studios raises $3 million|last=Abrams|first=Rachel|date=2013-02-04|newspaper=Variety|access-date=2017-02-18|language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2013, the company started production on ''Hercules'', with MGM and Paramount Pictures, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, based on the Radical Comics' series ''Hercules: The Thracian Wars''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.comicmix.com/2013/06/10/paramount-mgm-begin-production-on-hercules/|title=Paramount & MGM Begin Production on Hercules|last=Greenberger|first=Robert|date=2013-06-10|website=ComicMix|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> The movie opened at #2 in the box office on July 25, 2014, generating $29.8M in its US opening weekend.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/07/box-office-preview-lucy-to-outpower-hercules-and-apes-809069/|title=Box Office Final: 'Lucy' In The Sky At $43.9M; 'Hercules' At $29.8M; Top 20 Listed|last=Busch|first=Anita|date=2014-07-28|newspaper=Deadline|access-date=2017-02-18|language=en-US}}</ref> The film went on to generate $72 million in the US box office and $170 million internationally, for a global cume of $243 million.

In November 2018, the company started production on The Last Days of American Crime with Netflix and Mandalay Pictures, starring Édgar Ramírez, Anna Brewster, Michael Pitt, and Sharlto Copley, based on the Radical Comics' series created by Rick Remender. The film was directed by Olivier Megaton, based on a screenplay written by Karl Gajdusek, and produced by Jesse Berger through Radical Studios, Jason Michael Berman through Mandalay Pictures, Barry Levine and Kevin Turen.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |title=Edgar Ramirez in Talks for Netflix Thriller 'The Last Days of American Crime' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/edgar-ramirez-talks-netflix-film-last-days-american-crime-1130311 |access-date=July 27, 2018 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 27, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727194007/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/edgar-ramirez-talks-netflix-film-last-days-american-crime-1130311 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kroll|first1=Justin|title=Anna Brewster, Sharlto Copley and Michael Pitt Join Netflix's 'Last Days of American Crime' (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/anna-brewster-sharlto-copley-michael-pitt-netflixs-last-days-of-american-crime-exclusive-1202983426/|access-date=October 22, 2018|work=Variety|date=October 17, 2018|language=en|archive-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103182553/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/anna-brewster-sharlto-copley-michael-pitt-netflixs-last-days-of-american-crime-exclusive-1202983426/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Last Days of American Crime'' was released digitally by Netflix on June 5, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/edgar-ramirez-the-last-days-of-american-crime-netflix-release-date/|title=Exclusive: 'The Last Days of American Crime' Set for Summer Release on Netflix|website=Collider|first=Jeff|last=Sneider|date=March 27, 2020|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328143223/https://collider.com/edgar-ramirez-the-last-days-of-american-crime-netflix-release-date/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the top-watched film on Netflix in its first weekend.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Box Office: The Weekend's Most-Watched New Movie Sits At 0% On Rotten Tomatoes|url=https://uproxx.com/movies/last-days-of-american-crime-box-office-the-help/|last=Roweles|first=Dustin|website=Uproxx|date=June 7, 2020|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607223813/https://uproxx.com/movies/last-days-of-american-crime-box-office-the-help/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Film ==

Stemming from its start as a comic book publisher, and in regards to its comics, Radical founder Barry Levine stated that "each title is built with the assumption the comic book will eventually land on the big screen." These tools are used to attract film directors and other talent for attachment to a project during the development process.<ref>{{Citation|last=Stecker|first=Joshua|title=Radical Publishing: What do you do for fun after a career of photographing rock stars? | pages=73–75|newspaper=Script Magazine|date=May–June 2009}}</ref> Lastly, Radical sometimes employs the comic's series writer to draft an initial screenplay of their work as a part of the film pitch package presented to studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/41998 |title=Bug talks with Radical Comics' Barry Levine|publisher=Ain’t It Cool|access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref> Using these strategies, Radical has attracted various Hollywood talent and studios to their projects.

[[File:Darren Bousman SDCC2009.png|thumb|300px| Film director Darren Bousman at SDCC 2009 with '''Radical Comics''']]

=== Released films ===

* ''Oblivion'' (2013): Director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy) brought this original concept to Radical and is now a major motion picture co-written and directed by Kosinski, and produced and released by Universal Pictures, based on the never published illustrated novel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/01/20/tron-legacy-director-offers-oblivion-update/#more-28090|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122163838/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/01/20/tron-legacy-director-offers-oblivion-update/#more-28090|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2010|title='Tron Legacy' Director Offers 'Oblivion' Update |publisher=MTV News|access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020908-Radical.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210163512/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020908-Radical.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2009|title= NYCC '09 - New Projects, New Format: The Radical Panel|publisher=Newsarama|access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i4e32728fe86b6c0471bf0cd6c8abe03f|title=Tron Legacy Director into 'Oblivion'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2010-03-23|first=Borys|last=Kit|date=July 29, 2009}}</ref> It stars Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo, Zoë Bell, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://collider.com/olga-kurylenko-andrea-riseborough-tom-cruise-sci-fi/|title=Olga Kurylenko and Andrea Riseborough Join Tom Cruise in Untitled Sci-Fi Pic|publisher=Collider.com|date=January 19, 2012|access-date=March 21, 2012|author=Trumbore, Dave}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/tom-cruise-oblivion-release-date/|title=Universal Moves Sci-Fi Film OBLIVION Starring Tom Cruise Up to April 26, 2013|publisher=Collider.com|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=March 21, 2012|author=Chitwood, Adam}}</ref> Regarding the status of the never released illustrated novel, Kosinski told Empire Magazine "I don't have any plans to do it right now. To me it's feels like it's in the rear-view mirror, you know? It's like part of the development process. The film is the end result. But never say never. Maybe at some point it will be fun to go back and show the steps and the journey."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/04/12/oblivion-based-on-the-non-existing-graphic-novel/ |title=Oblivion, Based On The Non-Existing Graphic Novel - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News|publisher=Bleedingcool.com|date=2013-04-12|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''Hercules'' (2014): Director Brett Ratner is attached to produce and direct. A co-production of Radical Studios, MGM and Paramount Pictures. The script is written by Evan Spiliotopoulos and Ryan Condal based upon the comic series created by Radical Publishing and written by Steve Moore.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jeff Sneider |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/dwayne-johnson-signs-on-as-hercules-1118051078/|title=Dwayne Johnson signs on as Hercules|publisher=Variety |date=2012-03-05|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> The lead role has been cast with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wales|first=George|url=http://www.totalfilm.com/news/dwayne-johnson-to-play-brett-ratner-s-hercules|title=Dwayne Johnson to play Brett Ratner's Hercules|publisher=TotalFilm.com|date=2012-02-24|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> Aksel Hennie is cast in the role of Tydeus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dwayne-johnsons-hercules-headhunters-star-422925|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Borys|last=Kit|title='Headhunters' Star Joining Dwayne Johnson in 'Hercules' (Exclusive)}}</ref> Rufus Sewell is cast as Autolycus.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike|url=https://deadline.com/2013/03/rufus-sewell-joining-dwayne-johnson-in-mgms-hercules-458279/|title=Rufus Sewell Cast In 'Hercules' Movie With Dwayne Johnson|publisher=Deadline Hollywood |date=2013-03-20|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> Ian McShane has been cast as Amphiarus, part priest, part prophet and part warrior who is Hercules' counselor. Also joining are Joseph Fiennes, John Hurt and Rebecca Ferguson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ian-mcshane-joins-dwayne-johnson-430270|title=Ian McShane Joins Dwayne Johnson in 'Hercules' for MGM and Paramount (Exclusive) - Hollywood Reporter|publisher=M.hollywoodreporter.com|date=2013-03-21|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''Abattoir'' (2016): Darren Lynn Bousman is attached to write and direct a film based on the 6-issue miniseries).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/bousman-to-bloody-up-abattoir-1118006302/|title=Bousman to bloody up 'Abattoir'|work=Variety|access-date=2010-03-23|first=Michael|last=Fleming|date=July 21, 2009}}</ref> * ''The Last Days of American Crime'' (2020): In 2009, Sam Worthington was originally attached to produce and star in ''The Last Days of American Crime''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/commercialvideo-wiz-anthony-mandler-to-helm-the-last-days-of-american-crime-243055/|title=Commercial & Video Wiz Anthony Mandler To Helm 'The Last Days Of American Crime'|publisher=Deadline Hollywood |date=2012-03-12|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> In 2013 it was announced that Worthington was no longer involved with the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstshowing.net/2012/last-days-of-american-crime-gets-new-director-loses-worthington/|title='Last Days of American Crime' Gets New Director, Loses Worthington|publisher=FirstShowing.net|date=2012-03-13|access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> The film was ultimately made with Édgar Ramírez in the lead role and directed by Olivier Megaton.

=== Films in development ===

* ''Freedom Formula: Ghost of the Wasteland'': Bryan Singer has been attached to direct, with production through Singer's Bad Hat Harry Productions. The rights to the film adaptation are licensed to New Regency Productions.<ref name="Publishers Weekly">{{cite web|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/401095-Radical_Plans_for_Comics_Books_Films.php|title=Radical Plans for Comics, Books, Films|publisher=Publishers Weekly|access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/03/24/freedom-formula-adaptation-gets-official-with-new-regency-bryan-singer/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326133539/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/03/24/freedom-formula-adaptation-gets-official-with-new-regency-bryan-singer/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 26, 2009|title='Freedom Formula' Adaptation Gets Official With New Regency & Bryan Singer|publisher=MTV News|access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Boueher|first=Geoff|title=Hero Complex: Comics pitch|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=December 13, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Stecker|first=Joshua|title=Radical Publishing: What do you do for fun after a career of photographing rock stars?|newspaper=Script Magazine|date=May–June 2009}}</ref><ref name="Fleming">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/radical-gets-help-from-singapore-co-1117993717/|title= Radical gets help from Singapore co.: Graphic novel publisher inks film financing deal|work=Variety|access-date=2010-03-23|first=Michael|last=Fleming|date=October 9, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2008/12/radical-comics.html|title=Hero Complex: Barry Levine and his Radical plan in Hollywood|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2010-03-23|date=December 7, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22299|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730020523/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22299|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 30, 2009|title=CCI: RADICAL'S NEW COMICS, FILMS|publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref> *''Shrapnel'': Len Wiseman (Underworld) has been attached to direct and produce a film adaptation, but dropped out. Hilary Swank will star and produce the movie with Sean Daniel and Radical Pictures from a script by Toby Wagstaff.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sneider|first1=Jeff|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/hilary-swank-grabs-hold-of-shrapnel-1118040190/|title=Hilary Swank grabs hold of 'Shrapnel'|date=20 July 2011|publisher=Variety|access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref> *''Damaged'': Sam Worthington and John Schwarz will star in the film adaptation with Worthington producing.<ref>{{cite web|author1=SuperHeroHype|title=Worthington Teams Up with Radical for Damaged|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/103230-sam-worthington-gets-damaged|date=1 July 2010|website=SuperHeroHype|access-date=3 August 2017}}</ref>

== Publishing == thumb|Radical Comics logo The company launched its first comic titles, Hercules and Caliber, in May 2008 as 5-issue mini-series and debuted as the #7 comic book company in North American comic book shops in market share based on a monthly report by ICV2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?211179-Radical-Publishing-Set-To-Debut-Their-First-Titles-In-May-2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319195543/http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?211179-Radical-Publishing-Set-To-Debut-Their-First-Titles-In-May-2008 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 19, 2012 |title=CBR Community |publisher=Forums.comicbookresources.com |date=2014-04-30 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> Rather than the superheroes typical of Marvel and DC Comics, Radical's titles focus on retellings of iconic fictional characters,<ref>{{Citation | last = Stecker | first = Joshua | title = Radical Publishing: What do you do for fun after a career of photographing rock stars? | pages = 70–75 | newspaper = Script Magazine | date = May–June 2009}}</ref> mythology, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, supernatural themes, and genre-based crime.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/12/radical-publishing-raises-the-bar-on-comics/ |title= Radical Publishing Raises the Bar on Comics |publisher=Wired Magazine |access-date=2010-03-23 |first=Jonathan H. |last=Liu |date=December 1, 2009}}</ref> Radical releases comics first as miniseries, and then combines these miniseries into paperback collections. Radical's strategy in the comic book business is to create properties that feature painted art and "great stories that will appeal to the fans and the marketplace as a whole."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=10892 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205825/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=10892 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |title=Radical Publishing to Debut at San Diego Comic-Con |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref><ref name="publishersweekly.com">{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Calvin |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/print/20090112/9579-radical-plans-for-comics-books-films.html |title=Radical Plans for Comics, Books, Films |publisher=Publishersweekly.com |date=2009-01-12 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> Many of Radical's titles are published in a larger 48-page form, rather than the industry standard 22-page format. Radical comics are distributed in both mass market stores and specialized comic book shops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22299 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730020523/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22299 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 30, 2009 |title=CCI: RADICAL'S NEW COMICS, FILMS |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2010-03-23}}</ref> by Diamond Comic Distributors of North America.<ref name="publishersweekly.com"/> At one point Radical had a distribution deal for mass market stores in the United States and Canada by Random House.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/15900.html |title=Radical Goes With Random House |publisher=ICv2 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> However, the company rejoined Diamond Comic Distributors in 2011. As of 2012, Radical has published 20 different titles and is currently distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31776 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924045956/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31776 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |title=Radical Publishing Rejoins Diamond Book Distributors |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> Currently, Radical has not released any new comics or graphic novels since the release of ''Damaged'' issue 5 on February 1, 2012. The final issue of ''Damaged'' has since been cancelled.

The company has released a number of titles: * ''Hercules'' (by Steve Moore): ** ''The Thracian Wars'', a 5-issue limited series<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19043 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206005153/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19043 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |title=Moore Talks "Hercules: The Thracian Wars" |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> ** ''The Knives of Kush'', a 5-issue limited series, with Cris Bolsin<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21202 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516183116/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21202 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 16, 2009 |title=Steve Moore on Hercules: The Knives of Kush |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''Caliber''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16290 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506171735/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=16290 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |title=Arthur & The Knights of the OK Corral: Sarkar talks "Caliber" |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''City of Dust'' by Steve Niles, Zid and Brandon Chng<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110813-CityDust-Art.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910122303/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110813-CityDust-Art.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |title=Designing the City of Dust - Artists Zid & Chng Spill |publisher=Newsarama.com |date=2008-11-13 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''Shrapnel'' by Mark Long, Nick Sagan, M. Zachary Sherman and Bagus Hutomo<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18836 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010074114/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18836 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |title=Kai talks Radical's Sci-Fi Epic "Shrapnel" |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110807-Shrapnel.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112110705/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/110807-Shrapnel.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 12, 2008 |title=Sagan & Long on Radical's 'Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising' |publisher=Newsarama.com |date=2008-11-07 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead'' by Warren Ellis and Steve Pugh<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stevepugh.com/gallery/page4.html |title=Hotwire gallery |publisher=Stevepugh.com |access-date=2011-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19216 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219101932/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19216 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 19, 2008 |title=Steve Pugh, Warren Ellis create "Hotwire" for Radical |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''FVZA: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency'' by David Hine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/030919-FVZA.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904181418/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/030919-FVZA.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |title=Zombies, Vampires and U.S. History?? David Hine on 'FVZA' |publisher=Newsarama.com |date=2009-03-19 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref> * ''Incarnate'' by Nick Simmons<ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Rodriguez |url=http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/124838253365689.htm |title=Nick Simmons: Bringing the Revenants to Life |publisher=Comics Bulletin |date=July 23, 2009 |access-date=August 16, 2009 |archive-date=July 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726165217/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/124838253365689.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> * ''Legends: The Enchanted'' by Nick Percival.<ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Sunu |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23743 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119062638/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23743 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 19, 2009 |title=Nick Percival creates Legends |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=November 17, 2009 |access-date=November 24, 2009 }}</ref> * ''Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost'' by Dave Elliott,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.radicalcomics.com/labels/Aladdin.html|title=Newsarama covers the Radical Comic-Con 2008 panel |last=Hoffman|first=Carla|date=August 6, 2008|publisher=Radical Comics|access-date=3 December 2009}}</ref> Ian Edginton, Patrick Reilly and Stjepan Sejic<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Arrant |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091125-Aladdin-Radical.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128101511/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091125-Aladdin-Radical.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 28, 2009 |title=A Radical Interpretation of ALADDIN |publisher=Newsarama |date=November 25, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Sunu |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23880 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204223031/http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23880 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |title=Edginton Ignites "Aladdin's" Lamp |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=December 1, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2009 }}</ref> * ''The Last Days of American Crime'' by Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini<ref>{{cite web|first=Shaun|last=Manning|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22621|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821170544/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22621|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 21, 2009|title=Remender's "Last Days of American Crime"|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=August 20, 2009|access-date=March 1, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Arrant |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091028-Last-Days-Of-American-Crime.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031111617/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091028-Last-Days-Of-American-Crime.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 31, 2009 |title=You Will Be Brainwashed Into Compliance in "LAST DAYS" |publisher=Newsarama |date=October 28, 2009 |access-date=March 1, 2010 }}</ref> *''After Dark'' created by Antoine Fuqua & Wesley Snipes, written by Peter Milligan and illustrated by Jeff Netrup

===Reprints=== They also used to collect and reprint works previously published elsewhere: * ''Cholly and Flytrap'' by Arthur Suydam<ref>{{cite web |first=Shaun |last=Manning |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503013935/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21000 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 3, 2009 |title=Arthur Suydam on "Cholly & Flytrap" |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=April 29, 2009 |access-date=November 3, 2009}}</ref> * ''The Lords of Misrule'' by John Tomlinson, Dan Abnett, Steve White, Gary Erskine and Peter Snejbjerg, recoloured by J. M. Ringuet<ref>[http://comicnews.info/?p=6915] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130190352/http://comicnews.info/?p=6915 |date=January 30, 2010 }}</ref>

== Awards == Radical received the 2008 Diamond Gem Award for New Comic Book Publisher of the Year from Diamond Comic Distributors. Diamond Comic Distributors is recognized as the premier comic book distributor in North America. The awards are voted on by the comic book store retailers, and are based on the overall impact of the publisher on the industry, taking into account sales performance, quality and creativity.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19828 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215055231/http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19828 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |title=Radical Publishing named Diamond's "Best New Publisher" for 2008 |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Adler |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19955 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210071243/http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19955 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 10, 2009 |title=NYCC: Radical Publishing |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=February 8, 2009 |access-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/10639.htm/ |title= 2008 GEM Award Winners Announced |publisher=Major Spoilers |date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

''Legends: The Enchanted'' won the HorrorNews Net award for Best Original Graphic Novel 2010.<ref>[http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=14929&f=1 2010]</ref>

''Legends: The Enchanted'' was nominated for an Eagle Award for Favourite Single Story 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/03/14/eagle-awards-nominations-announced-2/ |title=Eagle Awards Nominations Announced - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News |publisher=Bleedingcool.com |date=2011-03-14 |access-date=2014-07-23}}</ref>

==Legal== In July 2009, it was reported that Elliott had filed a lawsuit against Radical Publishing's parent company, Blatant Entertainment. The lawsuit cited disagreements over unpaid wages, as well as contract and copyright disputes as reasoning behind the action.<ref>{{cite web |first=Eriq |last=Gardner |url=http://www.thresq.com/2009/07/comic-books-copyright-.html |title=Radical lawsuit hits comic book powerhouse |work=The Hollywood Reporter, Esq. |date=July 22, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2009 |archive-date=July 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726090352/http://www.thresq.com/2009/07/comic-books-copyright-.html |url-status=bot: unknown }} December 3, 2009.</ref>

In early 2010, Radical Publishing had to halt publication of Nick Simmons' series ''Incarnate'' following accusations of plagiarism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Melrose |first=Kevin |url=https://www.cbr.com/radical-halts-nick-simmons-incarnate-amid-claims-of-plagiarism-updated/ |title=Radical Halts Nick Simmons' Incarnate amid Claims of Plagiarism |work=Robot 6 |publisher=Comic Book Resources |date=February 25, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2010 |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419233448/http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/02/radical-halts-nick-simmons-incarnate-amid-claims-of-plagiarism/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ann1>{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-25/nick-simmons-incarnate-halted-over-alleged-bleach-plagiarism |title=Nick Simmons' ''Incarnate'' Halted Over Alleged Bleach Plagiarism (Updated) |publisher=Anime News Network |date=February 25, 2010 |access-date=February 25, 2010 }}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Sources {{Refbegin}} *{{gcdb publisher|id=4589|title=Radical Comics}} *{{comicbookdb|type=publisher|id=3122|title=Radical Comics}} {{Refend}}

==External links== * {{official website|http://radicalpublishing.com}}

{{Radical Comics}} {{Comic book publishers in North America navbox}}

Category:Radical Comics Category:American companies established in 2007 Category:Film production companies based in California Category:Privately held companies based in Los Angeles