Connect with us
AfterShock Comics files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Comic Books

AfterShock Comics and Women of Color Unite team up for ‘Animus’

The world of ANIMUS is similar to our own, but there is one big difference: psychic abilities exist.

Press Release

AfterShock Comics has revealed a new partnership with Women of Color Unite (WOCU) to publish the graphic novel Animus. The graphic novel is created by women of color with diverse voices and unique writing styles. Women of Color Unite (WOCU), is an organization that focuses on fair access, fair treatment and fair pay for women of color in the entertainment and media industries.

This partnership was spearheaded by Aron Eli Coleite, writer/producer of Netflix’s Lock & Key, and Paramount’s Star Trek: Discovery. WOCU’s #StartWith8 Hollywood Edition program brings together the creative talents of L.C. Cruell, Manon de Reeper, Natasha M. Hall, Stephanie Johnson, Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, Joël René Scoville and Michelle Wilens under the mentorship of comic and TV/writer producer Coleite.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

“One of the core principles of our mission at AfterShock Comics is to cultivate a broad and diverse spectrum of creative talent – which is why ANIMUS is the perfect project for us to develop,” said Mike Marts, AfterShock Comics Editor-in-Chief in a statement sent to AIPT. “When Aron Eli Coleite presented us with the idea and the chance to work with Women of Color Unite, we jumped at the opportunity.”

“At WOCU we have a saying…. You aren’t an ally; you have to practice your allyship every day to be a co-conspirator,” said Cheryl L. Bedford, Women of Color Unite Founder. “Thankful for our co-conspirators: Aron Eli Coleite, his team, and AfterShock. I am so excited for these mentees and hope that #StartWith8 Hollywood Edition serves as a blueprint for what is truly possible in the entertainment industry as a whole.”

So what’s Animus about?

The world of ANIMUS is similar to our own, with similar problems: the economy, the environment, conflicts between nations, and countries leaning more and more to the political far right. In this world, there is one big difference: psychic abilities exist. Though rare, these gifts come in many forms including telepathy, telekinesis, healing and teleportation. But only women can possess them. These women are heroes, villains and vigilantes, CEOs, doctors, politicians, artists, soldiers, activists and even petty thieves. In ANIMUS, each has their own story and place in the world.

For more on this news, read the official press release below.

Los Angeles, CA (March 7, 2022)—Top independent comic publisher AfterShock Comics and social action organization Women of Color Unite (WOCU), which focuses on fair access, fair treatment and fair pay for women of color in the entertainment and media industries, announce a partnership to publish ANIMUS, the first-ever graphic novel created by women of color with diverse voices and unique writing styles.

WOCU’s #StartWith8 Hollywood Edition program brings together the creative talents of L.C. Cruell, Manon de Reeper, Natasha M. Hall, Stephanie Johnson, Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, Joël René Scoville and Michelle Wilens under the mentorship of comic and TV/writer producer Aron Eli Coleite (LOCKE & KEY, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY) to develop the story of ANIMUS.

“One of the core principles of our mission at AfterShock Comics is to cultivate a broad and diverse spectrum of creative talent – which is why ANIMUS is the perfect project for us to develop,” said Mike Marts, AfterShock Comics Editor-in-Chief. “When Aron Eli Coleite presented us with the idea and the chance to work with Women of Color Unite, we jumped at the opportunity.”

AfterShock Comics and Women of Color Unite team up for 'Animus'

“At WOCU we have a saying…. You aren’t an ally; you have to practice your allyship every day to be a co-conspirator,” said Cheryl L. Bedford, Women of Color Unite Founder. “Thankful for our co-conspirators: Aron Eli Coleite, his team, and AfterShock. I am so excited for these mentees and hope that #StartWith8 Hollywood Edition serves as a blueprint for what is truly possible in the entertainment industry as a whole.”

The world of ANIMUS is similar to our own, with similar problems: the economy, the environment, conflicts between nations, and countries leaning more and more to the political far right. In this world, there is one big difference: psychic abilities exist. Though rare, these gifts come in many forms including telepathy, telekinesis, healing and teleportation. But only women can possess them. These women are heroes, villains and vigilantes, CEOs, doctors, politicians, artists, soldiers, activists and even petty thieves. In ANIMUS, each has their own story and place in the world.

“We’re proud at AfterShock to have partnered with Women of Color Unite to work with talented writers to create a world unlike any other,” said Christina Harrington, AfterShock Comics Managing Editor. “Developing a story with a writer I haven’t worked with before is the best part of my job as a comic book editor, so to be able to work with so many talented women is a joy. I can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for this comic!”

“Almost two years ago I was inspired to join WOCU’S #StartWith8Hollywood because they challenged their mentors to do more than just offer advice, but make an impact,” said Aron Eli Coleite. “With the help of AfterShock Comics, Animus offered an opportunity to go beyond mentorship and give these writers an outlet to tell their unique stories.”

“AfterShock is thrilled to partner with Women of Color Unite to showcase the brilliance and creativity of these up-and-coming creators. This is a remarkable graphic novel presenting the works of incredible writers and we’re proud to publish it,” said Lee Kramer, AfterShock Comics President. “We feel honored that Aron Eli Coleite chose to bring this project to us and look forward to this collaboration – one that has so much potential to break new ground in comics and beyond.”

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Comic Books

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men' X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men'

X-Men Monday #244 – Christos Gage Talks ‘Weapon X-Men’

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Connect
Newsletter Signup