As reported by Forbes, AfterShock Comics has merged with reality TV distributor Rive Gauche to form a new company, AfterShock Media. AfterShock Comics is an American comic book publisher launched in 2015. AfterShock is described as a “hybrid comic book company combining the creative edge of an independent comic book publisher with the strengths and experience of a traditional powerhouse. This announcement is the latest in comics-media merger news as independent comic publishing houses expand their media capabilities into film, television, streaming, games, podcasting and other emerging channels.

AfterShock Comics is home to several best-selling comic series including Animosity, Dark Red, Babyteeth and A Walk Through Hell, plus new work such as We Live (by the Miranda Brothers) and Miles to Go (written by B. Clay Moore). 

Rive Gauche is best known for unscripted series such as Homicide Hunter, Something’s Killing Me, Very Scary People, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Ice Cold Killer, My Strange Addiction, and My Crazy Obsession. Both companies are helmed by CEO Jon Kramer, who will assume CEO duties for the combined company.

“The significance of this strategic union cannot be understated because our ground-breaking, diverse comic IP will now have a team to support and drive its growth into TV, film, gaming and podcasts, fueled by the development, production and distribution of both scripted and unscripted content,” said Kramer. “Rive Gauche and I were looking for a way to reenter the scripted space because we saw an insatiable appetite with the proliferation of channels.”

“AfterShock Comics proved to be the perfect vehicle offering IP beyond capes and tights, instead spanning many different popular genres,” said Kramer. “Rive Gauche is committed to maintaining the caliber of unscripted programming it’s known for, by identifying and responding to industry trends and demands, while aiming to be just as quality-driven and relevant with scripted programming creation and distribution.”

Lee Kramer is set to head up the AfterShock Film & TV division as President of Film & TV for Rive Gauche while AfterShock Comics will continue to be led by Editor-in-Chief Mike Marts, CCO/Publisher Joe Pruett and President Lee Kramer.

For a full catalog of AfterShock Comics titles, click here.