IDW Cancels Magdalene Visaggio’s Marilyn Manor and Other Black Crown Titles

IDW Publishing cancelled Magdalene Visaggio’s Marilyn Manor after the first issue along with other Black Crown imprint titles.

Marilyn Manor was part of IDW’s Black Crown imprint from Shelly Bond. The book was created by Magdalene Visaggio, Marley Zarcone, Irma Kiivila, and Tamra Bonvillain.

Here’s the official description of the first book, which hit comic book shelves in June:

“Where were you in ’81? When the White House goes dark for 17 days in August, the president’s spoiled daughter and her best friend Abe-who claims to be possessed by the spirit of Abe Lincoln-throw a rager at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, unearthing long dead historical figures and government secrets that are better off buried. Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll séances, and secret passageways lead to time-bending mystical romps where past and present collide. But at what cost to Marilyn Kelleher, the world at large, and music television?”

According to Comichron the book only shipped 3,300 copies to retailers.

Newsarama reports issues 2 through 4 along with the planned collected edition will no longer be published by IDW. (Related: IDW Publishing Has HUGE Third Quarter Loss)

IDW issued a statement regarding the cancellation:

“We deeply appreciate all the hard work that Magdalene Visaggio, Marley Zarcone, Irma Kniivila, Tamra Bonvillain, and Shelly Bond dedicated to Marilyn Manor, and the enthusiasm and support from the fans. Unfortunately, with heavy hearts, we are cancelling this project. We hope to have the opportunity to work with these talented creators on future projects.”

IDW’s Keith Davidson would also report to Bleeding Cool that the entire imprint is being cancelled:

“Working with Shelly Bond on the Black Crown line has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved. Her trademark enthusiasm and fierce dedication is evident in every captivating page of the Black Crown library, which will remain available to intrepid readers for years to come. While the current roster of Black Crown titles have come to a close, we wish Shelly great success on her exciting new ventures like the Hey, Amateur! comics anthology — which IDW will proudly serve as the publisher of its softcover edition.”

Bond had previously told Bleeding Cool they were looking to move away from monthly comics with the Black Crown imprint.

“Black Crown will evolve and continue to evolve to reach its readers, wherever they may be hiding. Right now the focus is shifting away from monthly comics, but Eve Stranger will conclude as planned and all the existing books will remain supported by IDW. Regarding Hey Amateur!, we’re following the successful business model that put Femme Magnifique in front of new readers. The exclusive hardcover is being crowdfunded and IDW will release the softcover next year.”

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