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Panini Comics is an Italian
comic book A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are of ...
publisher. A division of
Panini Group Panini is an Italian company that produces books, comics, magazines, stickers, trading cards and other items through its collectibles and publishing subsidiaries. It is headquartered in Modena, Italy, and named after the Panini brothers who found ...
, which also produces collectable stickers, it is headquartered in
Modena Modena (, , ; egl, label=Emilian language#Dialects, Modenese, Mòdna ; ett, Mutna; la, Mutina) is a city and ''comune'' (municipality) on the south side of the Po Valley, in the Province of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern I ...
,
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...
. The company publishes comic books in
Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...
,
Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
,
Chile Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Antarctica, occupying a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east a ...
,
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
,
Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
,
Hungary Hungary ( hu, Magyarország ) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia a ...
,
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...
,
Mexico Mexico (Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatema ...
,
Portugal Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic ( pt, República Portuguesa, links=yes ), is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of ...
,
Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , i ...
and the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
, as well as
manga Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
in several non-English-speaking countries through the ''Planet Manga'' publishing division. In the United Kingdom, Panini Comics prints its Collectors' Edition (CE) line, which consists of reprints of Marvel US Comics. These are usually 76 pages long (with the occasional 100 page special). Each comic is published every 28 days, with the exception of ''
Astonishing Spider-Man ''The Astonishing Spider-Man'' was a comic book series published fortnightly in the United Kingdom by Panini Comics as part of Marvel UK's 'Collectors Edition' line. It reprinted selected Spider-Man stories and material from the American comic ...
'' which has been published fortnightly since volume 2.


History


Italy and international

Panini Comics started as an evolution of "Marvel Italia", an Italian division of
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
created in 1994 to publish Marvel titles in
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...
, the rights to which had been previously held by different publishers (Star Comics, Comic Art, Play Press and Max Bunker Press). In December 1994, Marvel Italia was absorbed by Edizioni Panini of Modena, following the acquisition of the latter by Marvel Comics. Panini Comics in Italy has since evolved to encompass a series of sub-divisions: * Marvel Italia, publishing translations of main Marvel Comics' US series * Cult Comics, publishing translations of US comics not of Marvel origin (including
Image Comics Image Comics is an American comic book publisher and is the third largest comic book and graphic novel publisher in the industry in both unit and market share. It was founded in 1992 by several high-profile illustrators as a venue for creator-ow ...
,
Dynamite Entertainment Dynamite Entertainment is an American comic book publisher founded by Nick Barrucci in 2004 at Mount Laurel, New Jersey. It is best known as the owners of '' The Boys'' franchise across several IP medias. Dynamite primarily publishes adaptation ...
,
Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics is an American comic book, graphic novel, and manga publisher founded in Milwaukie, Oregon by Mike Richardson in 1986. The company was created using funds earned from Richardson's chain of Portland, Oregon comic book shops known ...
) as well as original Italian comics * Planet Manga (previously Marvel Manga), publishing mostly translations of
manga Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
, in Mexico it's known as Panini Manga * Panini Video, releasing DVDs Subsequently, Marvel Comics sold Panini to a group of investors including
Indesit Company Indesit Company (; ) was an Italian company based in Fabriano, Ancona. It was one of the leading European manufacturers and distributors of major domestic appliances (washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, cookers, hoods, ov ...
. Currently, Panini Comics also publishes in Brazil, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal and Hungary. In Germany and Brazil, it also publishes translations of
DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...
series.


UK

Panini obtained the
Marvel UK Marvel UK was an imprint of Marvel Comics formed in 1972 to reprint US-produced stories for the British weekly comic market. Marvel UK later produced original material by British creators such as Alan Moore, John Wagner, Dave Gibbons, Steve Dill ...
license in 1995, enabling it to publish reprinted American
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
titles. They also began publishing the ''
Doctor Who Magazine ''Doctor Who Magazine'' (abbreviated as ''DWM'') is a magazine devoted to the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Launched in 1979 as ''Doctor Who Weekly'', the magazine became a monthly publication the followi ...
''. Panini Comics had been part of Marvel Europe, and had already been reprinting American material across the continent for several years. Thanks to this licensing deal, reprints of American Marvel Comics material were continued in the UK by Panini from the mid-1990s. Each issue of their 'Marvel Collector's Editions' series contained approximately two or three Marvel US strips in one issue with possibly a "classic" comic printed as a substitute for an installment in the current run, whilst being priced at a reasonable level. Initially the lineup consisted of only ''
Astonishing Spider-Man ''The Astonishing Spider-Man'' was a comic book series published fortnightly in the United Kingdom by Panini Comics as part of Marvel UK's 'Collectors Edition' line. It reprinted selected Spider-Man stories and material from the American comic ...
'' and ''
Essential X-Men ''Essential X-Men'' was a 76-page comic book published by Panini Comics UK, as part of their Collectors' Edition range. Beginning in 1995, the title reprinted Marvel US's range of X-Men comics; three per issue. The comic is produced on higher qu ...
'' and followed the continuity of the US comics, however it was approximately two to three years behind the current run in America. In addition to reprinting the mainstream US comics, Panini also published a monthly (later every three weeks) oversized comic, entitled ''
The Spectacular Spider-Man ''The Spectacular Spider-Man'' is a comic book and magazine series starring Spider-Man and published by Marvel Comics. Following the success of Spider-Man's original series, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', Marvel felt the character could support ...
'', for younger readers to accompany '' Spider-Man: The Animated Series'', which began broadcasting in the UK in the mid-90s. Initially, the stories were simply reprints of the US comics based on the series, but eventually the title moved to all-new UK-originated stories, marking the first Marvel UK material featuring classic Marvel characters to be produced since early 1994.


2000s

Panini have since extended their line to include other characters within the
Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Super-teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of ...
. In addition to ''Essential X-Men'' and ''Astonishing Spider-Man'' came ''Wolverine Unleashed'', in which
Wolverine The wolverine (), (''Gulo gulo''; ''Gulo'' is Latin for "gluttony, glutton"), also referred to as the glutton, carcajou, or quickhatch (from East Cree, ''kwiihkwahaacheew''), is the largest land-dwelling species of the family Mustelidae. It is ...
's solo comic was reprinted. The comic ran for 54 issues before it was renamed ''Wolverine & Gambit'' to allow reprints of the ''
Gambit A gambit (from Italian , the act of tripping someone with the leg to make them fall) is a chess opening in which a player sacrifices with the aim of achieving a subsequent advantage. The word ''gambit'' is also sometimes used to describe simi ...
'' series, and subsequently ''
Wolverine and Deadpool ''Wolverine and Deadpool'' (written as ''Wolverine & Deadpool'' from volume 3 onwards) is an ongoing comic book series published in the UK by Panini Comics as part of Marvel UK's 'Collector's Edition' line. The title reprints Marvel Comics stories ...
'' when the Gambit material had been exhausted and Deadpool was introduced as a replacement in
2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 6 ...
. ''Marvel Heroes Reborn'' was released in
1997 File:1997 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The movie set of ''Titanic'', the highest-grossing movie in history at the time; ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'', is published; Comet Hale-Bopp passes by Earth and becomes one of t ...
, to introduce the new '' Heroes Reborn'' saga, and expand the range of characters in Marvel UK's lineup. It was initially published with only two strips (or 56 pages) but this was expanded to 76 pages (commonly 3 strips) from issue 17 onwards. This title was short-lived due to continuously lagging sales, and was eventually cancelled in 2000. Later titles include '' Avengers United'' (later replaced by '' Avengers Unconquered''), '' Fantastic Four Adventures'', ''
Marvel Legends Marvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the scale, with spin-off lines in the , , and scale. The line initially began as a spin-off of ...
'' featuring
Captain America Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...
,
Iron Man Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...
and
Thor Thor (; from non, Þórr ) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred groves ...
, a new '' The Mighty World of Marvel'' as well as the introduction of the Ultimate Marvel imprint, consisting of ''
Ultimate Spider-Man and X-Men ''Ultimate Spider-Man and X-Men'' was a Marvel UK comic book series published by Panini Comics every four weeks. The title reprinted one issue of ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' and one issue of ''Ultimate X-Men'' in each issue. History The title is ...
'' (which was originally two titles, which merged since it was reprinting the stories too fast for Marvel US to print them) and ''Ultimate Fantastic Four'' (cancelled because of low sales, and because it was only a few issues behind the US title by the end). In March
2006 File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in Turin; Twitter is founded and launched by Jack Dorsey; The Nintendo Wii is released; Montenegro 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum, votes to declare ...
, Marvel Entertainment and Panini S.p.A. announced that they had "renewed and expanded their publishing agreement under which Panini retains a master license for producing translated versions of Marvel comics for Europe and selected Latin American countries. The new agreement includes a major expansion of editorial projects in which Panini will originate new content under the creative supervision of Marvel." This made them the "master license holder" for Europe and parts of Latin American and lead to the development of non-English language titles with Marvel, including '' Wolverine: Saudade'', by
Jean-David Morvan Morvan in 2017. Jean-David Morvan (born 28 November 1969 in Reims, Marne, France) is a French comics author. Morvan studied arts at the Institut Saint-Luc in Brussels. Morvan started out as a comics artist, but soon realised that his true str ...
and
Philippe Buchet Philippe Buchet (born 7 May 1962 in Juniville, Ardennes (department), Ardennes) is a French comic book artist. First working as a freelance illustrator in Paris and Reims, he finally entered comic book terrain with ''Nomad'', on which he worked ...
, and ''Daredevil & Captain America: Dead On Arrival'', by
Tito Faraci Tito may refer to: People Mononyms *Josip Broz Tito (1892–1980), commonly known mononymously as Tito, Yugoslav communist revolutionary and statesman *Roberto Arias (1918–1989), aka Tito, Panamanian international lawyer, diplomat, and journal ...
and
Claudio Villa Claudio Villa (born Claudio Pica; 1 January 1926 – 7 February 1987) was an Italian singer and actor. Biography Tenor Claudio Villa was born Claudio Pica in the Trastevere quarter of Rome in 1926. He recorded over 3000 songs, sold 45 millio ...
.


Other titles

Alongside these mainly reprint titles, Panini continues to print ''
Doctor Who Magazine ''Doctor Who Magazine'' (abbreviated as ''DWM'') is a magazine devoted to the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Launched in 1979 as ''Doctor Who Weekly'', the magazine became a monthly publication the followi ...
'' which still features originally produced comics by British creators. This includes the first new ''Captain Britain'' story by a British creative team in over a decade, created by Jim Alexander,
Jon Haward Jon Haward (b. 1965 in Norwich, UK) is a British comics artist. He has illustrated ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'', ''Judge Dredd'', ''Sinister Dexter'' and ''Biker Mice from Mars'', among others. Biography Haward was born in Norwich and, whi ...
and John Stokes for ''
Spectacular Spider-Man ''The Spectacular Spider-Man'' is a comic book and magazine series starring Spider-Man and published by Marvel Comics. Following the success of Spider-Man's original series, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', Marvel felt the character could support ...
'' (UK version) #114 published in March
2005 File:2005 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico; the Funeral of Pope John Paul II is held in Vatican City; "Me at the zoo", the first video ever to be uploaded to YouTube; Eris was discovered in ...
. Also published from
2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 6 ...
onwards was ''
Marvel Rampage Marvel may refer to: Business * Marvel Entertainment, an American entertainment company ** Marvel Comics, the primary imprint of Marvel Entertainment ** Marvel Universe, a fictional shared universe ** Marvel Music, an imprint of Marvel Comics * ...
'', which like ''Spectacular Spider-Man'' was aimed at a younger audience, and similarly featured all-new UK-originated material, this time featuring characters from all across the Marvel Universe. Several of those short stories were written by noted Spider-Man writer
Roger Stern Roger Stern (born September 17, 1950) is an American comic book author and novelist. Biography Early career In the early 1970s, Stern and Bob Layton published the fanzine ''CPL'' (''Contemporary Pictorial Literature''), one of the first platfor ...
. Panini also release their own range of
trade paperbacks A paperback (softcover, softback) book is one with a thick paper or paperboard cover, and often held together with glue rather than stitches or staples. In contrast, hardcover (hardback) books are bound with cardboard covered with cloth, ...
. These are all reprinted material from the American originals, and can be bought from their online shop. They also published a series of A.T.O.M. comics from 2006 to 2007, which followed on from their long-running
Action Man Action Man is an action figure launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "movable fighting man", G.I. Joe. Action Man was originally produced and sold in the United Kingdom and Australia by Palitoy Ltd of Co ...
series. The UK site also has a popular forum, primarily for discussion of Panini Comics' publications and comics in general as well as promotion of British Comic Conventions. It has around 580 members and 580 posts as of August 2011. This closed down in March 2013 and a new forum was set up by its members. A new title, '' Marvel Heroes'', was launched in 2008, based on the general formula of ''Spectacular Spider-Man'', with new comic stories from creators like Scott Gray,
Al Ewing Al Ewing () is a British comics writer who has mainly worked in the small press and for '' 2000 AD'' and Marvel Comics. Career Al Ewing began his career writing stories in the four-page ''Future Shocks'' format for '' 2000 AD'' and moved on ...
and John McCrea.


UK publications

Their current comics are: *''
Astonishing Spider-Man ''The Astonishing Spider-Man'' was a comic book series published fortnightly in the United Kingdom by Panini Comics as part of Marvel UK's 'Collectors Edition' line. It reprinted selected Spider-Man stories and material from the American comic ...
'' *''Avengers Universe'' (formerly ''Avengers United'', followed by "Avengers Unconquered" and ''Avengers Assemble) *''
Essential X-Men ''Essential X-Men'' was a 76-page comic book published by Panini Comics UK, as part of their Collectors' Edition range. Beginning in 1995, the title reprinted Marvel US's range of X-Men comics; three per issue. The comic is produced on higher qu ...
'' *''
Wolverine and Deadpool ''Wolverine and Deadpool'' (written as ''Wolverine & Deadpool'' from volume 3 onwards) is an ongoing comic book series published in the UK by Panini Comics as part of Marvel UK's 'Collector's Edition' line. The title reprints Marvel Comics stories ...
'' (formerly ''Wolverine Unleashed'' and ''Wolverine and Gambit'') *''Deadpool Unleashed ''(replaced'' The Incredible Hulks'')'' *''
Marvel Legends Marvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the scale, with spin-off lines in the , , and scale. The line initially began as a spin-off of ...
'' *'' The Mighty World of Marvel'' *'' Marvel Super Heroes'' (formerly ''Marvel Heroes'') *''
Spectacular Spider-Man Adventures ''The Spectacular Spider-Man'' is a comic book and magazine series starring Spider-Man and published by Marvel Comics. Following the success of Spider-Man's original series, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', Marvel felt the character could support ...
'' (aimed at younger readers) *''
Scooby-Doo ''Scooby-Doo'' is an American animation, animated media franchise based on an animated television series launched in 1969 and continued through several derivative List of Scooby-Doo media, media. Writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears created the orig ...
'' *''
Tom and Jerry ''Tom and Jerry'' is an American Animated cartoon, animated media franchise and series of comedy short films created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Best known for its 161 theatrical short films by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the series c ...
'' *''
Monster Allergy ''Monster Allergy'' is an Italian comic book series created by Alessandro Barbucci, Katja Centomo, Francesco Artibani and Barbara Canepa of Sky Doll. Barbucci and Canepa had previously co-created the ''W.I.T.C.H.'' comic series. ''Monster Allergy ...
'' (UK) Previous titles include: *''
Action Man Action Man is an action figure launched in Britain in 1966 by Palitoy as a licensed copy of Hasbro's American "movable fighting man", G.I. Joe. Action Man was originally produced and sold in the United Kingdom and Australia by Palitoy Ltd of Co ...
'' (1996–2006) *'' Action Man: A.T.O.M.'' (2006-2007) *''
Combo Rangers ''Combo Rangers'' is a series of webcomics created in 1998 by Japanese-Brazilian author Fábio Yabu. It is based on Japanese manga and the Super Sentai series. It started off as a parody, then developed more serious storylines that still included ...
'' *''
Digimon , short for "Digital Monsters" ( ''Dejitaru Monsutā''), is a Japanese media franchise encompassing virtual pet toys, anime, manga, video games, films and a trading card game. The franchise focuses on the eponymous creatures, who inhabit a "Di ...
'' *'' Fantastic Four Adventures'' *'' The Incredible Hulks'' *''
Looney Tunes ''Looney Tunes'' is an American Animated cartoon, animated comedy short film series produced by Warner Bros. starting from 1930 to 1969, concurrently with its partner series ''Merrie Melodies'', during the golden age of American animation.
Presents'' *''
Monica's Gang ''Monica's Gang'' or ''Monica and Friends'' (Portuguese: ''Turma da Mônica''; British English: ''Monica & Friends'') is a Brazilian comic book series and media franchise created by Mauricio de Sousa. The series originated in a newspaper comic ...
'' *''
Spider-Man and Friends ''Spider-Man and Friends'' was a line of action figures and related merchandise featuring the comic book character Spider-Man and other characters appearing in Marvel Comics publications, released by Marvel Entertainment's toy division, Toy Biz, fro ...
'' (a magazine aimed at young readers) *'' ThunderCats (comics)'' *'' Transformers: Armada'' *''
Ultimate Spider-Man and X-Men ''Ultimate Spider-Man and X-Men'' was a Marvel UK comic book series published by Panini Comics every four weeks. The title reprinted one issue of ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' and one issue of ''Ultimate X-Men'' in each issue. History The title is ...
''


Notes


References

* * * * * * * *


External links

* (Italy)
UK site

Spain site
{{Authority control DC Comics imprints Marvel UK Marvel Comics imprints Comic book publishing companies of Brazil Comic book publishing companies of Italy Manhua distributors Manhwa distributors