Dynamite Entertainment has announced that they will be publishing a hardcover, comics, and graphic novels about Atari video game content, not only re-releasing the 1982 Atari Force series, but creating original content about Atari’s properties.

The Atari Force reprints will be especially welcomed not only by comic collectors but vintage game collectors, as a full set of Atari Force insert comics is relatively hard to complete.

Official press release:

ATARI® AND DYNAMITE INK PUBLISHING DEAL
 
AGREEMENT INCLUDES RETROSPECTIVE HARDCOVER
AND COMICS/GRAPHIC NOVELS
July 6, 2015, Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite is very proud to announce a collaborative publishing agreement with Atari®, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment. The deal includes rights for a comprehensive retrospective hardcover book, collecting game production and concept artwork, photos, behind-the-scenes info, marketing art, other details on the company and its games, and interviews with key people involved in Atari’s rich history. The deal also includes the right to create original comics and graphic novels in all sizes, as well as reprint existing comic material.
Atari - Atari Logo

“We are excited to be teaming up with Dynamite Entertainment to bring a modern twist to a classic series of comics and table top books that are rich with historic art,” said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari, Inc. “Atari’s roots in the comic book world and iconic art is a collector and video game enthusiast’s dream. Our partnership is a fun way to expose our brand to a new generation and resonate with our long-time fans.”

Atari was originally founded in 1972 and was a pioneer in arcade games and home video game consoles.  The company’s products, such as Pong® and the Atari 2600 helped define the electronic entertainment industry from the 1970s to the mid-1980s, and beyond.

Atari - Atari Console

“Atari is a touchstone for so many people,” says Dynamite Director of Business Development Rich Young. “Their games and game system exposed a lot of folks to video games for the first time…and frankly, got them hooked! I have fond memories of playing games on the 2600 with friends growing up, and am quite happy that we have a chance to work with Atari on this publishing program.”

In addition to the hardcover retrospective art book, Dynamite has plans to create new comics based on a select list of Atari properties that help reimagine games with new story and art from some of today’s best creators. The list includes Asteroids®, Centipede®, Crystal Castles®, Missile Command®, Tempest®, Yar’s Revenge®, and more.

Atari - Centipede Atari - Crystal Castles Atari - Missile Command Atari - Star Raiders Atari - Yars Revenge Atari - Asteroids
Dynamite also plans to reprint existing comics material, such as the Atari Force comics that were originally published from 1982-1986 and featured well known and impressive talent such as Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Ross Andru, Gil Kane, Dick Giordano, Mike DeCarlo, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Eduardo Barreto, and Mike Baron.
Atari - Atari Force #1 Atari - Atari Force
Dynamite Entertainment’s Atari art book, comic books, and graphic novels will be available to consumers through the comic book specialty market, and the graphic novel collection will be available at major bookstore chains, online booksellers, and independent bookstores courtesy of Diamond Book Distributors. Atari comics will also be available for purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital. Fans and retailers are encouraged to follow Dynamite Entertainment and Atari’s official social media channel for the latest updates regarding creative teams and release dates.