Games Workshop has announced the formation of BL Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary devoted to publishing.  BL Publishing includes the pre-existing Black Library imprint, which has published novels, graphic novels, comics (Warhammer Monthly) and magazines (Inferno!), plus a new line of books, Black Flame.  Black Flame will publish media tie-in titles, new non-Games Workshop fantasy and fiction books, and classic reprints.  BL Publishing has also announced licensing agreements with two major media companies: New Line Cinema and Rebellion.  These licenses will provide the material for the first three releases under the Black Flame banner which include a prose version of the Dredd Vs. Death computer game and novelizations of two of this year's top horror film prospects--the ultimate 2-in-1 sequel, Freddy vs. Jason, and the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

 

The licensing agreement with New Line Cinema gives BL Publishing the rights to publish all novels based on the science fiction, fantasy, and horror properties that New Line has acquired.  Games Workshop has worked closely with New Line in the development and marketing of games based on Lord of the Rings -- and David Imhoff, New Line's Ex. V.P. cited this experience as the key to his company's decision to go with Games Workshop and BL Publishing.  BL's other new licensing partner, Rebellion, has the rights to the 2000 AD stable of characters, which includes Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Slaine, Durham Rec, and ABC Warriors.