FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hero Tomorrow Comics partners with Asylum Press for imprint and distribution deal

The first release currently in solicitation through Lunar Distribution is Punchline and the Vaude-Villains vs Violante #1.

[Los Angeles/Cleveland, Tuesday May 26, 2026] — Comic book writer/and filmmaker Ted Sikora is proud to announce Hero Tomorrow Comics has a new distribution agreement with Asylum Press marking the publisher’s return after a hiatus following the bankruptcy of previous distributor, Diamond Comics.

Ted Sikora is the architect of the connected Hero Tomorrow Universe. Since its first release in 2016, Hero Tomorrow has sold over 100,000 units. Previous titles include Apama the Undiscovered Animal, Tap Dance Killer, Punchline and the Vaude-Villains, and Bloom. 

Asylum Press, founded by Frank Forte has built a reputation for high-quality horror and action-packed content. Said Forte, “I’m excited to add the Hero Tomorrow line of comics to the Asylum Press library. Ted has created an action-packed shared universe of characters that has a built-in fanbase, and our goal will be to expand readership, publish new titles as well as collected TPB editions of previously published singles and mini-series.”

The first release currently in solicitation through Lunar Distribution is Punchline and the Vaude-Villains vs Violante #1. This will be followed by a collected editions of the acclaimed series Bloom, and and a deluxe Vaude-Villains Origin Edition of Tap Dance Killer.

Said Sikora, “Frank Forte’s resume, which spans beyond comics to film, storyboard art, and gallery shows, has always impressed me. We’ve both been running our own companies for over forty years collectively. It’s been amazing to have his insights applied to our label. I’m honored to be partnering with such a talented kindred spirit.”

Christina Sirmons dressed as Sikora's creation Violante the Undead with Frank Forte at San Diego Comic Con 2025

Punchline and the Vaude-Villains vs Violante #1

Drayton Hayes was a heavyweight boxer who was kidnapped by the Vaude-Villains and transformed into a super-powered murderous clown Punchline! The scientist who conducted his transformation (Fletcher) learned DNA enhancement from a session in Mexico with a mystic healer named Violante. Fletcher wanted those discoveries for himself alone and murdered the healer. Now Violante The Undead has come back with seething vengeance in the comic book brawl of the year! This double-sized issue is loaded with extras to make an easy entry point for all. The main story has 34 all new pages, and a 7 page prequel reprinted from Tap Dance Killer. 

• Story, colors, and letters by Ted Sikora.

• Art by Yvel Guichet & Donny Hadiwidjaja.

• COVER A Yvel Guichet (LUNARCODE: 0626AY0544)

• COVER B Nik Poliwko (LUNARCODE: 0626AY0545)

• COVER C Gonzo!  5:1 FREE incentive (NO LIMITS)  (LUNARCODE: 0626AY0546)

• Available for pre-order with Lunar Distribution.

• Retail: $6.99 •  48 Pages

• Initial Due Date: 6/25/2026 (FOC Date: 6/29/2026)

• In-Store Date: 8/5/2026

For more info please contact Ted Sikora at

letters@herotomorrow.com

Praise for the Hero Tomorrow Comics Universe

“Like finding water in the desert.” — Jim Shooter

“This universe is going to succeed big time, and I'll be able to say, told ya so!” — Jim Salicrup

“Sikora and Miller would not have been out of place among the Marvel writers of the 70s. My highest recommendation.”— Tony Isabella

“A sensibility that is perfect for the time” — Steranko

“It even brought tears to my eyes .… You’ve created something important” — Alan Grant

“Great fun which nicely captures the bronze age spirit.” — Doug Moench

“A combination of the classic comic book virtues and a fresh approach… the story comes alive with dialogue that keeps me turning pages…” — Roy Thomas

“I’ve rarely read a comic with such a distinct and enjoyable voice.” — Ron Frenz