Michel Gagné Releases Two New Hardcover Books

Burbank, CA, June 2002 - Gagné International Press just released the first volume collecting Michel Gagné's acclaimed series ZED, as well as a new color edition of his sold out graphic storybook A Search for Meaning: The Story of Rex.

Michel Gagné is a versatile animator / artist / writer who has made his mark in films such as The Iron Giant, Osmosis Jones, Prelude to Eden and many others, earning him 4 Annie Awards nominations (the animation industry's highest honor). He has written, illustrated and published several hardcover books and comics including the best-selling Insanely Twisted Rabbits and Frenzied Fauna. His visionary style and unique artwork have earned him a worldwide following.

ZED: Volume One collects issues #1 through #4 of ZED, an intense sci-fi series that follows the story of a cute little alien who inadvertently causes the galaxy's worst disaster. The series is unique for its fluid, animation like illustrations combined with an edgy, weirdly mature storytelling. The trade edition also features an introduction by Brad Bird, director of The Iron Giant, as well as an early sketch gallery. "I'm very proud of how the book turned out," says Michel. "ZED was my first venture into comics, and it was quite a learning experience putting those first four issues together. The reviews for the series have been very positive and I'm hoping that the trade edition will result in a wider audience discovering ZED."

When A Search for Meaning: The Story of Rex was released in 1998, it quietly made a niche for itself within the comic stores community. Without publicity and helped only by positive word of mouth, the book became an instant hit and set the wheels in motion for Gagné International Press. The first black and white edition priced at $24.95 was limited to only 1000 and quickly sold out. Since then, the tale of a little fox searching for life's answers in a surreal, dreamlike landscape, has garnered a fan following that has far exceeded its initial print run. "We've had so many requests, that it just became logical to do a new printing," says Michel. "The original edition was my very first book and I felt that many improvements could be made on the second edition. So I went back and redid the whole layout; I created a new front and back cover; I used a different font, which I felt suited the story a little more; and most of all, I colored all the illustrations"

ZED: Volume One and A Search for Meaning: The Story of Rex are distributed worldwide through Last Gasp, and will solicit through Diamond in August's Previews. ZED: Volume One is available in soft and hard cover and retails at $14.95 and $18.95 respectively. A Search for Meaning: The Story of Rex retails at $14.95. Both books will be available at the Gagne international Press booth at San-Diego Comic-Con and can be ordered directly from their website.

For more information visit www.gagneint.com.

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