French publisher Morgen has made a definitive entry into the international market, announcing a landmark six-figure global deal with Eisner-nominated writer Ram V and artists Anand Radhakrishnan and Evan Cagle, per publishersweekly.com.
The project, described as a blend of “epic sci-fi and urban fantasy,” has already seen Image Comics snap up the English language rights, with the first volume slated for autumn 2026.
Morgen is no ordinary start-up. It is a key division of Les Nouveaux Éditeurs, the new publishing group founded by Arnaud Nourry, former CEO of Hachette Livre. Backed by the luxury powerhouse Kering, the group behind Yves Saint Laurent, and supported by industry giants Gallimard and Flammarion, Morgen possesses a pedigree and financial backing rarely seen in independent publishing.
Leading the charge are Sullivan Rouaud and Thomas Ragon, the latter a 20-year veteran of the legendary Dargaud. Rouaud, who previously launched the successful Mangetsu and HiComics imprints, intends to bridge the gap between Western comics, French bande dessinée, and Japanese manga.
“What makes Morgen special is that everyone involved brings years of experience, yet we share a desire to start from scratch on an independent scale,” Rouaud said.
The publisher plans a curated approach, releasing roughly one title per month. This year’s slate includes Adrien Demont’s adaptation of Night on the Galactic Railroad and Jade Khoo’s Terre ou Lune. Morgen will also bring high-profile American works to French audiences, including titles by Paul Pope and Olivie Blake.
While the focus remains on premium book design, Rouaud is also eyeing media licensing and long-form series. Regarding their flagship signing, Ram V, Rouaud was emphatic: “Ram represents the best of his generation—a new British invasion in his own right, and one of the most important voices in comics today.”
•Featured image: Ram V./Morgan
