The Lab Press to release wrestling horror graphic novel Mad Dog Morgan

The Lab Press will launch Mad Dog Morgan, a deluxe hardcover wrestling horror graphic novel, in comic shops on July 29 and in bookstores and online on August 4. Created by Adam Lawson and Brian Christgau, the book blends pro wrestling, supernatural horror and haunted-house suspense.

Why it matters: - Mad Dog Morgan adds an original wrestling-horror title to The Lab Press’ lineup of premium graphic novels. - The release targets comic shops, bookstores and online retailers at a time when genre-blending indie titles can travel across fan bases in wrestling, horror and comics.

What happened: - The Lab Press said Mad Dog Morgan will arrive in comic shops on July 29 and debut in book stores and online on August 4. - The deluxe hardcover edition comes after a successful Kickstarter campaign earlier in the year. - The graphic novel was created by Adam Lawson and co-written with Brian Christgau. - Maxi Dall’O provides the art, Patricio Delpeche handles color and Dave Lentz does the lettering. - The book is available for order through local comic shops, independent bookstores, major booksellers and online retailers. - The release includes a main cover by Maxi Dall’O and a limited edition cover by J.D. Knight.

The details: - Mad Dog Morgan follows independent wrestler Mitchell "Mad Dog" Morgan, whose hopes of reaching wrestling’s biggest stages have faded. - Morgan is an alcoholic, defeated by setbacks and dismissed as "just another jabroni." - The story sends Morgan into a crumbling house that hides an ancient supernatural evil feeding on despair. - The house traps Morgan in a fight against a force that has already claimed many victims. - The graphic novel spans more than 180 pages. - The story is pitched as a blend of supernatural horror, professional wrestling, haunted house suspense and psychological terror. - The creative team cites influences that include The Wrestler, The Shining and House on Haunted Hill. - Lawson said the project is a love letter to classic horror and wrestling storytelling, and pointed to They Live as an earlier crossover example. - The Lab Press says the book is produced to premium design and production standards associated with its original graphic novels. - Designers John J. Hill and Emma Price created the visual identity for the publishing line. - The Lab Press said that design work has earned three honors at this year’s IBPA + PubWest Book Design Awards.

Between the lines: - The launch shows The Lab Press leaning into fan-driven original IP rather than licensed material. - Wrestling and horror share built-in audiences, which can help a title like Mad Dog Morgan stand out in a crowded indie market. - The emphasis on premium hardcover packaging and alternate covers suggests the publisher is also aiming at collectors.

What's next: - Comic shops will get the first release on July 29. - Bookstores and online retailers will follow on August 4. - Readers can expect the title to roll out through the publisher’s retail and direct-order channels after launch.

The bottom line: - Mad Dog Morgan is being positioned as a high-end horror comic with pro-wrestling attitude, broad retail reach and collector-friendly presentation.