New Line Draws Inspiration From Comic Art
Atomic Madhouse has debuted a line of T-shirts and tops that draws inspiration from the Silver Age of animation and comic-book art during the 1950s and 1960s.
The line was founded by animator and publisher Frank Forte and his screenwriter wife, Elizabeth J. Musgrave, whose company is based in Los Angeles’ Hollywood district.The initial collection features about 30 styles of all-cotton T-shirts, tanks and spaghetti tops, priced to retail for about $30. About 75 percent of the line is domestically produced using American Apparel all-cotton blanks and local screen houses.
The shirts feature images and dialogue from comic books such as “Blamm!” and “Aaaargh.”
Forte drew from 15 years’ experience as an animator and comic publisher. He is publisher of Asylum Press, whose clients include Marvel Entertainment, Comedy Central and “The Drew Carey Show.”
“We just took all that we know and came up with some cool designs,” said Forte, explaining that his wife does a lot of the creative work, while he focuses on the art.
The company is showing at the Comic-Con International expo, which runs through July 29 at the San Diego Convention Center. Forte said the company will also show at upcoming apparel shows at the California Market Center.
“We are also looking to expand into different product types such as hoodies and onesies for kids,” said Forte.
For more information, e-mail wholesale@atomicmadhouse.com or call (818) 280-7416.—Robert McAllister
