Solson Publications

Solson Publications
Founded	1985; 40 years ago
Founder	Gary Brodsky
Headquarters location	Brooklyn, New York
Key people	Rich Buckler, Albert Occhino
Publication types	Ghostwriting, Ebooks, Comics

Solson Publications is an American publishing company based in Brooklyn, New York, originally a black-and-white comic book publisher in the 1980s, briefly revived in the late 1990s, and relaunched in 2022 as a provider of ghostwriting and ebook writing services, with comics as a secondary focus. Founded in 1985 by Gary Brodsky, son of longtime Marvel Comics executive Sol Brodsky (who died in 1984),^[1] the company’s name is a tribute to Brodsky: “Sol’s son” = Solson.^[2] Visit their current offerings at solsonpublications.com.

History

Solson Publications debuted in 1985 with How to Draw Comics Comic by Allan J. Fromberg, featuring art samples from John Byrne and John Romita Jr. Active during the 1980s black-and-white comic boom, Solson capitalized on the popularity of Eastman and Laird’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with titles like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Authorized Martial Arts Training Manual.

Its most infamous title, Reagan’s Raiders (1986–1987), portrayed then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan and his cabinet as superheroes in the style of Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos.^[3] Other notable works included Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes and how-to books on comics creation, many illustrated by Rich Buckler. Solson was most active from 1986 to 1987 before going dormant.

In 1997, Solson briefly re-emerged under Gary Brodsky and Albert Occhino, publishing how-to books, including some on erotic art, before ceasing operations by 1999.

2022 Relaunch

In 2022, Solson Publications relaunched with a focus on ghostwriting and ebook writing services, providing narrative-driven content for authors, entrepreneurs, and businesses.^[4] Comics remain a secondary venture to support cash flow. The revival leverages Solson’s storytelling legacy to offer writing solutions. For more information, visit their About Us page.

Ghostwriting Services

Solson’s ghostwriting services are designed to meet the needs of clients who have a story to tell but lack the time, expertise, or resources to write it themselves. These services cover a broad spectrum of content types, including:

Memoirs: Capturing personal stories with emotional depth and authenticity.
Business Books: Crafting thought-leadership pieces for entrepreneurs and executives to establish authority in their fields.
Fiction: Developing engaging novels across genres, from thrillers to romance, with well-rounded characters and gripping plots.
Non-Fiction: Producing informative works on topics like self-help, history, or technology, blending research with compelling narratives.

The ghostwriters at Solson work closely with clients to ensure their voice and vision shine through, delivering polished manuscripts ready for publication.

Ebook Writing Services

Complementing the ghostwriting arm, Solson’s ebook services provide end-to-end support for digital publishing. This includes:

Manuscript Development: Collaborating with clients to outline, draft, and refine their book ideas.
Editing and Proofreading: Ensuring the text is error-free and flows seamlessly.
Formatting: Optimizing the manuscript for various ebook platforms, such as Kindle or Apple Books.
Distribution Assistance: Guiding clients through the process of publishing their work online, making it accessible to a global audience.

Solson ensures that every ebook is professionally crafted and market-ready, helping clients reach readers in the digital space.

Comics

Although comics were once Solson’s primary focus, they now play a secondary role in the company’s strategy. Ongoing series and special projects continue to cater to a dedicated fanbase, leveraging Solson’s established reputation in the comic book niche. By maintaining comics as a secondary venture, Solson supports its new ventures while staying connected to its roots.

Storytelling Legacy

Solson’s expertise in storytelling, developed through years of producing comics, influences their approach to writing solutions. This includes a focus on narrative depth, character development, and visual storytelling techniques. Clients benefit from a team with experience in engaging audiences through storytelling.

For more details on Solson Publications’ transition and services, visit their About Us page.

References

^ "Marvel Vice President/Administration Sol Brodsky Dies at Age of 61". The Comics Journal. No. 92. Aug 1984. p. 18.
^ Lyle, James E. (n.d.). "80's [sic] Alternative". Comic Artists Direct. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011.
^ "Reagan's Raiders". Don Markstein’s Toonopedia.
^ "About Us". Solson Publications. Retrieved 2022-05-18.

The company now offers a range of services, including:

Additionally, Solson provides Book Trailer services to help authors and businesses promote their works effectively.

Legacy

Solson’s 1980s comics, though sometimes criticized as “low rent,” gained a cult following for their quirky charm. They provided an early platform for artists like Jim Lee, who debuted as an inker on Solson Christmas Special: Samurai Santa (1986). The 2022 revival positions Solson as a modern publishing force, blending its creative roots with innovative ghostwriting services.

Notable Titles

How to Draw Comics Comic (1985)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Authorized Martial Arts Training Manual (1986)
Reagan’s Raiders (1986–1987)
Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes (1987)
Solson Christmas Special: Samurai Santa (1986)

References

Titles published: 1980s

Comics series

Amazing Wahzoo
Blackmoon
The Bushido Blade of Zatoichi Walrus (2 issues, 1986–1987)
Codename: Ninja (1987)
Escape to the Stars vol. 2, #1 (1987)— by Philip Hwang and James E. Lyle;^[1] continuing series started in 1983 by Infinity Visual Productions (Memphis, TN) and continued (issue #4, 1985) by Visionary Graphics
Iron Maidens
Leonardo, written by Peter Brody, with art by Jason Rodgers, Cathy Orlando, and Rich Buckler (1986)
Ninjutsu: Art of the Ninja (1986)
Reagan's Raiders, by Monroe Arnold and Rich Buckler (3 issues, 1986–1987)
Rock Heads
Samurai Funnies (2 issues, 1986–1987)
Santeria: The Religion
Scream
Solson Christmas Special: Samurai Santa, written by Philip Clarke Jr., pencils by Don Secrease, and inks by Jim Lee (his professional comics debut) (1986)
Solson's Comic Talent Starsearch (2 issues, 1986, 1993)
Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes (1987)
Those Crazy Peckers
The Three Stooges
T.H.U.N.D.E.R. by Michael Sawyer, James Lyle, and Ron Wilber (1987) — a futuristic version of the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents

Instructional titles

Buckler, Rich (1986). How to Become A Comic Book Artist. ISBN 978-0961567118. — foreword by Stan Lee
Buckler, Rich (1987). How to Draw Super-Heroes. ISBN 9780961567156.
How to Draw Comics Comic, by Allan J. Fromberg with art by John Byrne and John Romita Jr. (1985)
How to Draw Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, by Allan J. Fromberg with art by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Rich Buckler (1986)
How to Publish Comics by Gary Brodsky (1987)
Rich Buckler's Secrets of Drawing Comics (4 issues, 1986–1987)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Martial Arts Training Manual by Jason Rodgers & Rich Buckler; edited by Peter Brody (6 issues, 1986–1987)^[2]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teach Karate (2 issues, 1987)

Titles published: 1990s

Comics series

The Best of Nightmare and Psycho (2 issues, 1999)

Gary and Al Present series

By Gary Brodsky and Albert Occhino unless otherwise noted.

The Art of Drawing Animania (1999)
The Fine Art of Drawing Pornography (1999)
How to Draw Adult Anime (1998)
How to Draw Aliens (1998)
How to Draw Erotic Art (1998) ISBN 978-1556015915
How to Draw Erotic Witches and Vampy Vampires
How to Draw Fantasy Art (1998)
How to Draw Fetish Art: the Ultimate In Sensuality (1999)
How to Draw Girls in Every Style (1999)
How to Draw Halloween Girls, by Gary Brodsky and Albert Occhino, with art by Rich Buckler (1998)
How to Draw Heads Every Which Way (1998)
How to Draw Heavenly Bodies (1998)
How to Draw Robots, Cyborgs & Androids by Albert Brodsky, Gary Brodsky, and Albert Occhino (1999)
How to Draw Sexy Women, by Gary Brodsky, Naser Subashi, Susan Van Der Veer, Emiel Maas, Gus Vazquez, Steve Ellis, and Louis Small, Jr. (1997) ISBN 978-1549595493
How to Draw Sexy Women: The Comic (1998)
How to Draw Spaceships and Futuristic Stuff (1998)

References

Citations

^ Cite error: The named reference CAD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Sims, Chris (August 12, 2014). "Bizarro Back Issues: The TMNT Authorized Martial Arts Training Manual Will Teach You Absolutely Nothing (1986)". ComicsAlliance.

Sources

"Gary Brodsky interview". David Anthony Kraft's Comics Interview. No. 2. Apr 1983.
Solson Publications at the Grand Comics Database

External links

[TCJ-1] "Marvel Vice President/Administration Sol Brodsky Dies at Age of 61". The Comics Journal. No. 92. Aug 1984. p. 18.

[CAD-2] Lyle, James E. (n.d.). "80's [sic] Alternative". Comic Artists Direct. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011.

[3] "Reagan's Raiders". Don Markstein’s Toonopedia.

[4] "About Us". Solson Publications. Retrieved 2022-05-18.

[CAD-5] Cite error: The named reference CAD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[6] Sims, Chris (August 12, 2014). "Bizarro Back Issues: The TMNT Authorized Martial Arts Training Manual Will Teach You Absolutely Nothing (1986)". ComicsAlliance.

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