Apple Comics
Apple Comics, also known as Apple Press, was an American comic book publisher which operated from 1986 to 1994. Founded by Michael Catron, they began by taking over the publishing elements of comic production from WaRP Graphics, before expanding into their own titles while WaRP resumed publishing its own titles. Apple was known for publishing war comics, particularly its long-running title "Vietnam Journal" (as well as many spin-offs and one-shots). Other notable titles published by Apple included "Blood of Dracula", "Desert Storm Journal", "Eagle", "FantaSci", "Fish Police", "Myth Conceptions", "Thunderbunny", and "Vox". Creators associated with  Apple included Don Lomax, Lee Marrs, Aaron McClellan, Ken Mitchroney, Steven Moncuse, Rickey Shanklin, Neil Vokes, Mark Wheatley, and John Workman. History. Origins. In 1986, Richard Pini turned over all of WaRP's publishing and marketing duties to Apple so that WaRP could concentrate on editing comics. While still featuring the WaRP logo on their covers, the indicia of "FantaSCI" #2, "MythAdventures" #10, "Thunderbunny" #6, and "Unicorn Isle" #2 listed themselves as "published bi-monthly by Apple Press Inc." Their next issues featured both the WaRP and Apple Comics logos on the cover, along with a note from the new  publisher, Michael Catron, including an explanation of the arrangement:Broadly speaking, WaRP handles all the creative details involved in preparing each issue for publication and Apple handles all of the business and production details. Richard remains editor on all titles. It's his job to edit each issue, work with the creators to help them do their best, and generally see to it that everything lives up to the standards WaRP has set — that's why the "WaRP Graphics" imprint will continue to appear on the cover of every issue WaRP prepares for Apple. In March 1987 (originally promised for  October 1986), Apple began publishing the eight-issue mini-series "Elfquest: Siege at Blue Mountain", which ran until December 1988. Also in 1987, Apple began publishing original titles, including "Blood of Dracula", "Myth Conceptions", and "Vietnam Journal". They also picked up the title "Space Ark" from Americomics, and in 1988 picked up "Eagle" from Crystal Publications. Forbidden Fruit. From 1991–1994, Apple published an erotic comics imprint known as Forbidden Fruit. Titles published by Forbidden Fruit included "The Adventures Of Misty", "Case Morgan, Gumshoe Private Eye" (reprinting material by Don Lomax featured in "Gent"), "Sexy Superspy", and "Sindy". End of Apple  Comics. The comics market meltdown of 1994 hit the small press very hard, and Apple Comics was forced to close its doors. Its final issue was "Vietnam Journal: Valley of Death" #2, published in August 1994.