As a new player in the increasingly crowded field of deluxe reproductions of classic comic books, Lighthouse Press is starting with a big target, announcing plans to publish Tyrant, a lost masterpiece by artist Steve Bissette (Swamp Thing) that originally ran as four individual issues in the early 90s. A crowdfunding campaign to cover production and printing costs of a trade book and an oversize “original art edition” shot from Bissette’s hand-drawn pages is set to kick off in early 2026.
Tyrant is the autobiography of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and his struggle to survive, featuring Bissette’s gloriously rendered Cretaceous period landscapes and epic storytelling that has earned it cult status. The title was originally published in black and white on newsprint from Bissette’s own Spiderbaby imprint, and was nominated for an Eisner Award in 1995. It appeared during a difficult period for comic book retail and distribution and never achieved much commercial success, but those who saw and remember the book often wonder why it has not returned to print.
Chris Stevens, founder and publisher of the Tucson, Ariz.–based Lighthouse, says it took some time to convince Bissette that it was worth bringing out a new edition, especially one that gets the oversized original art edition treatment. Stevens says that Bissette only realized that fans were still interested after seeing an episode of the YouTube series Comic Book Kayfabe in which cohosts Jim Rugg and the late Ed Piskor lavished praise on the book. Rugg now is attached to the project as editor, and Bissette is providing the artwork and a new 7,000-word introductory essay.
“Yes, it's for real,” said Bissette. “Lighthouse is bringing my personal primordial 'lost Odysseus' back into harbor. What I've seen thus far is absolutely beautiful, thanks to Lighthouse, Chris Stevens, and Jim Rugg. It never would have hatched out of the nest without them.”
Sean Michael Robinson, who produced Dave Sim’s intricately-rendered The Strange Death of Alex Raymond for his own Living the Line imprint, is overseeing the art reproduction, which Stevens says should set a new technical standard for these kinds of books.
Lighthouse is a new name, but Chris Stevens is not a newcomer to the world of prestige editions. He was a partner in Locust Moon Press, which brought out the award-winning 2014 deluxe edition Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream, and has recently helped package licensed Marvel and DC art books for Clover Press. He has worked in comics retail and does writing and editorial work in the comics industry. Locust Moon was also the genesis of Beehive Books (founded by Stevens’ one-time business partner Josh O’Neil), which has released a string of well-received editions of classic literature accompanied by new illustrations.
Stevens says Tyrant is the first of several titles that Lighthouse plans for the next several years, mainly showcasing work from the 1990s and early 2000s. Unlike other deluxe artist editions centered on established classics from the 1960s and '70s (the Silver and Bronze Ages of comic books), Lighthouse plans to expand the canon to include work with appeal to slightly younger generations of fans, especially titles with cult followings or lesser-known work by top-tier creators. Eventually, he hopes to also publish original graphic novels.
If the crowdfunding campaign is successful, Stevens says he will look for a trade book partner strong in the library and school distribution areas to bring out a color edition adapted for younger readers. For now, Lighthouse will fulfill direct to retailers and consumers following the campaign, as was the case for Locust Moon.
Stevens says the campaign's dates and targets will be announced shortly.
