Days before its inaugural trip to Comic-Con, startup AfterShock Comics has unveiled its first group of writers. Garth Ennis, co-­creator and writer for the Vertigo series Preacher and a nine-­year veteran of Marvel’s Punisher franchise, will be among those penning tales for the comic book company that launched in April. He’ll be joined by Jimmy Palmiotti (Deadpool, Jonah Hex), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Paul Jenkins (Batman: The Dark Knight, Spider-­Man, Justin Jordan (Superboy, Shadowman), Phil Hester (Ant-­Man, The Flash), Frank Barbiere (Avengers, Howling Commandos Of S.H.I.E.L.D) and Marguerite Bennett (Batgirl, Sleepy Hollow).

“When we launched AfterShock, our mission was to attract the best comic book creators in the business, and we’re beyond excited to develop original projects with these industry leaders,” said AfterShock editor Mike Marts, former executive editor at Marvel Comics. “But it’s only the beginning.” Added Ennis: “AfterShock looks to be making all the right moves. I’m delighted by the arrival of a new home for independent, creator-­owned comics.”

The company today also tapped writers for its first short-story anthology including Neil Gaiman — who will write multiple episodes of Starz’s adaptation of his fantasy novel American Gods — Jim Starlin, Amy Chu and Brian Stelfreeze.