Prior to launching his own company in 2010, Genuine CEO Joe LeFavi served as Director of Publishing and Film/TV Development at The Jim Henson Company. Among his achievements there, LeFavi brokered a groundbreaking publishing deal with Archaia that created a new imprint for original graphic novels inspired by classic Henson properties.

As the first and flagship title of the new publishing imprint, Fraggle Rock was pivotal to positioning Henson within the comics industry while rejuvenating the brand with fresh, authentic contributions to Fraggle fandom. Steering editorial on stories and creative teams selected for two anthologies, LeFavi played a crucial role on both anthologies and even contributed two of his own tales, Brave Sir Wembly and The Meaning of Life, to the second volume. Both anthologies were commercial and critical successes widely celebrated by Henson fans, with the second volume receiving a Harvey Award nomination for Best Graphic Publication for Younger Reader.

Best of all, the successful book series proved the pop cultural relevance and continued power of Fraggle Rock, breathing new life into the franchise as a whole. Netflix began streaming the classic TV series. Hulu funded a spin-off series starring the Doozers. Even New Regency optioned the film rights with Ivan Reitman’s production company, Montecito (Ghostbusters, Up in the Air) attached to produce and Joseph Gordon-Levitt attached to star. In the end, our work on Fraggle Rock proves the power of fandom and the meaningful impact that authentic, quality contributions can make on the future of a franchise.