Oblivion Book And Film

I first saw the simple image of Oblivion from Radical a while ago and wondered what it was. The publisher has a good handle on sci-fi epics and has been making strong steps in to the film biz lately, so this bodes well. Press release below.

TRON LEGACY’s JOSEPH KOSINSKI SET TO DIRECT OBLIVION

OblivionComing out of San Diego Comic-Con International, Radical Publishing is proud to announce that Joseph Kosinski, director of the upcoming Tron Legacy, is slated to direct Oblivion as a full-length feature film, based on the upcoming hardcover book also created by the director. Oblivion will be produced by Kosinski alongside Radical Publishing’s President and Publisher Barry Levine, filmmaker David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Anonymous Content’s David Morrison. Radical Publishing’s Executive Vice President Jesse Berger is attached as executive producer.

Set in the distant future, Oblivion revolves around a court-martialed soldier who is exiled to a desolate planet ravaged by the wrath of time. During his efforts to explore his surroundings and bring an end to the last remains of a primitive alien race, he comes across a mysterious traveler. Through the help of this enigmatic traveler, the soldier begins to question everything he knows – both about the galaxy at large and himself.

“I was looking to make a science fiction film that I could do on a budget,” stated Kosinski of the initial concept. “It’s grown since then, but it’s intended to be a very spare science fiction film, with a small cast but big ideas and big landscapes.”

“We’re very excited to have Joe Kosinski’s Oblivion at Radical,” said Barry Levine. “This our very first non comic property and the first book to debut in our illustrated novels collection. Not only has Joe crafted a unique vision for this book, he’s managed to create an incredible world and a compelling story. We’re pleased and proud to be a part of this project and fans will be overwhelmed with what we are planning for this book’s release.”

Oblivion will debut as a Hardcover hybrid novel in a landscape format, mixing the traditional text based novel with highly rendered illustrations. The book is set for a San Diego Comic-Con 2010 release under the Radical Books imprint.

Twilight Comic-Sort Of

And the Twilight bandwagon rolls on. Press release below.

“TWILIGHT” IN THE SPOTLIGHT: STEPHENIE MEYER FEATURED IN “FEMALE FORCE” BIO COMIC

STEPENIEMEYERIn time for the November theatrical release of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” Bluewater Productions announced it is producing two versions of an upcoming biography comic on best selling author Stephenie Meyer.

“Female Force: Stephenie Meyer”, scheduled for release right before the movie hits theaters on, November 20th, provides readers two options: a standard 22-page version and a double-sized collector’s edition that contains a variety of extras.

“We get to turn the tables on Meyers and she becomes the featured protagonist,” said Bluewater’s president Darren G. Davis. “And we are going to tell her story in a very fun, respectful and unique way.”

The comic, written by Ryan Burton (“Flying Saucers vs. The Earth”) examines her rise to popularity, her “Twilight” saga novels, the launching of the successful movie franchise and her future plans. According to Burton, a very recognizable and iconic vampire will serve as the story’s narrator.

“It’s an equally strange and great feeling to write about an author of this magnitude, especially in a format that’s near and dear to my heart. I think it’s brilliant that Stephenie Meyer’s story will be read by both fans of her work, and fans of the comic book medium,” Burton said.

The alternate 40-page collector’s edition will include the history of Forks; the Washington peninsula town where her stories take place as well as other bonus material not found anywhere else.

The title is being drawn by Dave Macneil and Vinnie Tartamella provides the cover art.

Meyer, Named USA Today’s “Author of the Year” in 2008, is the first author of fiction featured in the Female Force series. The series, to date, has published biographies on such influential women as Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Palin and Princess Diana.

“Female Force” offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture.

“Stephenie Meyer has captured the imagination of millions. She has parlayed her stories into a cottage industry and that’s why we felt she was indeed a “Female Force’,’” Davis added. “Also, I’m hooked on the books like everyone else!”

Davis notes other prominent and influential female authors, business executives, entertainers, journalists, politicians and activists are currently in development.

The monthly comic book series, launched earlier this year, has drawn considerable media attention, including features on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” It has also been featured in such periodicals as People Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and thousands of blogs and other media outlets.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming comic book is $3.99 for the standard 22-page version and $6.99 for the 40-page trade paperback collector’s edition.

Mr. Oblivious

One of the great things about Comic-Con is the massive amount of undiscovered talent on show. On my last day, with time dwindling I went for a last look down the Small Press aisles and browsed, and grabbed a few cards and flyers for later perusing on-line. Mr. Oblivious is one such discovery. The brainchild of Mark Gonyea, Mr. Oblivious is a regular web toon. The great thing about it is that the majority of the silent strips take a bit of thinking before the laughing commences, and all are accompanied by his initial sketches and thoughts. The wit on display is greater than the simple artistic approach may suggest. Gonyea is a talented guy and besides his Mr. Oblivious work, has also done graphic design, Story Posters and has released two books on design. Snoop around his site for a look at some unique art and a few chuckles.

Mr. Oblivious Canoe

Mr. Oblivious Parking Meter

Mr. Oblivious Security

Mr. Oblivious Tennis

Morph Story Poster

Justice For Hire On iPhone

I’ve been familiar with this unique action, kung-fu series for a while now. The blend of comics and short films is a great idea. I spoke to the guys behind Justice For Hire at Comic-Con and picked up a few things from them, and now they’re launching onto the iPhone, which is an impressive step. Press release below.

“JFH: Justice-For-Hire” Launches on iPhone and Vuze

JFH iPhone and Vuze Launch LONGFollowing the critically acclaimed comic book’s first season in 2008 and the continuing web series in 2009, the world’s first “ultra-realistic” mixed martial arts action series, “JFH: Justice-For-Hire”, has officially partnered with iPhone developer Iconology, Inc., and Vuze, the world
leading provider of online high definition (HD) video content.

Iconology, Inc.’s iPhone application (app), Comics by ComiXology, debuted at last week’s San Diego Comic Con, and within days shot up the ranks of iTunes’ top selling e-books to the number two position, which it continues to hold this week.   “JFH is a fun, high-action, innovative book with some great video content attached. We’re excited to get Creative Impulse comics on the Comics by ComiXology iPhone OS app,” stated Iconology’s principle, David Steinberger.  While the “JFH” comic book series is currently available in the Comics app, ComiXology plans a stand-alone “JFH” app to launch this summer, packaged with the live action content that has distinguished the series and the Creative Impulse Entertainment (CIE)
company from the pack of traditional comic book publishers.

Vuze launched both a “JFH: Justice-For-Hire” Channel and a new Media Hub site dedicated to “JFH,” on the Vuze HD Network.  According to Jeff Rowe, Vuze’s Executive Produce, “Vuze is thrilled to be partnering with JFH in delivering their cutting edge web series to avid fans on Vuze.”

“We are totally enthusiastic about the partnerships with Vuze and Iconology,” said CIE chief executive officer and “JFH” creator Jan Lucanus.  “They are both special companies that are driven by the same goal as Creative Impulse, which is to make the coolest content possible
and get it out to the people in a massive way.  Vuze and Iconology are leading the pack in digital distribution, and we are pushing the boundaries of innovation, so it’s a win-win for all, especially the fans”.

To download the Comic app, go here.  For the “JFH” Media Hub (launching August 5), go here
 and for the “JFH” Channel, go here.  Visit www.CreativeImpulseEnt.com
for further information.

Flash Gordon #6

From the fine folks at Ardden Entertainment (who I interviewed for Extra Sequential #2) is the long awaited last issue of their new Flash Gordon series, but a new series will debut shortly. Flash Gordon #6 has sold out via Diamond distribution, but re-order copies will be available soon, and available in August is the TPB collecting all 6 issues of The Mercy Wars. Info below.

In this thrilling conclusion to ‘The Mercy Wars’ story arc, Flash, Dale, Zarkov, Barin, Thun, Vultan and their army of Lion Men, Arborian Rangers, and Hawk Men take the fight directly to Ming’s palace! Meanwhile, a new, though familiar, threat rears its head, leading into the next exciting Flash Gordon arc!

Keep an eye out for FLASH GORDON: INVASION OF THE RED SWORD #1, coming this Fall!

Flash Gordon #6Flash Gordon: The Mercy Wars TPB

Radical Party

And the Comic-Con news keeps on coming, almost a week after it finished. This is impressive news though. Radical Publishing really are the new kids on the comics block, but have already made a solid name for themselves thanks to some bold painterly interior art, experienced creators and high concept series. They also know how to get the attention of non-comics media, which is something every publisher could learn from. Thanks to their connections in film and music, due mainly to founder Barry Levine, people outside of the often insular world of funnybooks are sitting up and taking notice, and I have to applaud them for that. Official press release below regarding a Con party.

RADICAL PUBLISHING ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR COMIC-CON CELEBRATION

Nick SimmonsThe biggest names of the comic book and entertainment industry took to the red carpet during THE RADICAL EVENT AT THE HARD ROCK HOTEL at San Diego Comic-Con 2009, hosted by Radical Publishing, Gene Simmons and Nick Simmons, promoting both the future titles of Radical Publishing and the release of Radical’s newest title INCARNATE by Nick Simmons.

Guests included Ain’t It Cool News’ head geek Harry Knowles; filmmaker Len Wiseman, producer and director of Radical’s Shrapnel; Bill Condon, writer and director of Dream Girls; actress Hayden Panettiere of Heroes; Marc Forster, director of Finding Neverland and Quantum of Solace; Wesley Snipes, who brought the character Blade to life in the blockbuster film trilogy; Kellan Lutz, star of Twilight and 90210; Darren Bousman, director of Saw II, III and IV and creator of Radical’s upcoming Abattoir; musician, director, screenwriter and film producer Rob Zombie, who terrified audiences worldwide with The Devil’s Rejects and Halloween; screenwriter Rich Wilkes, who wrote XXX; actor Terry Crews of Everybody Hates Chris and the upcoming The Expendables; actress Virginia Madsen, the Academy Award nominated star of Sideways; actor Thomas Jane, star of Punisher and Hung; actor Eli Roth, who is starring in Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming film Inglourious Basterds; actor Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, star of The 5th Element and Friday; popular comedian and entertainer Carrot Top; actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, star of G.I. Joe and Lost; and actress Adrianne Palicki of Friday Night Lights; model Jade Cole; and from the Fisher House, trustee Tammy Fisher.

Barry_Crews_Fisher_Snipes_Teddy_Tiny

The event also featured a who’s-who of the biggest names in comics including industry legend Stan Lee; DC Comics Editor-in-Chief Dan DiDio and Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada; Comics icon and designer of Radical’s Hercules series Jim Steranko; Steve Pugh, creative talent behind Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead; Arthur Suydam, fan-favorite artist of Marvel Zombies and creator of Cholly & Flytrap: Center City; David Hine, writer of Radical’s upcoming FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency; as well as the creator of 30 Days of Night and Radical’s City of Dust: A Philip Khrome Story, Steve Niles.

“San Diego Comic-Con International is a weekend of celebration for the comic book industry and this year, Radical has a lot to celebrate,” said Radical Publishing’s President Barry Levine. “This past year, we were awarded Diamond Distribution’s Gem Award for Best New Publisher of the Year; our newest title, Incarnate, has already sold out of its first printing; and we’re set to ring in our next year in style.”

The most exciting is yet to come, beginning fall 2009 with Rick Remender’s The Last Days of American Crime, David Hine’s FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency, Nick Percival’s Legends, Jimmy Palmiotti’s Time Bomb and Oblivion by Joseph Kosinski, director of Tron Legacy from Disney. Current Radical titles on the stands include Mateki: The Magic Flute from award winning Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano (Vampire Hunter D, Neil Gaiman’s Sandman: The Dream Hunters), the first book of the epic Shrapnel trilogy, Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising, from Zombie Studios’ Mark Long and novelist Nick Sagan, and the hotly anticipated second installment of Radical’s Hercules series, Hercules: The Knives of Kush by Steve Moore.

Marvel At Comic-Con

Marvel have released a slew of great photos from last week’s Comic-Con, including some impressive fan costumes, the cast at the Iron Man 2 panel, and a great shot of the Iron Man Mark IV armour from next year’s sequel. Go here to see all the photos. On a related note, Marvel dropped the bomb at the Con that they now have the rights to the troubled Marvelman character. If that isn’t enough, they also shared that they are working with Sony on their LittleBigPlanet game, with Marvel characters and exclusive content set to appear in the popular interactive title.

Jon Favreau Signing

Iron Man 2 Armour

New Radical Website

Press release below about Radical’s new website. I liked the old one, but this one is more streamlined, with heaps of pretty pictures and info about their books.

RADICAL PUBLISHING LAUNCHES NEW MEDIA HUB AT WWW.RADICALCOMICS.COM

Incarnate/FVZARadical Publishing is proud to announce the premiere of Radical’s newly launched website at www.radicalcomics.com featuring a host of new pages designed to better inform, excite and entertain Radical fans worldwide.

In an initiative to exhibit Radical product and titels through the web, the new website features a sleek and stylish new design to highlight the high quality artwork and stories contained in every Radical project. Not only does the site contain information pages on City of Dust: A Philip Khrome Story, Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising, Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead and Incarnate, it also features exclusive preview pages of all currently published titles.

Radical’s new site serves as a hub for all Radical news stories and media including an up-to-date archive of comic trailers, videos of creator interviews; the latest interviews and reviews and breaking announcements sorted by category in one convenient stop. Users will also have the opportunity to sign up for Radical Publishing’s exclusive e-mail newsletter containing breaking news and exclusive announcements.

In addition to being a media and news hub, the website will feature an updated retail page for ordering your favorite Radical books such as Yoshitaka Amano’s Mateki: The Magic Flute; single issues of all Radical comics; and apparel including a shirt with the Hercules artwork of comic legend Jim Steranko.

The new Radical experience can be found right now at www.radicalcomics.com.

Slave Labor Graphics Panel

On Saturday at the Con, I visited 2 panels. Slave Labor Graphics (or SLG) was up first, as presented by founder Dan Vado.  It was a casual and intimate affair, with Vado presenting a few short trailers for current and upcoming releases. I’ve been familiar with SLG for a while now but have only recently read some of their books, including Captain Blood (which is a 5 ish mini, but may become an ongoing if successful) and Zeke Deadwood: Zombie Lawman. Their Gargoyles comic (based on the 90s cartoon) will continue, with unproduced issues finally being released.

The book Vado talked about most was Winchester, the first issue of which will be released in October. Being an Aussie I’m unfamiliar with Sarah Winchester and her unusual legacy, but her story sounds like a great premise. The story centres on a haunted house next to a freeway, in which 2 people enter with weirdness ensuing. Vado describes it as a tale of “historical fiction, bits of horror and spooky stuff.” Vado has written it, with art provided by Drew Rausch. The pair worked together on the Haunted Mansion series. Interestingly Vado was a tour guide in his youth for the Winchester Mystery House but was fired on his first day after deviating from the traditional tour guide script. He mentioned that Sarah Winchester used to travel around the house using the pipes of the sprinkler system as monkey bars. Unsurprisingly this impressed the Con audience.

Pinocchio:Vampire SlayerPinocchio: Vampire Slayer was up next. Vado revealed that this series has been a sleeper hit, thanks to the simple, yet lovable concept. The book launches in September from creators Van Jensen and Dustin Higgins and centres on the original, darker book rather than the well-known Disney film. Vampires kill Pinocchio’s father Gepetto before he can become a real boy so he goes on a vamp killing mission of vengeance. He lies so his wooden nose grows, snaps it off and stabs the bloodsuckers in the chest. Classic. The trailer for the book has had 8000 views in 3 weeks.

Jamaica Dyer’s Weird Fishes comes out in October. Originally released as a full colour web-comic, the collected edition will be black and white but it still looks lush with its water colour effects. This is Dyer’s first book and is a coming of age tale about a girl named Dee who discovers she’s not as unusual as she thinks she is. Vado seems quite proud of this book and it does look quite touching.

Vado also mentioned the Emo Boy film, which is in the works from Vanguard Films and closed the panel out with a few short videos made from the SLG team in their office/warehouse. These included two boys riding a pallet lifer around the place and an amusing ode to their love of Macs while taking their frustrations out with PCs with a baseball bat and a handgun.

Vado closed things off by mentioning that the first Friday of every month SLG convert their San Jose warehouse to a gallery and have bands made up of SLG staff play. It seems like they’re  a fun publisher.

Bousman Directs Abattoir

Press release below about Radical Publishing’s continued involvement with Hollywood.

Abattoir_coverFollowing up on the announcement of Darren Bousman signing at the Radical Publishing booth for the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, Radical Publishing is proud to announce that Bousman, the acclaimed director of Saw II, Saw III and Saw IV, is attached to write and direct Abattoir as a feature film, based on the upcoming comic miniseries developed by Bousman and writing-producing partner Michael Peterson. Abattoir will be produced by Radical’s President and Publisher, Barry Levine and executive produced by Radical’s executive Vice President, Jesse Berger and Darren Bousman.

Abattoir chronicles real estate agent Richard Ashwalt who is assigned the impossible task of cleaning up after a brutal massacre that takes place at a mansion. As he cleans the blood-soaked grounds, a twisted old man journeys to the house with a sinister and terrifying purpose, and draws Richard into a web of shadows, murders and massacres that will shatter him to his very core…and make him run for his life.

“I am addicted to haunted house stories.” stated Bousman “I love them… My addiction to this genre became an obsession to create one of my own. Abattoir is my spin on a haunted house story.

“Darren has crafted a thrilling horror story and we are excited to have him both debut a preview of the cover art at San Diego Comic-Con and have him adapt the film.”said Radical Publishing’s President and Publisher Barry Levine.

Darren Bousman will be signing on Saturday, July 25th at the Radical Publishing booth.

Radical Publishing booth #3735

Saturday

3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Dark Horse Unveils New Projects

Press release below regarding some intriguing new titles coming from Dark Horse this year.

DARK HORSE UNVEILS THE NEXT WAVE OF COMICS, GRAPHIC NOVELS, MANGA, AND MORE AT THE 2009 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

Dark Horse is proud to again deliver a loaded catalog of new projects that exemplify the evolution of the comics medium. Here are just a few of the highlights from this year’s Comic-Con International:

365 Samurai and a Few Bowls of Rice—Swiss artist J. P. Kalonji’s graphic novel comes to America. A young swordfighter must kill 365 samurai on a quest to avenge his master—in a fun, humorous, cartoony style.

Age of Reptiles—Film designer Ricardo Delgado returns with the third installment of his epic (silent) dinosaur comics series. Carnivores hunt herbivores on a migration south.

Aliens vs. Predator: Three World War—The 2009 relaunch of the Aliens and Predator series comes together with a creative team of John Arcudi and Rick Leonardi.

Archie Archives—The classic Archie comic books get the deluxe treatment in a series of hardcovers as the newest editions to the Dark Horse Archives series.

Blacksad—Collecting all three of the international award-winning European volumes, the third of which has not been published in English before. This crime noir about a cat detective, PI John Blacksad, is a phenomenal anthropomorphic story with fully painted artwork. By Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido.

goongelCasper Anniversary Special—A 64-page hardcover celebrating Casper’s sixtieth anniversary and featuring his first appearance in comics.

Conan: The Weight of the Crown—Darick Robertson writes and draws our first Conan one-shot since the Conan the Cimmerian relaunch. This comic is part of Dark Horse’s all-new One-Shot Wonders program.

Dark Horse GelaSkins (see above and below and here for more)—Decorative coverings for phones and laptops featuring some of Dark Horse’s most popular properties, including The Umbrella Academy, Yoshitaka Amano, Tim Burton, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, and many more. A select few will be available at the Dark Horse booth during the convention as supplies last. The whole program is set to launch in September 2009.

Devil—Devil is an original Japanese manga being created for Dark Horse by Torajiro Kishi and animation powerhouse Madhouse Studios, featuring genetically designed vampires in a sci-fi police drama set in Tokyo.

Electropolis—Electropolis: The Infernal Machine is the perfect companion to Mister X: Condemned. Visionary artist Dean Motter revisits his unique brand of “antique futurism” in a story full of familiar faces, including a memorable cameo by Mister X himself.

Final Fantasy Boxed Set—A luxurious edition that stays true to the original Japanese collection of the complete Final Fantasy artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.

Furry Water and Mesmo Delivery—Eisner winner Rafael Grampá comes to Dark Horse with two books: Mesmo Delivery, a reprint of his psychedelic small-press debut; and Furry Water, cowritten with Daniel Pellizzari, a six-issue postapocalyptic action comic.

One-Shot Wonders—A new program running from October to December, highlighting some of Dark Horse’s biggest characters and properties in standalone comics retailing at $3.50 each. The program includes “Sugarshock,” Conan, Hellboy, Abe Sapien, Star Wars (two titles), “Dr. Horrible,” and The Goon.

The Art of Blade of the Immortal—Hardcover edition of the original Japanese book with 32 new bonus pages not previously available. This book will be in the style of the Dark Horse The Art of . . . and Library Edition series.

hellboygel

Superman, Batman And Batgirl Motion Comics

The Watchmen Motion Comic is awesome, and now more are on the way. Full skinny below.

WARNER PREMIERE CONTINUES TO LEAD THE MOTION COMICS CATEGORY WITH THE DEBUT OF “SUPERMAN: RED SON,” “BATGIRL: YEAR ONE” AND “BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE” COLLECTION 2

First Episode of Superman: Red Son Available for Free via iTunes for Limited Time – Click here now.

Complete Motion Comics Series for “Batgirl: Year One” and “Batman: Black and White” Collection 2 Debuts

RED_S0N_IMAGE1Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced three new additions to the best-selling Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate. Classic graphic novels Superman: Red Son and Batgirl: Year One, as well as graphic album Batman: Black and White Collection 2 entered the digital age as Warner Premiere Motion Comics on the iTunes Store. Also announced today comrades everywhere, for a limited time, can download the first glorious episode of Superman: Red Son for free and see how Stalin’s most powerful weapon swayed the balance of power during the Cold War.

Continuing to lead the motion comics experience, Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics connect comic fans to authentic DC characters through short-form content. The Motion Comics slate draws on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork.

S_RED_SoN_IMAGE3

“Last year we debuted our Motion Comics slate and saw the voracious appetite graphic novel fans had for this digital content,” said Diane Nelson, president, Warner Premiere. “One of the reasons for our success is Warner Premiere working closely with DC Comics to determine if a story naturally lends itself to becoming a motion comic. Another key is the process we use to select the studios that ultimately create these motion comics. They are very passionate comic book fans so creating these motion comics really are a labor of love. We’re very proud of our success and look forward to bringing more titles to comic fans in the future.”

Superman: Red Son

RED_SON_IMAGE2Warner Premiere Motion Comics is proud to bring “Superman: Red Son” to its Motion Comics slate. Based on the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel written by Mark Millar and drawn by Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett “Superman: Red Son” takes viewers back in time to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union where Superman is fighting for the Communists. In this alternate universe, Superman lands in Russia rather than the United States andSoviet Union’s greatest weapon as the world is transformed into a communist state opposed only by a crumbling capitalistic AmericaLex Luthor. Now as Superman stands on the brink of ultimate power, three heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, each make a valiant stand to destroy the reign of the Man of Steel. The Superman: Red Son Motion Comic was animated by New Zealand-based Karactaz.

For a limited time, the first episode of Superman: Red Son is now available on iTunes for free. To download, visit here or here. Future episodes will debut once a week and fans are encouraged to sign up for a Season Pass to automatically receive future episodes.

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Underworld Director Tackles Shrapnel

Len Wiseman, the man behind the latest Die Hard and the Underworld films is tackling the film adaptation of Radical’s sci-fi epic, Shrapnel. Press release below.

Shrapnel #1Radical Publishing is proud to announce that Len Wiseman, director of Live Free or Die Hard and co-creator, director and producer of the Underworld franchise has signed on to develop and direct the motion picture adaption of Radical Publishing’s Shrapnel.

Co-created by Zombie Studios’ CEO Mark Long and science fiction novelist Nick Sagan, Shrapnel is an epic 3-part miniseries that unfolds in a dystopian future in which imperialism has laid siege to the Solar System and Venus stands as the last free colony of humanity. Caught in the middle of this interplanetary war is Samantha “Sam” Vijaya, a soldier in self-imposed exile recovering from her service in the military. When the battle once again crashes into Sam’s life, she must choose to either remain on the sidelines and watch a colony’s destruction, or risk her physical and psychological well-being to intervene. The first story arc revolves around Venus, while the second arc rages across Mars and the final climax carries over onto Earth itself.

“I’m really drawn to the reluctant-hero story.” said Wiseman, who noted that the last hero he directed, John McClaine in Live Free or Die Hard, fit that archetypal mold.

“Shrapnel is a story about making choices and rising to the occasion.” stated Radical’s President and Publisher Barry Levine. “I enjoyed it so much that I made this Radical’s biggest commitment to date. Len was my top choice for adapting this perfect balance of action and drama and I’m glad to have him on board.”

Developed as a live action film with possible 3-D approach, Shrapnel will be produced by Barry Levine, Len Wiseman and Mark Gordon with Radical’s Executive Vice-President Jesse Berger, Mark Long and Josh McLaughlin of Gordon Co. attached as executive producers. A video game version of Shrapnel, developed by Zombie Studios, is set for release in the near future.

Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising Trade Paperback, which collects the first miniseries of the Shrapnel universe, goes on sale August 19th.

Green Lantern: First Flight Preview

DC’s latest animated film debuts on July 28 on DVD, Blu-Ray and On Demand, and below is a sneak peek at the film, starring Hal Jordan and Sinestro. Looks good.

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