Somebody, please pinch me because I must be dreaming. In a stunning announcement, Netflix has declared the purchase of Millarworld, the publishing empire from the mind of influential writer Mark Millar.
Terms of the purchase have yet to be disclosed but with the wide array of existing properties in Millarworld, we are certainly in for a treat. The streaming giant has said it will develop films, episodic series, and children’s series all based on the variety of material.
The Scotland native has already taken to the internet to show his excitement, penning a heartfelt letter to his fans. “I started Millarworld as a creator-owned comic-book company nearly 15 years ago, after talking some artist pals into being their own bosses. We’d all had success at DC and Marvel, but this was a chance to control the characters created and reap the rewards from any future movies, TV or merchandise that ever came from those characters and books. Over the years, Millarworld has amassed twenty different franchises working with the world’s greatest artists and now Millarworld has been bought by the hottest, most exciting entertainment company on the planet. To say this is the best thing that ever happened in our professional lives would be an understatement.”
Mark Millar is by far one of the most prolific and talented writers of the past twenty years. Prior to founding Millarworld with his wife Lucy Millar, Mark spent over eight years helping Marvel grow some of its most influential properties. Civil War, The Ultimates, and Old Man Logan would go on to inspire some of the most profitable films of the 2000s, ultimately helped to create the superhero filmscape that we see today. Oh, wait… he didn’t just work for Marvel you say? That’s right, Millar also wrote the iconic DC title Superman: Red Son (seriously read this book) and continued to create his own properties that you may have heard of; Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kingsman, etc. Can you see now why I’m so excited?
Dreams were how we got started. pic.twitter.com/5w2DOVykji
— Netflix (@netflix) August 7, 2017
Besides the titles mentioned above, there is still a treasure trove of material that is ripe for adaptation. Perfect examples include Chrononauts, a time traveling buddy action-comedy, Huck, heartwarming story of a man that can find anything, and Jupiter’s Legacy, a skewed take on superheroes in the real world.
“I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans,” Millar said. “Netflix is the future, and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home.”
This is only the third time that a comic publisher has been purchased by an entertainment company. Joining Warner Bros. 1968 purchase of DC Comics and Disney’s 1999 purchase of Marvel, the latest acquisition by Netflix is a huge step in their successful battle to empower streaming as the entertainment platform of the present and future. Alongside their slate of feature films and original series, having a think tank in the form of Millarworld will put water in their well for years to come.
Look for more news in the coming months and be sure to get your hands on some of Mark Millar’s graphic novels before they are made into amazing movies and shows.
What are your thoughts on Netflix stepping up to the plate? What are your favorite Mark Millar stories? Comment below and stay tuned to GWW for more comic and streaming news.