Broken Frontier

Paramount Pictures has announced the purchase of the film rights to Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker's INVINCIBLE comic book, published monthly by Image Comics. So strong is Kirkman's writing on the book that he has also been tapped to write the screenplay for the film, a rare accomplishment considering this will be Kirkman's first script. Paramount sees the INVINCIBLE movie as a potential franchise starter, and has set the film up with producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura (who is also listed as a producer for Warner Brothers' CONSTANTINE and Universal's upcoming DOOM). Circle of Confusion, an ambitious Hollywood agency the represents Kirkman, as well as creators such as Brian Michael Bendis (POWERS), Michael Avon Oeming (POWERS, 86 VOLTZ, HAMMER OF THE GODS, SIX), the Luna Brothers (ULTRA), Ed Brubaker, and the Wachowski Brothers (of "The Matrix" fame), has been set up as the production house.

"I had so much fun writing it the first time around that I can't wait to write it all again in a new medium," says Kirkman.

On the heels of the Paramount announcement, Image will be soliciting a hardcover INVINCIBLE edition, collecting the first thirteen issues of the Eisner-nominated book. INVINCIBLE: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, VOL. 1, will clock in at an impressive 400 pages and will retail for $34.95. The issues collected feature artwork from series co-creator Cory Walker and current INVINCIBLE artist Ryan Ottley, and will contain a plethora of bonus material, as well as an introduction by superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis.

Additionally, Image is releasing a fifty-cent "zero" issue of INVINCIBLE in April. The sixteen page INVINCIBLE #0 provides an ideal jumping-on point for those who have yet to discover what may well be the best superhero comic book in the world. The story includes the origin of Invincible, and brings new readers up to speed while laying down the groundwork for upcoming storylines. As such, the book is a must-have for old and new readers alike.

Picking up INVINCIBLE #0 will make it that much easier for readers to prepare themselves for the stunning shake-ups Kirkman has planned for INVINCIBLE #25, headed to shops in July. While the book has become well known for the twisting and turning plotlines, even veteran readers are in for a shock when the summer rolls around.

Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen has been a Kirkman booster from day one, and sees the success of INVINCIBLE as a the much-deserved result of talent and hard work.

"We've been telling folks since day one that INVINCIBLE kicks ass," says Larsen. "It turns out somebody was listening. We couldn't be more proud of Robert Kirkman. Seriously. Expect those back issue prices to go through the roof, kids."

For Kirkman's part, he's hoping the spotlight on the book will convince anyone who might not be reading INVINCIBLE to give it a shot.

"Readership on INVINCIBLE continues to grow month after month," notes the writer.  "Hopefully with this announcement people who had been reluctant to give a new superhero book a try will now give INVINCIBLE the chance it deserves. In preparation for that we're trying to make it as easy as possible with a reasonably priced hardcover and the fifty-cent zero issue."

INVINCIBLE, which debuted in early 2003, focuses on the life of teenager Mark Grayson, the son of the world's greatest superhero, as he deals with the development of his own powers, and finds his life turned upside down in the process. INVINCIBLE was nominated (along with Kirkman's other continuing Image Comics series, THE WALKING DEAD) for a 2004 Eisner award for Best New Series.

INVINCIBLE: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, VOL. 1 HARDCOVER will retail for $34.95. It will be solicited in the April issue of Diamond PREVIEWS, and will go on sale June 8. INVINCIBLE #0 (Diamond order coder: FEB05 1572) was solicited in the February issue of PREVIEWS, and will hit stands on April 13.

INVINCIBLE trade paperbacks available from Image Comics include:

Invincible, Vol. 1: Family Matters (Diamond code: STAR19375, ISBN 1-58240-320-1, $12.95)
Invincible, Vol. 2: Eight is Enough (Diamond code: JAN04 1300, ISBN 1-58240-347-3, $12.95)
Invincible, Vol. 3: Perfect Strangers (Diamond code: JUN04 1362, ISBN 1-58240-391-0, $12.95)