Some of Netflix’s most popular shows are comic-book stories. Marvel’s Netflix series are a big draw for the service, along with Marvel’s movies and the CW’s television shows. Now the company is looking to amp its comic book offerings with one of the biggest independent names in comics: Mark Millar.
Dreams were how we got started. pic.twitter.com/5w2DOVykji
— Netflix US (@netflix) August 7, 2017
Millar is a well-known comics author with some well-known adaptations to his name. The ultra-violent Kick-Ass, the goofy spy thriller Kingsman, and the framework that formed one of this year’s best comic movies, Logan, are all from Millar’s work. You can credit him for Marvel’s Ultimates series, too, including casting Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Now, Netflix has partnered with Millar and acquired his Millarworld comic book label to bring his characters to life as television shows and movies.
“The acquisition, the first ever by Netflix, is a natural progression in the company’s effort to work directly with prolific and skilled creators to acquire intellectual property and ownership of stories featuring compelling characters and timeless, interwoven fictional worlds,” says the press release.
A comic book legend
Netflix plans to not only adapt existing Millar material, but to work with Millar and his wife Lucy to bring new characters and stories to life under the label, too.
Stories like Superior, Huck, and Nemesis are all ripe for adaptation, offering up alternate takes on classic superhero and villain archetypes. The deal doesn’t include Kingsman or Kick-Ass, as those have separate licensing deals, but there’s plenty for Netflix to work with even without those.
Netflix has yet to announce which titles it plans to adapt, but the list is long and there’s a lot to be excited about. Millar’s catalog of work approaches being a modern equivalent to creators like Stan Lee; he’s an endless source of original material, and his work has proven to be adaptable and profitable, while also being critically acclaimed. This is a great deal for Netflix and Millar alike.
