Foundry forges comicbook, pic plans

Levin'Offworld'Veteran producer Lloyd Levin, striving to create qualities that may be converted into movies, is starting Foundry Comics together with Stranger Comics.Foundry will publish 4 to 6 graphic books each year in a number of genres varying from medieval historic adventures to advanced action pieces to raucous comedies.Levin -- whose credits include "Watchmen," "Hellboy" and "The Rocketeer" -- and Stranger Comics Boss Sebastian A. Johnson made the announcement."We are posting comicbooks using the aim of which makes them into movies," Levin told Variety. "Generally the scripts are now being written simultaneously (developed in addition to the galleries) because the comicbooks are now being produced. We'll eventually bring aboard a director, then budget and schedule, prepare conceptual art, possibly raise financing, then bring the entire package towards the galleries for more financing and distribution."Foundry is developing "Offworld" by David Manley, author of "Orphan" and "Wrath from the Leaders," like a graphic adaptation of Johnson's original script a good intergalactic safari. Levin can also be in pre-production on the feature version of "Offworld" with Lawrence Gordon Julian Gilbey ("A Lonely Spot to Die") is placed to direct.The concept for Foundry Comics increased from Levin and Sebastian's collaboration on the feature adaptation of "The Untamed," Stranger Comics' first released title, produced by Johnson and artist Peter Bergting. Other projects presently in production at Foundry Comics include:"Quincey Morris" by Steven Katz ("Shadow from the Vampire") within the story from the little-appreciated imaginary American cowboy who kills Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel"Escape Velocity" by Andrew Cosby (creator of Eureka and co-founding father of BOOM! Galleries) -- a guy versus. machine story occur space"Destroying Christmas" by Sebastian A. Johnson and Darrell May -- a vacation tale about two hard-hanging out elves who neglect their responsibilities to disastrous effect and attempt a legendary journey to create things right."There is something magical about creating a tale arrived at existence, be it around the big screen or around the printed page," stated Levin. "In lots of ways my long term passion for comicbooks has fueled a lot of my career in films, so I am grateful and excited for that chance to become directly active in the development of comicbooks. I recieve a hurry whenever a new page returns in the artist." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com