Guy Ritchie and Barry Sonnenfeld are the latest high-profile film directors to make the trek online, only this time with comics.
Yahoo has made a deal with Liquid Comics to distribute motion-comic shows on its Yahoo! Screen portal, beginning this summer with motion comic versions of graphic novels created by Sonnenfeld and Ritchie.
Sonnenfeld’s “Dinosaurs vs. Aliens,” written by Grant Morrison, depicts an alien invasion attacking earth during the age of the dinosaurs. Ritchie’s “Gamekeeper,” written by Andy Diggle, chronicles a reclusive groundsman who seeks vengeance after mercenaries try to destroy his life.
Sonnenfeld (left) is most famous for "Men in Black," while Ritchie (below right) is best known for overseeing "Sherlock Holme."
"This is compelling content from great storytellers, and we are excited to be adding Liquid Comics to our robust slate of premium content partners," said Erin McPherson, vice president and head of video at Yahoo.
"Together with the upcoming animated blockbuster 'Electric City' by Tom Hanks, these motion comics are the start of a unique animated offering on Yahoo."
Founded in 2006 by Sir Richard Branson, Deepak Chopra, Shekhar Kapur and a series of entrepreneurs, Virgin Comics was renamed Liquid Comics in 2008. Other major Hollywood collaborators include Nicolas Cage and John Woo, who made a web series.
That fits in with Yahoo's approach to online video, which has a particular focus on integrating well-known Hollywood talent.
“We are thrilled to work with Yahoo to bring the full graphic novel experience to their audience through Liquid’s motion comic versions,” Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Liquid Comics, said in a statement. “Yahoo!’s impressive global reach will greatly enhance Liquid’s goal of pushing the boundaries of comic books through digital platforms and technology and enabling our creative partners to share their stories with audiences worldwide.”
