/24-7PressRelease/ - LOS ANGELES, CA, October 31, 2007 - Veteran comic creators Mike Grell and Mark Ryan have partnered with ComicMix.com to launch "The Pilgrim," a weekly episodic graphic novel based on true accounts of paranormal espionage first used during World War II and continuing today. Ryan (Transformers, The Prestige) and Grell (Sable, Green Arrow, Ironman) developed the modern-day story from a screenplay written by Ryan. "The Pilgrim" is an adult-format novel that will appeal to fans of dark comics, sci-fi and horror. ComicMix will debut weekly episodes, in color, for free in early 2008. Ryan and Grell also have future plans to develop "The Pilgrim" into a theatrical release.
The graphic novel collaboration was announced at Comic-Con International in San Diego last July while its creators were in talks with ComicMix.com to become its exclusive online home. This marks a reunion for Ryan and Grell with old friend Mike Gold, founder of ComicMix and former senior editor for DC Comics. The trio originally teamed in 1991 to develop the 50th Anniversary edition of the comic-book "Green Arrow" for DC Comics.
Ryan was inspired to write "The Pilgrim" upon learning about the use of psychics and occultists during World War II by Allied forces to influence the minds and strategies of the Nazi leadership, which helped save Britain from invasion. "The Pilgrim intertwines historical characters with modern paranormal capabilities used in intelligence-gathering operations to infiltrate hostile governments," says Ryan. "It unveils a dark secret history involving classified occult research and the unmarked graves of unsung heroes who gave their lives in these desperate yet vital operations."
Grell, known for his distinctive story-telling and highly-detailed artwork, adds, "This is a story that would give Stephen King the willies. I've been a fan since Mark first told me about it years ago, and I'm really excited to help bring it to life! "
ComicMix.com launched in September 2007 as a destination for everyone who loves comics, TV shows, movies, games and pop culture. The site, which also offers news and interviews, will develop additional multimedia content with Ryan and Grell including blogs and podcasts. An enthusiastic Mike Gold has this to add, "It's great to be working with Mark again. It's been quite a while since we did that Green Arrow special over at DC, and we've been talking about Pilgrim for about 15 years, waiting for the right time and the perfect venue. Getting our pal Mike Grell to draw it - Mike usually only draws his own scripts, so this is quite a rare event - is the cherry on top. Pilgrim will make a highly entertaining, high-impact addition to the ComicMix line-up."
Fans that cannot wait for "The Pilgrim" to debut can check out Mike Grell's latest graphic novel adventure, Jon Sable Freelance: Ashes of Eden, which will be available on ComicMix.com in color, for free, beginning next month.
For more information, please visit these official sites:
www.markryanactor.com
www.mikegrell.com
www.comicmix.com
# # #