SDCC’08: Morrison and Virgin Team for MBX

Virgin Comics has announced it has formed a collaboration with Grant Morrison on MBX  a new intellectual property and animation franchise based on India’s iconic myth The Mahabharata.

Morrison’s re-imagining of the epic tale of two families at war and the fate of the universe that hangs in the balance features an ancient world fused with incredible technology and super beings.  At San Diego Comic-Con 2008, animation for the project will get its first public look.

MBX is a flagship title in a Virgin Comics and Perspective Studios ongoing joint venture formed in November to co-produce a diverse range of original animation and publishing properties. The companies expect to announce several animated MBX projects in the coming months, including feature film and video game adaptations.

“Right from our initial meeting, it was clear that Virgin Comics and Grant shared a passion for Eastern mythologies,” said Gotham Chopra, Virgin Comics’ Chief Creative Officer. “Of course, since Grant did not simply want to retell the same original story, we knew we needed to partner with Perspective Studios and their innovative artists and animators to truly capture Grant’s vision.”

“This is not a strictly accurate historical portrayal of events, but a poetic, fantastic interpretation of the original text,” added Morrison. “The world of MBX is a place of incredible art and technology. This kingdom of sages, warriors, noble men and women is stronger, faster, fitter and smarter than we are, but still prey to the same emotional foibles that lead us all into disaster.”

“Obviously, Perspective Studios was thrilled to have the opportunity to help realize Grant’s conception for this breakthrough project,” Steven Lerhoff, CEO of Perspective Studios, remarked. “We look forward to working with our partners at Virgin Comics to bring the world of MBX to a wide and enthusiastic audience.”

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, both companies as well as Morrison will be on hand to debut an exclusive MBX trailer created by Perspective Studios together with a limited-edition sketchbook. Grant Morrison will be joining comics legend Stan Lee on a panel on Thursday, July 24th at 10:45-11:45 am in Ballroom 20, when the MBX trailer will have its world premiere. Grant Morrison’s MBX Sketchbook, a limited-edition print (1000 copies only) featuring mind-bending insight from Grant Morrison, beautiful concept art from Mukesh Singh (Jenna Jameson’s Shadow Hunter, Guy Ritchie’s Gamekeeper), script excerpts and more, will be sold exclusively at the Con.