In a stunning move of “corporate synergy” I don’t think anyone was expecting, Marvel Super Scribe Brian Michael Bendis will pen a graphic novel of fictional author Richard Castle’s famous Storm Front series. For those who aren’t GLUED to ABC’s Castle every Monday night, it’s a police procedural (zzzzzz. . . .) starring Nathan Fillion (zzz- wha? WAHT?!?!) as crime novelist Richard Castle and his work as a consultant to the NYPD. Yes, it’s “Murder She Wrote” starring Captain Tightpants, but it’s really fun and doesn’t take itself seriously at all, and unlike most procedurals, not everything is splattered in blood and semen. A nice change. And it’s a can’t miss every week for me and the wife, which is becoming rare on TV these days.
Richard Castle’s first set of popular novels revolved around Derrick Storm, whom viewers of the show know almost nothing about. But thanks to the wizards at Marvel, we’re going to get a new graphic novel in December CASTLE: RICHARD CASTLE’S DEADLY STORM. Writing this will be Marvel Super-Scribe (and my man crush) Brian Michael Bendis. Well, duh. Of COURSE it’s going to be BENDIS. I mean, is there anything he ISN’T writing at Marvel now? I want to know what intravenous amphetamines they have Bendis on that cause him to write so much and write so well.
I’m loving this news, as well as the news, via Bendis’s Twitter that he will also be featured on some upcoming DVD extras and commentaries. My hope is we’ll see even more cross-over: maybe get Castle poking around a crime that involves Bendis or Marvel comics properties in some way? Can we get a Castle poker game populated (instead of by crime/pulp novelists like James Patterson, Stephen King, etc) with Bendis, Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker, Joe Quesada? But no Tom Breevort. Because that’s just outside the realm of believability that anyone would dare play poker against the T-Voort.
So I’m incredibly excited by this. Way more excited than I should be over what is essentially cross-promotional marketing. Normally I’m jaded about this type of corporate overreach, but I’m cautiously happy about this project between Marvel and the Disney Empire.
Here’s their press release, below and so, until Richard Castle has a crime he can’t solve or quip about: MAKE MINE MARVEL?
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT & ABC STUDIOS ANNOUNCE “CASTLE” HARDCOVER GRAPHIC NOVEL
All New Original Graphic Novel Brings Star Studded Talent To World of ABC Primetime Hit Series
Marvel Entertainment and ABC Studios are proud to announce Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm, an all-new hardcover graphic novel inspired by the popular “Castle” television series. This 112 page hardcover hits comic shops and bookstores everywhere on September 28th, 2011. Fans can get a first look at the upcoming graphic novel, when Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) reveals the cover on “Knockout,” the Season Finale of “Castle,” MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
When viewers first met Richard Castle, he had reached celebrity author status with the success of his Derrick Storm mystery novels. In an unprecedented collaborative effort between Marvel, ABC Studios and the producers of “Castle,” the adventures of Derrick Storm will be chronicled in an all new graphic novel from some of the most accomplished creators in the industry. “I am honored and humbled to see Derrick Storm join the ranks of some of the greatest heroes of all-time,” said Richard Castle. “Being a part of the Marvel family is a childhood fantasy come true for me.”
Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm brings together a star studded cast of the best creators in the industry, including co-writers Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) and Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain America And The Secret Avengers); interior artist Lan Medina (Fables); and cover artist Carlo Pagulayan (Planet Hulk).
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with marvel to bring Richard Castle’s early literary works to life,” said Andrew W. Marlowe, “Castle” creator/executive producer. “It’s a great way to expand the Castle universe for all our fans.”
The release of Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm marks the first adaptation, in any medium, of the Derrick Storm novels by New York Times best-selling author Richard Castle.
“It’s exciting to bring the Derrick Storm novels to life for the first time ever” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Entertainment Editor in Chief. “Whether you’re new to the world of ‘Castle’ or a long time fan, there’s something for everyone in Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm—and it’s the kind of book that reaffirms Marvel’s commitment to creating new fans of comic books.”
CASTLE: RICHARD CASTLE’S DEADLY STORM
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & KELLY SUE DECONNICK
Art by LAN MEDINA
Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN
Rated T+…$19.99
ON SALE SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7851-5327-6
“Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.
“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.