Netflix Buys Mark Millar’s Millarworld

Streaming giant Netflix now has its very own comic book imprint.

Mark Millar’s creator-owned publisher Millarworld has been purchased by Netflix in a deal announced today by Millar and Netflix. Netflix also released the teaser video above.

According to the press release, Netflix and Millar plan to “bring Millarworld’s portfolio of critically and fan-acclaimed character franchises to life through films, series and kids’ shows available exclusively to Netflix members globally. Millarworld will also continue to create and publish new stories and character franchises under the Netflix label.”

This acquisition is the first ever by Netflix. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“As creator and re-inventor of some of the most memorable stories and characters in recent history, ranging from Marvel’s The Avengers to Millarworld’s Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Wanted and Reborn franchises, Mark is as close as you can get to a modern day Stan Lee,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “We can’t wait to harness the creative power of Millarworld to Netflix and start a new era in global storytelling.”

“This is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level,” said Millar, referencing Warner Bros.’ ownership of DC Comics and Disney’s 2009 acquisition of Marvel Comics. “I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans. Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home.”

Millar runs Millarworld with his wife, Lucy Millar. Mark Millar formerly worked at Marvel Comics writing The Ultimates, Civil War, and Old Man Logan. He also wrote for DC Comics, including the popular Superman miniseries Superman: Red Son and post-modern superhero saga The Authority. Three of Millar’s original Millarworld creations have already been adapted into movies: Wanted, Kick-Ass, and Kingsman: The Secret Service. Together, the films have grossed over $1 billion globally.

“Mark has created a next-generation comics universe, full of indelible characters living in situations people around the world can identify easily with,” added Sarandos. “We look forward to creating new Netflix Originals from several existing franchises as well as
new super-hero, anti-hero, fantasy, sci-fi and horror stories Mark and his team will continue to create and publish.”

The Millarworld stable of titles includes Nemesis, Jupiter’s Legacy, Jupiter’s Circle, Empress, Super Crooks, Starlight, Chrononauts, Reborn, MPH, Wanted, American Jesus, and Superior. Millar has typically been known for “widescreen” comics that employ a very cinematic storytelling style. In recent years he’s penned somewhat less bombastic genre deconstructions and reimaginings.