Vin Di Bona ramps up comics plans

Producer inks deal with Devil's Due Publishing

By MARC GRASER

'Serpo'

Months after announcing his first comicbook property, producer Vin Di Bona is ramping up his graphic novel plans, forming Invisible Hand Studios, and inking a deal with Devil's Due Publishing to launch the first properties.

New comicbook arm will develop titles that could be turned into full-length features or TV shows.

First release, bowing in August, will be "Serpo," about an interplanetary exchange program between 12 Americans and aliens from the planet Serpo. Story chronicles the circumstances leading up to the exchange, captures the experiences of humans living among alien life forms, and reveals why only eight humans returned.

Jason Burns penned the graphic novel with artwork created by Joe Eisma.

Other books include "D.O.L.," penned by Burns, about two overzealous underdogs, who in the process of collecting overdue library books, inadvertently save the world; and "The Odd Squad," a dramedy featuring a motley group who assemble to reinstate the government's Office of Dimensional Defense and battle supernatural forces. Nick Capetanakis and Todd Livingston penned the latter, with artwork by Brendon and Brian Fraim.

"I believe the graphic novel presents the most unique and creative entry into the future of both television and film," Di Bona said. "With the launch of Invisible Hand Studios, we have the opportunity to ride the crest of what will be the new wave of storytelling."

Di Bona partnered with Image Comics in February to publish "Urban Monsters," the producer's first foray into the comicbook biz.