Philip K. Dick's Electric Ant Coming to Marvel

New York, NY- July 25, 2008 -- Electric Ant, Philip K. Dick's seminal science fiction short story, will be adapted by Marvel Comics in the upcoming Electric Ant limited series to be released in 2009, it was announced by Marvel, and Electric Shepherd Productions.

Dick's work, which has revolutionized the world of science fiction, has been adapted into hit films, such as Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, and Dick remains one of the genre's most resonant authors.

"We couldn't be happier adapting such a powerful story by Philip K Dick," said Dan Buckley, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. President and Publisher.

The creative team behind this existential thriller includes acclaimed writer David Mack (Daredevil, Kabuki) and artist Pascal Alixe (Ultimate X-Men, 1602: Fantastik Four), joined by Consulting Editor Brian Michael Bendis (award-winning author behind Secret Invasion) and renowned artist Paul Pope, who will provide covers to the series.

"David Mack and Pascal Alixe remain faithful to the work of a man considered by many to be the greatest science fiction writer of all time, while also exploring all the nuances of Electric Ant's fascinating world," said Buckley.

"As the first original adaptation of our father's work into this genre, we are thrilled with the creative team and the support of Marvel in the care they have taken to be true to the integrity of this story," said Laura Leslie, Dick's daughter and a partner with her sister, Isa Dick Hackett, in Electric Shepherd Productions.

One of the most celebrated authors of the last century, Philip K Dick is the winner of the Hugo Award and the John W. Campbell award, both of which honor excellence in science fiction. Inducted into the Library of America in 2007, Dick has received literary recognition unprecedented for a contemporary science fiction writer.

"This is another example of Marvel's commitment to expanding not only the breadth of our products, but in also drawing new readers to the comic medium," explained Marvel Senior Vice President of Sales & Circulation, David Gabriel. "We're proud to be working alongside the Philip K Dick Estate in bringing another best-selling author's work to Marvel for a whole new legion of readers to enjoy. Along with Dark Tower, Anita Blake and all our Best-Selling Authors titles, Electric Ant is another example of Marvel working to bring popular, mainstream properties to comics for a whole new audience to enjoy."

Electric Shepherd was founded by Leslie and Hackett, who along with their brother, Christopher Dick, own and manage the Philip K Dick Estate. Electric Shepherd is currently working on several other projects based on the works of Philip K. Dick, including the Disney/Pixar animated feature based on King Of The Elves slated for release in 2012, and a Philip K. Dick biopic for HBO Films. Christopher Tricarico handles all business and legal affairs for Electric Shepherd and the Estate.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008