Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter TV Movie Coming to IFC

The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is adapting Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter to its first, full-length, theatrical feature which will air on the network. The popular novel series, which spawned an equally popular line of graphic novels under Marvel, by Laurell K. Hamilton will be adapted through a joint-venture with Lionsgate. If the TV movie is successful, more may follow. While no stars have been announced, Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter will air in 2010.

Glen Morgan, who has worked on X-Files and Final Destination, serves as executive producer, along with Courtney Solomon. The Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter movie is being tauted as a cross between True Blood and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and is being aimed at men, 18-34.

You can expect it to contain a suitable amount of just-this-side-of porn, as many detractors of the series claim it does. I have not read any of the Anita Blake books.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Anita Blake Returns!

I have to admit, I'm something of a purist when it comes to my comic books. I am always a little put-off when a celebrity from another medium wants to do comics because... well, if they weren't popular right now, they wouldn't want to - they didn't bother before, did they?

But many have made the transition and I'm happy for them. I'm also glad that fans are responding so positively, because it shows the products are actually worthwhile. And with Marvel's continued success in the arena, I look for the trend to continue growing.

It's what fans all over the world have been waiting for—Anita Blake returns to comic shops this week in Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The Laughing Corpse #1 (of 5), on sale NOW!! Adapting the novel by New York Times best-selling author Laurell K Hamilton, writer Jessica Ruffner and artist Ron Lim pit Anita toe-to-toe against a rogue animator… and she may need the help of Jean Claude if she hopes to survive! And what crime is so shocking, so gruesome, that it will set Anita on a path of no return?

Additionally, to celebrate Marvel's landmark simian series, Marvel Apes, this issue features a Monkey Variant cover by interior artist Rom Lim!

Plus, no Anita Blake fan can miss out on collections of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures and Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death, in stores now!

When dead bodies start turning up, Anita makes it her business to figure out who is behind them. So, grab your stakes and crosses and prepare for the dead when they rise from the grave this fall in Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The Laughing Corpse #1 (of 5)—in stores NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE LAUGHING CORPSE #1 (of 5) (AUG082305)
ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE LAUGHING CORPSE #1 (of 5) MONKEY VARIANT (AUG082306)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON
Adapted by JESSICA RUFFNER
Pencils & Cover by RON LIM
Monkey Variant Cover by RON LIM
Mature Content …$3.99
ON SALE NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH HC (DEC072249)
ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH HC VARIANT (DEC072250)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON & JONATHAN GREEN
Pencils by WELLINGTON ALVES
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
ON SALE NOW!!!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 TPB (MAY082366)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON,
STACIE RITCHIE, & JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$14.99
ON SALE NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 2 TPB (OCT082524)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON & JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH & RON LIM
Cover by RON LIM
Parental Advisory …$15.99
FOC—11/13/08, On-Sale—12/7/08

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

More Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake - Preview Art!

I guess it goes without saying that I am not much for the romance stuff. I like me some girly movies, but as far as the whole "tortured existence of a vampire as a metaphor for loneliness" and so-forth... ye-ah, not so much.

Further, I am not exactly against artists/writers from another medium making the move to comics anymore than I am against comics creators working in other mediums, but I do feel a tinge of jealousy or anger or whatever it is when they do it with their name splashed across the cover in letters twice as big as the title itself. But Laurell K. Hamilton does have an audience, as does her character, Anita Blake, so I guess it only makes sense. And her series have been doing bang-up business, so it's obviously working. And seeing this preview art, I see why!

This is an official Marvel press release:

From the pages of New York Times best-selling author Laurell K Hamilton's acclaimed novels comes Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #8 (of 12)! As her first visit to a freak party takes a deadly turn, Anita must fight her life while searching for the truth about the mysterious serial killer she's been trailing. But when the latest victim is discovered, things become personal for everyone's favorite Vampire Hunter! This issue also marks fan-favorite Ron Lim's debut as series artist, with covers from both Lim and Brett Booth!

Critics and fans alike continue to praise Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, with ComicsBulletin.Com's Shawn Hill declaring, "the title has been an unqualified success."

"Look out, Buffy! Anita Blake is coming to take your slaying crown," gushed Richard George of IGN.Com.

But when two new suspects appear on the scene, where does Anita's investigation go from here? No Anita Blake fan can afford to miss this issue as Anita's investigation takes a shocking turn in Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #8 (of 12)!

Plus, don't miss the new printings of the top-selling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Vol.1 HC and the upcoming Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death HC, collecting a brand new story by Laurell K Hamilton herself!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #8 (of 12) (AUG072279)
ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #8 (of 12) BOOTH VARIANT (DEC072158)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON
Adapted by JESS RUFFNER
Pencils and Cover by RON LIM
Variant Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory…$2.99
FOC—1/17/08, On-Sale—2/6/08

LAURELL K. HAMILTON'S ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH HC (DEC072249)
LAURELL K. HAMILTON'S ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH HC VARIANT (DEC072250)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON & JONATHON GREEN
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Covers by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—2/6/08

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC NEW PRINTING ANITA VARIANT (JUL078185)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC NEW PRINTING JEAN CLAUDE VARIANT (JUL078186)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—NOW!

All New Anita Blake Collections

This is an official Marvel press release:

For years, fans have clamored to learn about the early days of New York Times Best-Selling author Laurell K Hamilton’s popular protagonist Anita Blake — and now the answers arrive in all-new story written for comics!

Marvel is proud to present Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death HC, collecting Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death #1-2 and Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Handbook, offering a never-before-seen look into the world of Anita Blake! How did Anita and Jean Claude first meet? What was her first serial killer case? And just what brought Anita to Guilty Pleasures? Plus, an early encounter with Edward! Written by Laurell K Hamilton and Jonathon Green, with art by rising star Wellinton Alves, this is a must-read for Anita Blake fans!

And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with Anita Blake? Look for the Anita Blake Valentine’s Day Postcard on January 30^th, available exclusively in comic shops! Show your special someone how much you care with a stunning picture of everyone’s favorite Vampire Hunter!

LAURELL K. HAMILTON'S ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH HC (DEC072249)
LAURELL K. HAMILTON'S ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH HC VARIANT (DEC072250)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON & JONATHON GREEN
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Covers by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
FOC—1/10/08, On-Sale—2/6/08

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #7 (of 12) (JUL072208)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON
Adapted by JESS RUFFNER
Pencils & Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$2.99
On-sale—NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #8 (of 12) (AUG072279)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON
Adapted by JESS RUFFNER
Pencils and Cover by RON LIM
Variant Cover by BRETT BOOTH
FOC—1/17/08, On-Sale—2/6/08

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC NEW PRINTING ANITA VARIANT (JUL078185)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC NEW PRINTING JEAN CLAUDE VARIANT (JUL078186)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—NOW!

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures

A ton of established, traditional writers and novelists are getting into the comics racket lately - and most of them are doing quite well. Jodi Picoult and Jonathan Lethem are the two that spring most readily to mind, but by no means the only ones. What's surprising is how many are doing so well at it. I'm sure having their established audiences is part of it, but if they weren't good at it, that wouldn't matter much after the first issue or two - once the novelty wore off. I'd love to hear some of these writers' thoughts on the form and whether or not they really enjoyed working in it, so I may try to contact one or more of them and see if I can't get them to sit down for a few e-mails and let me know. In the meantime, check out this official Marvel press release and preview art for Anita Blake:

When you’re surrounded by enemies at every turn, just who can you trust? When you’re Anita Blake, animator and vampire hunter extraordinaire, the answer is simple — no one! The hit adaptation of New York Times Best-Selling author Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series continues in Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #7 (of 12) as Anita continues her investigation of the Vampire Murders. When she finds a friend in mortal danger, how far will she go to save him? Who’s behind the Vampire Murders? And is there more going on between Anita & Phillip than they realize? The answers to all of those questions begin here!

Plus, don’t miss one of 2007’s top selling graphic novels, Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Vol.1, in stores now with two covers exclusive to comic shops! Collecting Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #1-6, along with a brand new story by Laurell K Hamilton herself, this is a can’t miss collection for Anita Blake fans new and old.

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #7, as buzz continues to grow around the series from both fans and critics. The stage is set for Anita to find the answers she seeks — but at what cost to her and those she loves?

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES #7 (of 12) (JUL072208)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON
Adapted by Jess Ruffner
Pencils & Cover by Brett Booth
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—12/6/07, On-Sale—1/4/08

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC NEW PRINTING ANITA VARIANT (JUL078185)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—NOW!

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC NEW PRINTING JEAN CLAUDE VARIANT (JUL078186)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
On-Sale—NOW!

Anita Blake Zombie Variant

We've already covered a bit of the new Anita Blake series before. It's just not my cup of tea, personally, so I can't give a personal opinion, but let's face it, even Lifetime has a vampire detective series now, so it's a hot property! And with Ron Lim's zombie variant cover, collectors would be silly not to snatch-up at least one copy! This is an official Marvel press release:

Marvel is proud to unveil fan favorite artist Ron Lim’s exciting new Zombie variant cover to Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: The First Death #2 (of 2). This not only marks the first time that Anita Blake has appeared with other Marvel characters, but also introduces the first piece of published Anita Blake art by Ron Lim! The artist joins the acclaimed Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures limited series with issue #8, but this is your first chance to see his dynamic rendition of everyone’s favorite vampire hunter!

As this brand new story by New York Times best-selling author Laurell K. Hamilton concludes, readers will learn secrets from Anita’s past as she and Edward hunt a deadly killer. How far will Anita go to ensure justice is done? Find out in Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: The First Death #2, now featuring a special Zombie variant cover by Ron Lim!

LAURELL K. HAMILTON'S ANITA BLAKE - VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH #2 (of 2) (JUN072203)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON & JONATHON GREEN
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—10/11/07, On-Sale—10/31/07

LAURELL K. HAMILTON'S ANITA BLAKE - VAMPIRE HUNTER: THE FIRST DEATH #2 (of 2) ZOMBIE VARIANT (AUG078126)
Written by LAURELL K. HAMILTON & JONATHON GREEN
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Cover by RON LIM
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—10/11/07, On-Sale—10/31/07

Anita Blake Sells Out!

This here's one of them official press releases from our friends over to Marvel:

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter:
Guilty Pleasures

Marvel is pleased to announce that the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Vol.1 HC (DM Edition) has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level). Adapting the acclaimed novels by the New York Times Best-Selling author Laurell K Hamilton, Anita Blake is the comic book phenomenon that’s taken the world by storm, debuting as July’s number one graphic novel in comic shops and topping the Book Scan charts for the month!

To satisfy the overwhelming demand, Marvel is going back press on Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Vol.1 HC with two new variant editions exclusive to the Direct Market. These special variant editions — offering readers a choice of Anita or Jean Claude on their covers — will only be available in comic shops and not in bookstores, so make sure to reserve a copy at your local comic retailer!

“Retailers across the country have seen many new faces in their stores thanks to Anita Blake,” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice President of Sales and Circulation. “We're happy to offer to fans of Laurell K Hamilton not one, but two new covers that are available only in comic shops, because everyone likes a choice.”

Collecting the sold-out Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures #1-6, along with a brand new story by Laurell K Hamilton, this is one collection worth sinking your teeth into! Don’t miss out on your chance to get onboard the comic book phenomenon that’s left fans and critics breathless—Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Vol.1 HC!

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter:
Guilty Pleasures

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC SECOND PRINTING ANITA VARIANT (JUL078185)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
FOC—9/13/07, On-Sale—10/17/07

ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 1 HC SECOND PRINTING JEAN CLAUDE VARIANT (JUL078186)
Written by LAURELL. K. HAMILTON
Adapted by STACIE RITCHIE AND JESS RUFFNER-BOOTH
Penciled by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
Parental Advisory …$19.99
FOC—9/13/07, On-Sale—10/17/07