Batman Producer Uslan Planning Manga Movies Featuring 'Ishinomori' Characters November 15th 2005 07:55pm | Posted by: Michael Stevens, HNR Senior Editor Ishimori Entertainment Inc., Comic Book Movies, LLC (CBM), ITOCHU Corporation, and Lotus Inc. have agreed to jointly develop motion picture franchises based on the original properties of the late Shotaro Ishinomori. Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998) is one of the most famous 'Manga' creators of all time, distinguished by more than 500 Manga characters. The parties intend to produce theatrical motion pictures with an initial release as early as 2008. The agreement extends to DVDs, television, merchandising, and other ancillary markets critical to a franchise-building strategy. CBM execs are veteran film producer Michael "Swamp Thing" Uslan and financier M. Jonathan Roberts. Uslan is noted as executive producer of Warners Batman films and as an Emmy Award winning producer of Where On Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?. Uslan recently donated over 30,000 comic books from his private collection to Indiana University's Lilly Library. Lotus is CBM's agent for the development of original motion picture content from Japan and Asia. Lotus develops motion picture content in collaboration with Japanese alliance partners. On September 1st, 2004, Ishimori Group (Ishimori Shotaro Pro and Ishimori Pro) and Itochu agreed to revitalize the Ishinomori properties by jointly establishing Ishimori Entertainment, Inc. The new agreement with CBM establishes a platform to introduce "Ishinomori World" to a wider audience. In addition to consumer related businesses, Itochu is active in content production through investments in SKY PerfecTV!, Space Shower and Excite. "The business of the future is building comic book franchises covering many different genres based upon pre-sold American and Japanese comic book, graphic novel, and Manga properties," said Uslan. "It is a dream-come-true for this dedicated comic book fan to bring to life some of the greatest Manga characters in history, and to do so with respect to the integrity of the legendary Ishinomori's creations." Source: Sneak Peek: Ishinomori In: Movie News |Visit the HNR Forums

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