Tech

Netflix's first acquisition is a comic book company

Key Points
  • Netflix acquires independent comic book publisher Millarworld, which created the "Kingsman," "Kick-Ass" and "Wanted" series.
  • Millarworld founder Mark Millar previously worked for Marvel on storylines including "Civil War" and "Old Man Logan."
Netflix's first acquisition is a comic book company
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Netflix's first acquisition is a comic book company

Netflix is delving deeper into the comic book world with its first acquisition, comic book publisher Millarworld.

The company announced Monday it has acquired MIllarworld, which publishes franchises including "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "Kick-Ass," "Wanted" and "Reborn." Netflix said it plans to turn its franchises into films, series and kids' shows. No further details were revealed, including the price. Millarworld will continue to create new stories and franchises under Netflix.

Millarworld creator Mark Millar was previously at Marvel, where he worked on "Marvel Knights Spider-Man," "Ultimate Fantastic Four" and the "Civil War" storylines, as well as "Old Man Logan" which was the basis for the film "Logan."

Netflix makes first acquisition with Millarworld
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Netflix makes first acquisition with Millarworld

"Mark is as close as you can get to a modern day Stan Lee," Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement, referring to the co-creator of Spider-Man, The Hulk and numerous other legendary comic book characters.

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" was the basis of a 2015 movie, which grossed $414.4 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo. A sequel, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," is set to be released in September. The film version of "Wanted," which was released in 2008, grossed $341.4 million worldwide, while the two "Kick-Ass" films have become cult classics.