CHUCK DIXON, BRETT BOOTH TO ADAPT DEAN KOONTZ'S FRANKENSTEIN FOR DABEL BROS

[MattBrady]

Announced in August, Dabel Brothers will adapt Dean Koont’z Frankenstein: Prodigal Son in comic book format, and today, they have announced that the adaptation will be written by Chuck Dixon, with art by Brett (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) Booth. The first issue is due in stores in May of 2008, and is reportedly half completed. “Between Mr. Koontz’s source material, Chuck’s stellar adaptation, and Brett’s incredible artwork, I think this book is going to be one of the best we’ve ever put together,” said Les Dabel, Vice President of Dabel Brothers Publishing.

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son will join the previously announced Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files and an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards. All of the projects are due to begin in the second quarter of 2008. Dabel Brothers ended their relationship with Marvel earlier this year.

Prodigal Son is the first novel in Koontz’s Frankenstein series (and was co-authored by Kevin J. Anderson), and follows the long-lived Dr. Frankenstein into the 21st century where he’s taken the name of biotech mogul Victor Helios who wants replace the human race with his engineered “New Race.” But something has gone wrong among Helios’ creations – one has become a serial killer, and is working to assemble its own perfect woman out of a grisly collection of pieces.

According to Dabel, adapting the story is a tall order. “That’s why we’ve entrusted this book to Chuck Dixon and Brett Booth,” he said. “We’ve worked with both of them on other projects, and we know that they’re both incredible professionals who have earned the right to have a multitude of fans.”

Dixon: "This is a book that was made for comics. Dean has a story here that begs for visuals, from dizzying Himalayan mountainscapes to creepy urban dungeons. This is perhaps the easiest adaptation I've ever worked on. There's so much here!"

Booth: “It's an interesting story. I'm trying to work my way through all the major monster categories. Next up, I'll be looking for something with a mummy! Visually, this should be fun, and Chuck’s done a great job with the adaption.”

Dabel Brothers will release Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein #1 in May, with Del Rey releasing the hardcover, which collects the first six issues, later in the year.

[Sluggo]

I really enjoyed the first two novels. Still waiting for that third one. It's been about two years now.

[deathmasterj]

Sorry it immediately go off topic, but is there any word on XIII after the Dabel/Marvel split?

[BrettBooth]

Originally Posted by Sluggo

Oh, Good Lord. Chuck Dixon, great choice for writer. But Bret Booth? Ugh. I might have checked this out if they had gotten an artist to draw it. That preview art looks absolutely atrocious. Pity.

I really enjoyed the first two novels. Still waiting for that third one. It's been about two years now.

For all those who like Booth's art...enjoy.

Gosh I guess I'll have to retire now, thanks for setting me strait!

Brett

[FChamberlain]

No idea about XIII, though I am again deeply disappointed about the unknown status on this book. I had initially heard that Marvel may continue to publish the TPB's for that series, but who knows. The truth is that we may never see it.

I am curious about the Frankenstein project since I'm a big Dixon fan and enjoy much of Koontz's stuff..... but not sure that I will pick it up since there is no guarantee that it will see completion. Maybe I'll eventually pick it up if it gets to trade paperback format, but honestly not sure.

[scarington]

Wow...you know, I really like the art. I don't know, yeah, it's a lot of shirtless men (although, that's kind of always been a Brett Booth thing), but I think the designs and art look fantastic. I really dig the fact that Brett is putting a lot of work into this project - there are actual backgrounds in the panels! How often does that happen nowadays.

I never read the books, but the USA channel movie was pretty cool. If a little slow.

[JoeGKushner]

Be funny if the adaptation of the books finished before the third novel hit the shelves.

[EMeadow]

We'll see which company publishes this series, only to later have Dabel do something wrong and lose their next batch of moneymakers thanks to contracts.

DC's turn to get some of this!

[Sluggo]

Originally Posted by BrettBooth

Gosh I guess I'll have to retire now, thanks for setting me strait!

Brett

I'm not in the least bit suggesting you retire, sir. And, yes, I know you're being sarcastic. I was simply stating that your art is not to my taste.

In fact, at the end of my first post, I invite others who do like your art to enjoy this series.

It's just a bit disappointing to me that an adaptation of a novel series I am enjoying features art that I don't like at all.

Good luck to you.

[LaughingJak]

Originally Posted by BrettBooth

Gosh I guess I'll have to retire now, thanks for setting me strait!

Brett

You know - I often forget that professionals check out this site too. Either way, this is my favorite post of the day, no question! You crack me up.

[theodoros]

Originally Posted by Sluggo

Ugh. I might have checked this out if they had gotten an artist to draw it.

Well, at least you are not sarcastic.

Congratulations to Brett Booth for giving so much to Dabel Bros, and actually creating half the company.

The Dresden Files comic book is my favorite one to look for. Creators there?

[BrettBooth]

Originally Posted by LaughingJak

You know - I often forget that professionals check out this site too. Either way, this is my favorite post of the day, no question! You crack me up.

I try It's either laugh or get upset, plus they tend to quiet down once confronted. Not everyone likes the same things

Best,

Brett

[I.M.C.]

I haven't checked out anything from Dabel Bros. as of yet, but this I definitly will be. Loved Booth's work since his Wildstorm days with Backlash, and thanks to me being a fan of Koontz's Frankenstien series, you have a reader ready to go.

I do have to ask. And from reading the a few of the posts made before mine, I'm not the only one. Any chance of getting it out of Koontz when can we see the next, and supposedly final entry to the Frankenstien series ?

Also any chance Dabel can do a faithful adaptation to my favorite Koontz novel, Watchers. After Roger Corman fouled the property up with four craptacular flicks, I wouldn't mind finally seeing a faithful take on it.

[Steeven]

Originally Posted by BrettBooth

Gosh I guess I'll have to retire now, thanks for setting me strait!

Brett

Mr. Booth,

I for one can say that I am relly looking forward to this book. I've loved the novels, and I'm just plain estatic that you are on this one.

I think the previews look great!

[BrettBooth]

Originally Posted by Steeven

Mr. Booth,

I for one can say that I am relly looking forward to this book. I've loved the novels, and I'm just plain estatic that you are on this one.

I think the previews look great!

Thanks a bunch, it's pretty darn fun I haven't had a chance to read the second novel yet but hopefully after the holidays I will!

Best,

Brett

[BrettBooth]

Originally Posted by theodoros

Well, at least you are not sarcastic.

Congratulations to Brett Booth for giving so much to Dabel Bros, and actually creating half the company.

The Dresden Files comic book is my favorite one to look for. Creators there?

Now that was funny! In all fairness I've only created about one third But seriously I'm just a small cog in the machine. I think we've got it mostly sorted out now

Best,

Brett

[avengingtitan]

God I cant wait. I love the books. Now if only the third book would hurry up and come out.

Personally though I want an adaption of the Odd Thomas series.

[FChamberlain]

I'd love to see the adventures of Odd Thomas in graphic form... or film even.

[FROWN]

I am not familiar with Brett Booth's work, but am a HUGE fan of Chuck Dixon and Dean Koontz work. So I am very much interested in this project working and their vision. I would love to see a retelling of Koontz's book Whispers. The whole psychological thriller of the twin murderers is awesome... But it may not be an easy adaption. Good luck, and Newsarama do another interview when come out....

[Sluggo]

Originally Posted by BrettBooth

I try It's either laugh or get upset, plus they tend to quiet down once confronted. Not everyone likes the same things

Best,

Brett

I wasn't aware of having said anything from which I would need to back down, as it was simply stating my opinion, not a personal attack.

"Not everyone likes the same things", indeed. That was my point exactly.

I'll leave the discussion now so that those looking forward to this project can share their enthusiasm without a dissenter amongst you.

I will check in from time to time to see if there's any new info on the third novel, however.

[00scotty]

Back during the Wildstorm heyday, Brett was my favorite artist. Still love his stuff but shied away from Anita Blake for no logical reason. The only criticism I ever had was the characters necks being too long, the rest has always been topnotch.

I have the books on my shelf and am awaiting the third to read them in a row. I worry that one may spoil the other if I read both.

Dabel Bros seem to have a good negotiation with ROC (penguin) publishing. Wonder if they will grab the Weather Warden series or something else in the urban fantasy genre to make up for the loss of Anita Blake

[FROWN]

Originally Posted by Sluggo

I wasn't aware of having said anything from which I would need to back down, as it was simply stating my opinion, not a personal attack.

"Not everyone likes the same things", indeed. That was my point exactly.

I'll leave the discussion now so that those looking forward to this project can share their enthusiasm without a dissenter amongst you.

I will check in from time to time to see if there's any new info on the third novel, however.

Your right so there is not need for you to leave or back down, I don't. We need to all be adults, and voice our opinion like everyone else is. You are entitled and I didn't find it offensive or a a reason for me not to check out this graphic novel. Never be afraid to voice your opinion since we all have one like we have butt holes.

[Blackbeard]

Dixon and Booth sound like a winning team to me. I'll be sure to check it out to support yous guys.

As far as the novels, I am such a fan of Shelley's "Frankenstein" that I have avoided them like the plague.

But that's just because I'm a grouchy old fogey.

[Lord Ice]

I was already planning to get this, but if I hadn't been, then having Brett do the art would definitely make me want to get it.

[Contrabandolero]

I will be checking out this series, it looks amazing and with Dixon writing, I'm on board! I really regret not checking out Anita Blake, Booth's art was tempting but I did not know anything about the character but this seems like more familiar territory to me, so I will definitely be there!