Jim Starlin’s Dreadstar is coming to TV

The story of Vanth Dreadstar, and his struggle to end the intergalactic war between The Church of Instrumentality and the Monarchy, is coming to television; with Jim Starlin teaming with Universal Cable Productions and Benderspink to do it, per THR.

Dreadstar was a 64 issue series created by Starlin for Marvel’s Epic imprint, its initial trailblazing creator-owned line that published Dreadstar as its very first title. After 26 issues, the title was moved over to First Comics, the home of Howard Chaykin‘s American Flagg!. Starlin left the book with Issue #41, with Peter David and Angel Medina taking over creative duties through its then final installment. A 6 issue mini-series was published by Malibu Comics’ Bravura imprint in the 90’s.

At one point, Starlin’s creation was headed to the big screen with Illuminati Entertainment teaming up with Benderspink. But, in light of the latter’s collaboration with UCP in adapting Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham‘s Five Ghosts for Syfy, the dramatic long-form potential of a weekly series probably proves a better bet.

Here’s Starlin on the big announcement:

I consider Dreadstar to be an extension of my family, so it took me a while to feel comfortable letting anyone else take care of this project. It has taken some time, but I know I’ve put my trust in the right team and I’m excited to collaborate with Universal Cable Productions and Benderspink to bring Dreadstar‘s unique brand of chaos to television.

Starlin is penning the initial script and will executive produce the series along with Ford Gilmore (Catacombs). Starlin and Gilmore were represented by attorney Harris Miller.

No network is currently attached to the project.

This is incredibly exciting news, and it’s fantastic to see one of comics most influential creators getting the Hollywood love he’s long deserved. Between this and the lead-up to Avengers: Infinity War, I can’t wait for the tidal wave of Starlin material and press focus that’s sure to come.