Platinum Studios, an entertainment media company that controls one of the world’s largest independent libraries of comic book characters, today announced the lineup of judges for its 2007 Comic Book Challenge, presented by AT&T. Joining Platinum chairman and CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg on the panel are Shrek producer John H. Williams, Scrubs actor Donald Faison and last year’s Comic Book Challenge winner, D.J. Coffman (Hero by Night).
‘The best part about this year’s panel for Platinum Studios’ 2007 Comic Book Challenge is that we’re truly a group of fans moonlighting as Hollywood insiders,’ says Rosenberg. ‘Donald, John and I all grew up reading and enjoying the genre, and that’s what we’ll be looking for from these top 50 entrants who have made it to the pitch phase of the Comic Book Challenge.’
The annual competition invites aspiring creators from around the world to submit original comic-book concepts, and the top 50 entrants will present their concepts to the judges live next week at a secret location near the Comic-Con Int’l expo in San Diego. The winner will receive a multi-media development and publishing deal that includes print, online and mobile distribution, as well as the creation of a licensing and merchandising program. Platinum will also help develop the property for a potential film and television deal.
‘The best part about Platinum Studios’ Comic Book Challenge is that they really offer newcomers the resources and backing needed to make it in today’s comic book industry,’ Williams comments. ‘With 20 years of experience in my back pocket, I can truly say that that’s the kind of team you want in your corner in this industry.’
Coffman won last year’s Comic Book Challenge with his concept for Hero By Night, which is being published as a series by Platinum. The story centers on Jack King, a young man who discovers a 1950s superhero’s secret lair in his new apartment building and uses the hero’s source of power to become a superhero himself. Coffman is providing running commentary and analysis of the top 50 pitches for the AT&T blue room web-broadcast at www.attblueroom.com/hollywood, where fans can see this year’s top entries vote for their favorites online. AT&T has signed on to be the presenting sponsor of the Comic Book Challenge for the next three years.
Platinum Studios received entries from six continents and 21 countries, and will announce the winner of the 2007 Comic Book Challenge in late August. The winner’s comic book or graphic novel will be published and premiere at a major Wizard World convention in 2008. For more information on the competition, go to Comic Book Challenge please visit www.PlatinumStudios.com.
