Quatermain Returns from Sequential Pulp! Options

[Mark Ellis]

Copied from the Sequential Pulp blog:

Sequential Pulp Comics is thrilled to have adventure scribe extraordinaire, Mark Ellis and comics' legend, Pablo Marcos team for a retelling of H. Rider Haggard's KING SOLOMON'S MINES. Haggard's Allan Quatermain stories have found new audiences over and over since the character was initially introduced in 1885.

The source material is in public domain. There have been numerous films based on KSM. The latest coming in 2004 from Hallmark Entertainment and starring Patrick Swayze as Allan Quatermain. The most famous version would still be MGM's 1950 big budget epic staring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr. It has just been reported that Dreamworks and Aussie heartthrob, Sam Worthington will tackle the role of Quatermain in a futuristic version of the novel.

Our writer/adapter Mark Ellis had this to say when asked how he plans to keep the material fresh when it has been in front of the public for so many years. "We plan to maintain the spirit of the story but alter sections in the original source material in order to streamline the narrative. We want to make the whole thing a bit more palatable to a contemporary graphic novel reading audience. That means tweaking characterization to some extent. Pablo Marcos, of course, is one of the few living legends of the comics and graphic novel field, and it's quite the privilege and honor to work with him."

Sequential Pulp is committed to honoring the wonderful writers who have come before us and we respect their vision and the integrity of their work. That being said I've read Mark's story synopsis and it is fantastic. He has remained true to Haggard,his style and the essence of his storyline. He does it with great finesse taking us to the same place Haggard took us so many years ago. We hope you'll join us on our journey to bring you one of the finest adventure tales ever written to graphic novel format.

Below is a preliminary cover sketch by Pablo Marcos!





Sequential Pulp

[Gordon_D]

You know, I was actually thinking of checking this out via Librivox. but knowing this version is coming out.....I think I'll put this on my must-read list.

Great job!

[Danno]

Wow! This looks major!

I can't think of anybody better suited to bring this classic to graphic novel life! Your Outlanders novel, Rim of the World that was set in Africa is one of my favorites!

[Mark Ellis]

Thanks, Dan!

King Solomon's Mines is shaping up to be quite the epic.

Working with Pablo on this edgy version is a dream come true.

The whole Quatermain saga is tailor-made for an ongoing series...he has recurring adversary who happens to be a scheming dwarf...a couple of deadly femme fatales...a colorful and quirky supporting cast...ancient myths and legends...

Hm...sounds a lot like a 19th century version of Outlanders, doesn't it?

[Danno]

If they can reboot Tarzan, why not Quatermain? Who better to do it than you?

[cougar18]

If they can reboot Tarzan, why not Quatermain? Who better to do it than you?

Or Ron. Not being sarcastic, just genuine.

[Danno]

I can't speak to that because I've been reading Mark's books for years, mainly the Outlanders series. I've read the original King Solomon's Mines, everything by Robert E Howard and most of the Tarzan books and can draw a comparason to Mark's body of work. His novel Rim of the World is an African adventure classic.

[Mark Ellis]

Thanks, Dan!

Now that I think about it, Rim of the World was the last Outlanders book I actually enjoyed writing.

[Mark Ellis]

More King Solomon's Mines art from the master--Pablo Marcos!







It's not a secret that this version is something of a reimagining of the classic Haggard novel, but really no more so than just about every movie version of the book.

But this version will be sexier and will focus more on mystical elements that Haggard introduced but didn't really examine.

The main difference lies within the character of Quatermain--he's much younger, much more dynamic and even a little savage. I think of him as "Tarzan with pants on."

The hope is for Pablo and I to produce a series of action-adventure Quatermain graphic novels under the umbrella title of Quatermain Unlimited, which is the name of his safari business in Africa. But I have story ideas that take Quatermain and his partner, Zulu warrior Umslopogas far afield from the Dark Continent.

[Ron Fortier]

Thanks for the nod, Cougar 18, but Quartermain is in excellent hands here for sure. Mark's great at action and I've had the honor of doing a short 8 pg story for the Frazetta magazine a few years ago with Pablo. That was a pure rush. He's the consummate pro.

[Mark Ellis]

Pablo also has a great sense of humor.

A couple of weeks ago, he went in for prostate surgery. He sent me the below illustration as his way of telling me how he felt about it...using Conan (more or less his signature character) as the messenger.

As is said...one picture is worth...

[cougar18]

Now I know how a drug addict feels. All this great artwork is like a drug to me. Just cannot get enough of it, but each new piece gives me an even greater high.
Thank God I never got involved in any kind of drug use. Good art (whether in the realm of drawn, written or composed) is just so much more exciting to me than any illegal substance.

That said, I do hope Mr Marcos will not suffer too much with his surgery. I wish him all the best and hope the procedure is for something minor rather than something that could be very, very serious.

I think what I am trying to say is get well soon.

[Mark Ellis]

As far as I know, Pablo is doing fine and making a full recovery.

[Mat Nastos]

Pablo's work is just awesome. Blows me away whenever I see it!

-M

[Mark Ellis]

Here is a stunning page by the legendary Pablo Marcos of Princess Ignosa, from our version of King Solomon's Mines...to be published by Sequential Pulp/Dark Horse.

[Mark Ellis]

Looks like we're ahead of the curve on recognizing Quatermain's potential as a franchise:

Quatermain TV series

[Mark Ellis]

Sequential Pulp announces Quatermain Adventures: She

Quatermain Adventures

[cougar18]

Stunning is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to those pages. Everything from the expressions on the characters, to even the pose and expression of the cheetah is just awesome. I love how their is a certain abstract quality to the work, like details provide so much information, without swamping the viewer. It shows a complete placement of trust in the reader by the artist, something I do not think I could do myself.

[Ron Fortier]

If ever there were a dream comic pulp team, its Mark & Pablo. This book is so going to rock.

[Mark Ellis]

Thanks, Ron!

We have great plans for She, as well.