Actor David Dastmalchian is diving back into the world of comics, partnering with newly-launched Panick Entertainment for a new horror title.
Dastmalchian, who this year starred in the acclaimed horror movie Late Night with the Devil and made his comics debut with spooky Dark Horse title Count Crowley, will co-write an untitled revenge tale with longtime associate Leah Kilpatrick. The comic is intended to be a five-issue mini-series.
Panick is described as a new horror and science fiction venture founded by a coterie of entertainment and comics industry veterans, including several from the world of DC. The company aims to focus on genre storytelling, beginning in the field of comics and graphic novels, then platforming that into films, television, games and other media.
The company is headed by Kris Longo, the former publisher of Heavy Metal Magazine who is its CEO. Adam Schlagman, a former DC film exec who notched exec producer credits on Shazam! and Black Adam, among others, is Panick’s head of studio and executive editor Doug Pasko, who acted as an executive producer on CW series The Outpost, is COO.
Former DC Comics manager of finance Charles Christopher Chiang is the new company’s CFO and Mark McCann is chief creative officer. Chris Ryall, the former publisher and editor of IDW, is serving as chief advisor to Panick, providing guidance on slate development, branding, and world-building.
The company is officially unveiling itself and some of its talent today at San Diego Comic Con.
The company says its initial focus will be on developing and producing a diverse array of comics that will serve as the foundation for potential expansions into movies, television series, video games, and other transmedia projects.
Additionally, the venture will be supported by Longo’s fandom-focused marketing agency Modern Fanatic, with the goal of having Panick initiatives amplified beyond the brick-and-mortar walls of comic shops to ensure the widest possible audience is reached, per the company.
“Our team brings together a unmatched blend of creativity, experience, and passion,” said Long in a statement. “We look forward to electrifying fans with compelling narratives and unforgettable characters in the realms of horror and sci-fi.”
For Dastmalchian’s comic, the art will be handled by comics veteran Bart Sears and Michelle Sears.
“I am so excited because Leah and I are joining the Panick team and we are cooking up some very gory, scary, spooktacular comic ideas,” said the actor via email. “Beware.”
Among other talents expected to take part of Panick’s initial slate are Shannon Eric Denton, screenwriter Dirk Blackman, Brendan Columbus, and artist Tehani Farr.
Check out the poster Panick will unveil and give out at its panel below.
Panick Poster
Courtesy of Panick Entertainment
