Dylan Sprouse Teams Up with Heavy Metal Magazine and DIGA Studios to Bring Comic Book Series to Life
Josh Millican
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Heavy Metal, the world’s foremost illustrated sci-fi, fantasy and horror magazine, will see its first endeavor with DIGA Studios realized through a multi-genre project with actor and entrepreneur Dylan Sprouse. Sprouse will bring his creativity to life via a new comic book series that he personally wrote and developed over the last four years. Sprouse will serve as an executive producer on the project.
Sprouse first shared the project with DIGA Studios, and it was immediately apparent that the work was perfectly suited to bring to Heavy Metal Magazine through the studios’ new partnership. Sprouse’s creative style and passion for the gaming and comic book industries were strong factors in the choice. A deeply personal tale, drawn from his profound Viking enthusiasm and Norse Pagan affinity, Sprouse creates an intriguing saga that will fall under the Heavy Metal umbrella.
“I have always been a huge gaming and comic book fan, and this project has provided me with such a creative outlet that has developed into a true passion,” says Sprouse. It is no surprise that the actor and entrepreneur has a background in video game design, poetry, and studio design. “The story is close to my heart, inspired by my past experiences and the bedtime sagas my Scandinavian American grandmother used to read me.”
“I’ve known Dylan for four years and have always been a big fan of his writing,” said Patrick Smith, Lead Alternative Programming Producer for DIGA Studios. “When he shared this deeply personal passion project with me, I immediately knew Heavy Metal would see it as the perfect flagship to kick off our new partnership. The comic book is just the beginning and given all of the rich content, we’re excited with what’s to come.”
Says Matt Medney, CEO of Heavy Metal, “I met Dylan for the first time with Patrick for dinner, and instantly understood Patrick’s excitement about not only his storytelling but about Dylan himself. It’s rare in this world to find someone so passionate and critical all wrapped up in one. At Heavy Metal it is our mission to seek partnerships with creative individuals who strive to enhance the publication experience. Our brand has the best fans with deep, loyal ties to the genre and we know this project is going to resonate with them.”
Sprouse is represented by UTA and Bonnie Liedtke at Authentic Talent and Literary Management. The partnership deal was negotiated by Tommy Coriale for DIGA Studios, Matthew Medney for Heavy Metal, Jonathan Ehrlich from Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, and David Markman from DLA Piper.
ABOUT DYLAN SPROUSE
After stepping away from acting to pursue higher education, Dylan Sprouse graduated from NYU in 2015 with a clear mission to further explore entertainment mediums as a whole. Now, having returned to Hollywood, Sprouse is exploring his entrepreneurial interests in full. This yet untitled project marks the first endeavor created and written by Sprouse to be released in comic book format. Between acting, writing, producing, and brewing mead, Sprouse is infusing his personal experiences and background into his artistry in an effort to follow his passions to their oft bizarre limits.
ABOUT HEAVY METAL:
First published in 1977, Heavy Metal, the world’s foremost illustrated fantasy magazine, explores fantastic and surrealistic worlds, alternate realities, science-fiction and horror in the past, present, and future. Writers and illustrators from around the world take you to places you never dreamed existed. Heavy Metal was the first magazine to bring European legends Moebius, Tanino Liberatore, Philippe Druillet, Enki Bilal, Pepe Moreno and Philippe Caza to the U.S. as well as showcasing American superstars Richard Corben, Jim Steranko and Berni Wrightson. The magazine continues to showcase amazing new talent as well as allow established creators to have “carte blanche.” Heavy Metal magazine is now published six times per year. Most issues feature one or two serialized graphic novels, several short stories, and two artist galleries. Recent creators have featured Grant Morrison, Stephen King, Bart Sears, Tim Seeley and Kevin Eastman. With new CEO Matt Medney and newly appointed Publisher and Chief Creative Overlord, David Erwin, at the helm, Heavy Metal promises to continue Heavy Metal’s legacy, as the leader in cutting-edge science fiction, fantasy, and horror storytelling.
ABOUT DIGA STUDIOS:
DIGA Studios is a next-gen content studio committed to great storytelling across formats, genres and platforms. Founded by former MTV President Tony DiSanto and staffed with a deep bench of industry innovators, DIGA Studios’ productions are marked by a rebellious and sometimes subversive pop sensibility that resonates with youthful audiences worldwide. Past hits include “Teen Wolf” and “Scream”, while current productions run the gamut from lifestyle programs to game shows, such as “Hot Ones: The Game Show” for truTV, to scripted horror formats, including “50 States of Fright”, executive produced by Sam Raimi for Jeffrey Katzenberg’s QUIBI. DIGA Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLYANCE Media Group, with more information available at www.digastudios.com.
ABOUT ALLYANCE MEDIA GROUP:
ALLYANCE Media Group was founded on the belief that world-changing experiences come from creative collaboration. Through its wholly owned subsidiary DIGA Studios, AMG partners with brands, talent and producers to bring great stories to life across formats, genres and platforms including television, film, publishing and podcasting.
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