Do you guys remember The Black Scorpion? Back in 1995, Roger Corman had a series of Showtime movies, known as Roger Corman Presents, a series of sci-fi/horror/comic book movies aimed at, essentially, horny teens. My favorite (being a horny teen) was The Black Scorpion, starring Joan Severance (yowza!) as “Darcy Walker, a police detective whose secret identity is the Black Scorpion, a superhero vigilante for justice. The Black Scorpion does not have any actual super powers but, like Batman, she fights evildoers with a combination of martial arts, great agility and strength, and many technological devices, including a high powered, specially equipped car. And like the Batman TV series of the 1960s, Black Scorpion is a work of camp, using deliberately exaggerated and unrealistic characters and events to comic effect.” (Wikipedia)
Apparently there was a sequel that I never saw also. I think, if I remember correctly, they also did a Vampirella movie as part of the same line (keep in mind Roger Corman also did that Fantastic Four movie in the 90’s that no one ever saw).
Well, The Black Scorpion is back, courtesy of Bluewater Comics! Check out the Press Release after the jump!
CORMAN’S BLACK SCORPION TO PROWL THE PAGES OF COMICS
Angel City is once again safe from the vermin which infest its streets as Roger Corman’s femme fatale hero Black Scorpion returns to comic book pages this November through Bluewater Productions.
Roger Corman Presents: Black Scorpion is the first title to emerge from the partnership deal announced in August between the legendary genre filmmaker and the independent comic book publisher.
“Comic books have given me so much over the years that it’s time I gave something back to the medium,” said Corman.
This new version of the Black Scorpion, which previously found success as two made-for-cable movies on Showtime and a 22 one hour episodes on the SciFi Channel, will reintroduce and reimagine the original character developed by Corman and producer Craig Nevius.
Nevius added “Roger and I had always intended to create a comic book franchise based on the ‘Black Scorpion’ movies and TV series. And with classic costumed superheroes back in vogue thanks to the success of the ‘Batman’ and ‘Iron Man’ movies, the time seemed right to bring back our costumed super heroine.”
Written by long-time genre veteran Paul Salamoff (Batman & Robin, Ed Wood, The Addams Family, Scary Movie 2, Alien Siege), the new comic version of the character will build on the original mythology of a police detective, consumed by revenge over the murder of her father, decides to don a mask and strike at criminals who deem themselves above the law.
Daniel Cuchacovich provides the art for the monthly title which includes the likeness of Michelle Lintel who played the title character in the television series.
Following this title, several other Corman properties will soon find their way into graphic form.” Some of the titles currently under development include “Death Stalker,” “The Barbarian Queen,” and “Humanoids from the Deep”
As Bluewater now is working with both Corman and the Vincent Price estate, it is certain that several of the horror classics based on the Edgar Allen Poe stories will also be produced in comic form in the near future.
“Roger Corman’s body of work is so visual and visceral,” said Bluewater’s president Darren Davis. “What will make these titles stand out is Mr. Corman’s personal involvement in their development,” Davis said. “This is not a licensing gimmick, but an outlet to rediscover his creative genius and a chance for readers to once again be pleasantly frightened. I still get the willies from the ‘Masque of the Red Death’.”
The suggested retail price (SRP) for each upcoming issue is $3.99.
High-resolution images and interview opportunities are available upon request.
ABOUT BLUEWATER:
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”
Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.
Following its commitment to green publishing, Bluewater comic books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. FSC certification guarantees that the paper used in Bluewater books contains fiber from well-managed and responsibility harvested forests that meet strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.
ABOUT ROGER CORMAN:
The saga of independent filmmaker Roger Corman ranks as one of the most amazing motion picture success stories. Having produced more than 550 films and directed fifty others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful film makers. Noted for his keen ability to spot young talents, his most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers, and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Peter Fonda, Bruce Dern, Diane Ladd, Talia Shire, Peter Bogdanovich, Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Jonathan Demme, Gale Ann Hurd, and James Cameron.