Jan 07, 2006

Here’s interesting news:

“Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Books Ltd. announced a new entertainment partnership with world-renowned author Deepak Chopra, acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and South Asia’s leading publisher of comic magazines, Gotham Ent. Group Llc. The partnership will launch two new Virgin branded companies, Virgin Comics Llc., based in New York City and Virgin Animation Private Ltd., based in Bangalore, India, focused on creating original comic books and character properties for a global audience.

Virgin Comics intends to look to Asia, and India in particular, as both a growing market for consumers of entertainment products and also a source for unique, innovative content to be brought to the world in comics and licensing into movies, animation, toys, videogames and consumer products. In addition to the Indian-infused, Shakti line - through the Virgin Comics Maverick and Director’s Cut imprints - the company will tap into innovative creators in comics, film and entertainment from around the world.” Source - AWN

Its an interesting play - tapping the Indian and Asian markets with targeted content to create sales, but also mining inspiration for unique ideas that will play well elsewhere. I think a few things will affect the outcome:

1. Are stories truly universal
2. does sanitizing cultural references out of content for a broader market appeal remove the charm of seemingly good stories
3. and does #2 also remove what’s new about these ideas.

Obviously, the real challenges are numbers 2 & 3 - but Branson seems to have put together an interesting team. I have to admit, other than for name recognition, I’m pretty baffled by Deepak Chopra’s involvement. I’m interested to see where that goes. Anyone have insight they would like to share? Apparently, comics aren’t the only thing Chopra will be writing for Virgin. Check out Deepak Chopra’s Kama Sutra. I guess it won’t be “Virgin Books” for long. Ahem..

Anyway, despite my slight bewilderment, I’m still hopeful for this venture, if for no other reason than for the entry of another BIG producer into the market of animated and comic content.

What are your thoughts? Discuss it over at Milowerx Media.