LIO Goes LIVE

The popular, and uniquely bizarre Mark Tatulli comic strip called “LIO” will get big screen treatment from producer David Kirschner, according to Variety.

Universal Press Syndicate made a deal with Tatulli to turn the macabre comic strip into a live-action feature with Kirschner and production partner Corey Sienega on board to produce. The two have been responsible for such big screen animated venues as “American Tail” and “Curious George,” as well as live-action flicks like the upcoming John Cusack and Amanda Peet feature “Martian Child,” and the subdued but critically acclaimed “Miss Potter.”

Created in 2006, this strip, which tells its stories only in picture-form without dialogue, “LIO” revolves around a kid (spike-haired and weird) and his band of strange friends that include the Grim Reaper and a squid. When it debuted “LIO” became an instant hit with comic strip enthusiasts. The best way to describe it is “Family Circle Meets The Addams Family” or even better, “Peanuts” on crack.

“I’ve always had an affinity for characters like the Addams Family and Edward Scissorhands, who are seemingly dark but humorous and thoughtful at the same time,” Kirschner told .

The strip will be seen in live-action for its theatrical debut — release date TBA. We can only hope that Kirschner is smart enough not to pull another “Dennis the Menace” on us. What a disaster that turned out to be. Even the talent of the likes of Walter Matthau couldn’t pull that one out of the toilet.