“The Stranded” — A SCI FI Channel/Virgin Comics Partnership

January 23, 2008 will mark the the release of “The Stranded,” the first comic book under the new joint venture SCI FI/Virgin Comics.

In “The Stranded,” five seemingly everyday people must face the terrifying question: what if your entire life – your childhood, your family, your memories – was a lie? For the stranded, Sisera, Endo, Drum and Cullen, it’s true. They are each unknowingly from another world called Standfire, and now their past is returning to try and kill them.

One by one, The Stranded are assaulted by Janus, an altered human working for a mysterious, otherworldly force that seeks their destruction. Their only hope: Tamree, a dark, mysterious woman sent to Earth to protect them. She must awaken the buried individual memories of The Stranded — along with their powerful, unique psychic and physical abilities. But even if they can defeat Janus and his unseen masters, they must also deal with one of their own…who, damaged and unable to deal with her incredible new powers, cuts a swathe of incredible destruction across the Earth.

The Stranded’s writer/creator Mike Carey is one of the most acclaimed and prolific comics writers of our time. His current work includes “X-Men,” “Ultimate Fantastic Four,” “Voodoo Child” and his own creations “Faker,” “Crossing Midnight,” and “The Re-gifters.” His long runs on “Lucifer” and “John Constantine, Hellblazer” have been particularly well received. He has just completed a coast-to-coast book tour for his first novel, “The Devil You Know.”

Stuart Moore is a writer of both comic books and novels . He has also written a serialized study of comics called “A Thousand Flowers.” His graphic novel work includes “Para,” “Firestorm,” “Earthlight,” and “New Avengers/Transformers.” He has written two novels: “American Meat” and “Reality Bites: In the Jungle No-one Can Hear You Scream.”

The first issue of “The Stranded” boasts two covers with artwork from Marc Silvestri (Cyberforce, Witchblade, The Darkness and the X-Men) and Greg Horn (Elektra, Emma Frost).

With new comic book titles serving as the creative genesis, SCI FI/Virgin Comics is developing fresh properties that integrate the unique spirit and vitality of both brands. Delivering innovative, multi-platform projects, original concepts are being considered across all mediums from publishing, film and television to digital and gaming.

Utilizing the global creative and synergistic resources that exist at SCI FI Channel, part of NBC Universal, and Virgin Comics, the partnership aims to attract some of the biggest names and talent from the worlds of comic books, television and movies. SCI FI and Virgin Comics have brought together a multimedia, creative editorial board with members representing comic books, television, movies, digital, gaming, licensing and merchandising.