OSCAR Winning Producer Aron Warner Inks Graphic Novel Deal with Sea Lion Books

ATLANTA, GA – February 16, 2011 – Sea Lion Books announced the acquisition of the graphic novel rights to Aron Warner’s graphic novel series PARIAH. The first issue of the projected twelve book series is planned for a summer 2011 release. Warner is a veteran movie producer who won an Oscar for Shrek in 2001 and whose work includes the Shrek franchise, Tank Girl and Nightmare on Elm St. 6.  Warner has also overseen production on films such as True Lies, Independence Day, Alien: Resurrection and The Ice Storm.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Sea Lion to bring a creative mind such as Aron’s to the comic and Graphic Novel markets. With the addition of Pariah, Sea Lion Books continues to show we want to bring the Best of the Best to the market with high quality creative ideas,” said Derek Ruiz, Executive Vice President and Publisher of Sea Lion Books. Our partnership with Aron is another step in the right direction for Sea Lion Books with our continued desire to bring the best of the best to the graphic novel market.”

“A PARIAH is an outcast, a rejected soul ostracized by ‘society.’ Aron has captured the essence of being a Pariah as seen through the eyes group of scientifically created teens. They are a Petri dish of innocent souls infinitely more intelligent anyone else on Earth. Yet their creation and existence has left them shunned and condemned,” said Ruiz.

“The first four books of the series will introduce the main characters, each of whom represents the many ways these kids adapt to being different” said Warner.  “The books will also reveal how the rest of humanity ultimately decides to deal with these kids.  And it isn’t pretty”.   “We’re really lucky to have Phillip Gelatt writing and Brett Weldele drawing.  They’re bringing a unique voice and look to these books.”

“I came up with Pariah after reading an article about in vitro genetic manipulation,” said Warner. “The idea of curing something when you don’t fully understand the outcome is scary but it happens every day.  In this case, you snip out one gene that cures something awful but has unintended side effects. What would really happen if we faced versions of ourselves that could out think us at every step?  Not superhuman or super powered just us, but way smarter.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Aron Warner is an award winning movie producer. He received an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for the animated blockbuster, Shrek. He also gives voice the character of Big Bad Wolf in the movie. After graduating from UCLA Film School, he worked for Empire Pictures as a production coordinator, moving to Film Finances where he worked on more than fifty films. His first film as producer was the horror picture, Freddy’s Dead, The Crucible, Alien: Resurrection, True Lies, Tank Girl and Titanic.

Mr. Warner joined PDI/Dreamworks in 1997 working as the producer on the animated film, Antz. He is currently in partnership with director Andrew Adamson in Strange Weather where they and partner Jeff Fierson are developing a slate of live action feature films and television shows. Pariah is his first graphic novel.

ABOUT SEA LION BOOKS:

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats—hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market and in urban fantasy and young adult genres. Sea Lion Books LLC recent roster of authors include: International Bestselling author, Paulo Coelho, New York Times Bestselling authors, PC Cast, Richelle Mead and Richard A. Knaak plus more to be announced in the upcoming months. Contact David Dabel at 770-696-3452 or David@sealionbooks.com . You can visit Sea Lion Books on the Internet at http://www.sealionbooks.com.

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