Netflix acquires comic book publisher Millarworld

Netflix has made its first ever acquisition by purchasing comic book company Millarworld for an undisclosed amount. Two of Millarworld's best-known comics, "Kingsman" and "Kick-Ass" are not included in this deal. Mark Millar, a Scottish writer, and former Marvel employee is the brain behind Millarworld.

"As a creator and re-inventor of some of the most memorable stories and characters in recent history, ranging from Marvel's The Avengers to Millarworld's Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Wanted and Reborn franchisees, Mark is as close as you can get to modern day Stan Lee," said Netflix chief content officer, Ted Sarandos.

Though Netflix has not disclosed the terms of the acquisition, Millar said in a statement that "this is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level.I am so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans. Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn't have a better home."

Together, Netflix and Millar will bring Millarworld's portfolio of critically and fan acclaimed character franchises to life through films, series, and kids' shows available exclusively to Netflix members globally. Millarworld will continue to create and publish new stories and character franchises under the Netflix label.

Millar previously spent eight years as a writer at Marvel, where he developed comic books and story arcs that inspired the first Avenger movie, Captain America: Civil War and Logan which collectively grossed over $3 billion worldwide.

"Mark has created a next generation comic universe, full of indelible characters living in situations people around the world can easily identify with. We look forward to creating new Netflix Originals from several existing franchisees as well as a new superhero, antihero, fantasy, sci-fi and horror stories Mark Millar and his team will continue to create and publish," added Sarandos.