Netflix buys comic book publisher Millarworld in company’s first acquisition

Netflix announced today that it’s acquiring Millarworld, Mark Millar’s comic book publishing house, in the company’s first ever acquisition. According to Netflix’s press release, the purchase is part of the company’s efforts to “acquire intellectual property and ownership of stories featuring compelling characters,” for upcoming Netflix Originals, which are increasingly becoming a critical part of the streaming service’s offerings.

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos commented in the announcement that the company will be looking to adapt both existing Millarworld franchises, along with new stories developed by Mark Millar and the Millarworld creative team going forward.

Millarworld is probably best known for its three franchises that have already made the jump from page to screen: Wanted, Kick-Ass, and Kingsman. Under the new Netflix ownership, Millarworld will continue to exist, and write and publish new stories.

Terms of the deal, including how much Netflix paid for Millarworld, weren’t announced, but with the massive popularity of comic book adaptations right now, it’s easy to see why Netflix would want to get its own stable of licenses to turn into original programming.