Chorion acquires 'Dan Dare' rights

Children's entertainment company Chorion has acquired the publishing rights to classic British comic Dan Dare.

Film and television rights to the sci-fi series will remain in the hands of Virgin Comics, but Chorion has pledged to raise the character's profile through a series of licensing deals.

"The Dan Dare artwork is simply breathtaking, with vivid colours and precise detail and we are excited to be reviving this much-loved property, bringing new products to the market for both old and new fans alike," said Charion chairman Nicholas Durbridge.

The iconic hero was first introduced by Eagle Comics in 1950. Billed as the British equivalent of Flash Gordon, the book sold over one million copies each week at the height of its popularity.

There have been a number of failed attempts to produce a successful television series based on the character's exploits, with the latest being Columbia Tristar and The Dan Dare Corporation's CGI effort in 2002.