BOOM! acquires 'Hellraiser' licence

BOOM! Studios has acquired the rights to publish comics based on Clive Barker's Hellraiser.

Co-written by Barker and Christopher Monfette with artwork from Leonardo Manco, the ongoing series will debut with a special oversized issue early next year.

"Beyond being a legendary creator of all things macabre, Clive Barker is truly an amazing individual and I'm proud to be able to work with him on reviving one of his most celebrated creations with Hellraiser," said editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon.

"I've known Clive for years, but this is the first chance we've had to work together and I couldn't be more excited. It's been unbelievably gratifying to develop this series and witness the visceral, relentless and shocking story that Clive has in store for a new generation of horror fans."

In addition to the new series, BOOM! is to reprint Hellraiser: Masterworks Vol. 1, which was originally published under Marvel's Epic imprint. The anthology collects stories based in the horror franchise's universe from Barker, Neil Gaiman, Mike Mignola, Alex Ross and others.

Featuring covers by Tim Bradstreet and Nick Percival, Hellraiser #1 arrives in stores in March, 2011.