Thom Beers fast tracks graphic novel into feature Chopper Zombie

Thom Beers, best known for his television success with prime time mega hits “Ice Road Truckers”, “The Deadliest Catch” and “Monster Garage” has sped into the fast lane by announcing active development of his first feature based on his soon to be released graphic novel “Chopper Zombie.” Created by Beers, the “Chopper Zombie” movie is anticipated to go into production early spring 2009, and will be produced by Beers and Original Productions’ President Philip Segal.

The graphic novel “Chopper Zombie” will be released at Comic-Con International next week (July 24-27, San Diego Convention Center, SDCC) by Devil’s Due Publishing and was penned by Beers and Todd Livingston (“The Black Forest”) with cover artist Scott Keating. According to the publisher, advance sales from major booksellers such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com have been brisk. Limited edition copies will be available at Comic-Con with “Chopper Zombie” landing in stores on July 30, 2008.

“We’ve been doing series like ‘Biker Build-Off’ and ‘Monster Garage’ because I love choppers. My son Max, who’s ten, loves zombies. He told me that choppers and zombies go together,” said creator Thom Beers. “So, we gotta do it! Choppers and zombies. Creating a graphic novel and taking it right into a feature is a truly awesome experience, and wait until you see this chopper at Comic-Con,” added Beers.

“Chopper Zombie” film producer Segal will participate in the Devil’s Due Presents Panel on Thursday, July 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Room 8, SDCC) to meet with entertainment industry insiders regarding the graphic novel and forthcoming theatrical release. The Chopper itself will be previewed at the Devil’s Due Booth #2635 (SDCC) during the entire convention. Chopper Zombie Day is set for Sunday, July 27 where the “Chopper Zombie” creative team including Beers, Segal and Livingston will be available to sign limited editions of “Chopper Zombie” the graphic novel.

“Chopper Zombie” follows the fate of a Taz, a brilliant motorcycle builder who becomes the victim of his own success when he refuses to sell his formula for a new super-fuel to a dangerous corporation. When a team of thugs drowns him in his own toxic creation, he rises from the dead with a score to settle.

Original Productions’ unique brand of unscripted reality television is carried by nine networks. Audiences consistently tune-in for “Deadliest Catch,” the show the New York Times says has no peer, “Ice Road Truckers” and “Ax Men,” the two top-rated shows airing on History. NBC has ordered 30 hours of programming, scheduling the first show, “America’s Toughest Jobs” for its Fall 2008 season. Helmed by Thom Beers, the company produces authentic reality programming featuring everyday heroes in extraordinary situations. Beers’ focus on top-notch storytelling has garnered eight Primetime Emmy nominations and is the basis for the company’s distinctive television brand.

Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, and Rogue Pictures. DDP’s titles include “Drafted”, “Lost Squad”, “Sheena”, “Dungeons & Dragons”, “DemonWars”, “Voltron”, “Rest”, “Serpo” and the cult-favorite “Hack/Slash.”