BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 21 -- Platinum Studios, an entertainment company that controls the world's largest independent library of comic book characters, announced today the acquisition of exclusive rights to develop worldwide film and television properties based on Hexagon Comics' famous universe of comic book characters. Platinum is also acquiring a percentage of the company.

Hexagon Comics is France's largest independent library of creator-owned properties. The 50 year history of this comic universe adds additional depth to the already extensive library of Platinum comics. The acquisition will add thousands of stories and an additional 500 characters, such as the "Strangers", a superhero comic that has recently been reproduced in the United States by Image Comics; "Wampus", a shape-shifting alien (banned in the 60's by the French government for being too scary); and "Kabur", a sword-wielding barbarian in a land of magic.

"This is the first time, literally, that the rights have become available, and I've been following this library of characters for years because of its incredibly rich content," said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, chairman of Platinum Studios. "We are very excited about the potential of these characters, and are pleased to provide the original creators with their first opportunity to receive both credits and royalties for their creations."

Platinum Studios has a successful record of acquiring valuable comic properties and developing them for television and film. The company brought Belgium graphic novel series "Jeremiah" to TV screens with a 35-hour maxi-series starring Luke Perry and Sean Astin and is currently working on a feature film prequel. Other properties in development include:

* "Cowboys & Aliens" -- Sony
* "Unique" -- Disney
* "Mal Chance" -- Miramax
* "Dylan Dog" & "Storm" -- The Shop
* 10 Picture $200 Million slate with Gold Circle

As creator and head of Malibu Comics Entertainment, which Rosenberg sold to Marvel Comics in 1994, he developed the "Men In Black" comic which he brought to Sony Pictures to become a billion-dollar entertainment franchise.

"Our partnership with Platinum Studios provides a tremendous opportunity for us and our creators," said Jean-Marc Lofficier, Hexagon Comics' managing editor. "This is our second rebirth. Platinum's rich and successful history of turning international properties into popular film and television programs will help brand our characters all over the world."

The Hexagon Universe was born in 1950 when two formers heroes of the French Resistance teamed up to create Editions Lug, and then further teamed up with creators from around the world. In the 1970s, Lug later acquired the rights to publish Marvel Comics in France. The monthly comic books displayed in France for 53 years sold more than 400 million units in France, Spain and Italy. Jean-Marc Lofficier, who was then the line's main writer-editor, managed to enlist the support of his fellow creators to organize the "Hexagon Universe" syndicate.

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