Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

Jason Howden (“Guns Akimbo”) is lined up to direct an adaptation of the upcoming comic series “Monsters of Metal.”

Written by director and visual effects artist Jason Howden together with Opus Comics’ founder Llexi Leon (Iron Maiden: Speed of Light), Monsters of Metal sees a group of beloved horror icons team up to form a heavy metal band in a riotous R-rated mockumentary set to be a cross between Spinal Tap and The Monster Squad.

Frankenstein’s monster (known as Frank) and his bandmates Medusa, Jack O’Lantern, Werewolf and the Bride have spent the last few centuries squatting in Dracula’s castle – unbeknown to their slumbering host. But after a band rehearsal gets out of hand and wakes the fearsome vamp, the group get booted from the castle and are forced to hit the road.

As Frank and the band take their act on tour they find themselves fighting off crazed groupies, monster hunters and fellow crypt creatures in a darkly comic tale that puts the death in “death metal”.

Monsters Of Metal is an original property from Opus Comics, the publisher behind the best-selling Death Dealer ongoing comic book series based on Frank Frazetta’s original artwork.

Opus Comics’ parent company Incendium will produce Monsters Of Metal as the first in a slate of titles entering development for film and television, with more to be announced soon.

“Working with Llexi and the team has been fantastic, they’re like-minded fanatics of the metal and horror subcultures and don’t want to water it down, creating mind-blowing stories for established music acts while being true to their brands,” said co-writer and director Howden. “We’re all dedicated to producing entertainment that feels genuine to hardcore fans, and is a great introduction to the genres for wider audiences. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this!”

“I am hugely excited to be working with Jason on the feature adaptation of Monsters of Metal,” said Llexi Leon, founder of Opus Comics and Incendium and a co-writer on the project. “It was a blast writing the series together and he’s the ideal filmmaker to bring this project to screen. Fans of messy horror, dark comedy, and heavy metal are in for a treat.”

Monsters of Metal issue 1 is written by Jason Howden and Llexi Leon with art by Luis Guaranga and covers from Ryan Christensen. It is on sale from 10/19.