The Sword, Graphic Novel by US-based Filipino Writer/Artists, set for a Film Adaptation

THE SWORD is a graphic novel by US-based Filipino writers and artists known as the Luna Brothers; Joshua Luna and Jonathan Luna. The novel is a fantasy story set in modern day about a young woman named Dara Brighton seeking revenge on a trio of siblings with unique abilities. Dara's conflict with the siblings revolves around, and is aided by, an unusual sword. Now, Lakeshore Entertainment and Hopscotch Features are setting their sights on a film adaptation of THE SWORD and has tapped X-Men screenWriter David Hayter (X-Men, X2, Watchmen, The Scorpion King) to pen the screenplay. [read the full article after the jump]


THE SWORD, is envisioned to be a stylistic, action-packed movie. The graphic novel is divided into four volumes, offering another potential franchise property for Lakeshore following the global success of the UNDERWORLD franchise, which has grossed more than $460M worldwide.   Production on the first installment of THE SWORD is slated to begin early 2014.

“David (Hayter) has a proven track record of bringing the multifaceted, beloved characters of graphic novels to mainstream audiences and we’re excited that he’ll be joining us for THE SWORD,” said Lakeshore Entertainment Chairman and CEO Tom Rosenberg.  “Lakeshore has a history of delivering large-scale genre films at a budget that enables our international independent distributors to participate, and THE SWORD will provide that opportunity.”

ABOUT THE SWORD
THE SWORD tells the story of a young paraplegic, Dara Brighton, who leads an ordinary existence until her family is brutally murdered by a mysterious trio, possessed of god-like, supernatural abilities.  Left for dead, Dara discovers an ancient sword belonging to her father, indicating that his past may have been much longer, and stranger, than she could have ever suspected.  The sword not only restores her ability to walk, but it grants her a constantly evolving array of spectacular physical powers.  With her new weapon in hand, and two faithful friends at her side, Dara Brighton embarks on a journey to hunt down and destroy her family’s assassins.

Lakeshore and Hopscotch previously collaborated on the upcoming Aaron Eckhart-starrer, I, FRANKENSTEIN, which will be released in January 2014.

ABOUT THE LUNA BROTHERS
The Luna Brothers were born in the United States to Filipino parents. Their earliest interest in comics were through publications like Mad magazine, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Uncanny X-Men, and in particular, creators such as Mort Drucker, Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri and Adam Hughes. In their teens they were enthusiastic fans of fellow Filipino comics creator Whilce Portacio, and his creation, Wetworks.

The Lunas eventually took a hiatus from comics, and attended Savannah College of Art and Design, where they earned Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, with Jonathan graduating in 2001, and Joshua in 2003. Their interest in the medium was reignited when they noticed works such as Garth Ennis's Preacher, and inspired them to work in mature genres other than superheroes, as typified by the material published by Vertigo Comics.

The Luna brothers sent their creation entitled "Ultra" to Image Comics publisher Erik Larsen as a blind submission, which consisted of a synopsis and five-page sequence. Image published Ultra as a miniseries between 2004 and 2005.

Another Luna Brothers creation entitled "Girls" was also published by Image and ran, between May 2005 and April 2007. Their latest venture is the limited series for The Sword, which started in October 2007. Joshua Luna began a solo project, Whispers, at Image in January 2012.

The Lunas have expressed a preference for working on their own creations, but have stated that if given the opportunity, would like to work on Superman, Supergirl, Batman and Spider-Man. If the THE SWORD does become a hit, it would probably be the next "Pinoy Pride" story.