Variety is reporting that Universal has optioned The Last Call, a graphic novel by Greek artist Vasilis Lolos.  Oni Press published the first volume in this series last August and has a second graphic novel set for release later this year.  The Last Call, which features Lolos’ striking art work with its squat almost super-deformed figures and dynamic line work, is an intriguing fantasy about friendship and murder.  Its two teen protagonists are out driving when they are hit by an inter-dimensional ghost train and the only way to return to their normal lives is by finding a killer who is lurking on the train.

Universal has tapped Evan Spiliotopoulos, who scripted The Box for Fox, to write the screenplay for The Last Call.  Eric Gitter of Oni’s Closed on Mondays production arm and Alexander Young of Josephson Productions will produce.

The Last Call is the fourth Oni project optioned by Universal.  The talented Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) is set to direct a Scott Pilgrim movie that is slated to get underway later this year (see “Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Scott Pilgrim”).  Two other Oni comics, Resurrection and Leading Man are also in development at Oni, while Greg Rucka’s Whiteout, which is currently in post-production at Warners, will likely be Oni’s first property to make it to the big screen.