The comics publisher AWA has inked a deal with International Literary Properties, which acquires and manages literary estates, including those of Howard Cruse, Langston Hughes, James M. Cain, Roger Tory Peterson, and Georges Simenon. The deal will allow AWA to develop graphic novels, movies, and television shows based on properties for which ILP controls the rights, including stories that originated as graphic novels. AWA’s investors include the film and television production company Fremantle (see “Fremantle Co-Leads New Investment Round for AWA”).

“ILP is a preeminent owner of literary rights with an incredible roster of authors and iconic works spanning a wide variety of genres,” said AWA Co-Chair & President Matthew Anderson in a statement accompanying the announcement. “We saw a tremendous reaction to our latest reimagining of a classic tale, Gatsby, and see a big opportunity to work with ILP to introduce iconic stories to new audiences with a fresh spin be it in publishing, film, television, or other formats.”

AWA will launch Mark Russell and Ramon Rosanas’ satirical horror series Rumpus Room in September 2023 (see “‘Rumpus Room’”).