Stan Lee, Roddenberry, and Matsumoto Join Forces

Stan Lee Media, the Roddenberry estate, and famed Japanese visual artist Leiji Matsumoto of Gundam fame announced a joint collaboration on a new global multimedia franchise titled Starship todayStarship's concept is derived from a lost collection of Roddenberry's work that was found by his widow following his death. Starship's scenario follows the travels of an alien starship commander and a human scientist on their quest to combat ecological disasters throughout the cosmos. GameSpot has further learned that Stan Lee Media is considering creating video game properties based on the new franchise. Lynda Dorf, a representative for the company, told GameSpot that although there has been no announcement, at this time it should be assumed that the franchise will appear on multiple video game platforms in the future.

Starship will initially launch online as a rich media community with innovative interactive storytelling, themed games, creativity and community tools, and e-commerce. It will also make use of the participation of a global fan base in the development of the franchise. An animated feature film based upon the franchise along with television, broadband, and merchandising applications should surface within the next 18 months. Matsumoto will be in charge of creating the environments and spacecraft for the property, while Stan Lee Media will support Starship's broadband applications.

"This groundbreaking global partnership allows for America's best-known creators of science fiction and superheroes to join forces with Japan's leading visual futurist, ultimately crafting what we believe will be a timeless and extraordinarily lucrative franchise for the new millennium," stated Ken Williams, president and CEO of Stan Lee Media. "This is a collaborative venture without precedent and will be embraced by Roddenberry, Lee, and Matsumoto fans, as well as a new generation of worldwide aficionados."