I haven't been this excited for a superhero-movie project since . . . well, OK, I get pretty excited about most superhero-movie projects. But you still get the picture.
According to the trade paper Variety, Paramount Pictures has optioned "Invincible," based on the Image Comics series that is currently my favorite title out there. And not just because it's drawn by Ryan Ottley, a local artist and all-around good egg. (Ottley, who took over the art duties for series co-creator Cory Walker, has made the book his own.)
"Invincible" follows Mark Grayson, a high school student with Powers Beyond Those of Normal Men, including superstrength and the ability to fly. Things get even wilder when Mark discovers his father, Nolan, is actually a superhero, Omni Man, and that he may be an extraterrestrial.
While the book does subscribe to certain comics conventions, the dialogue rings true, as do its characterizations and family dynamics. It's certainly better than the majority of the "Spider-Man" titles, which have become almost unreadable — especially the one written by "Babylon 5" creator Joe Straczynski.
And if the movie actually does get made, it certainly has potential. It's an encouraging sign that the studio has tapped co-creator Robert Kirkman to write the "treatment" and that, according to Variety, Paramount executives are hoping it will provide them with a potential franchise.
Consequently, I don't believe it's too soon to put in my wish list for casting.
For Mark, the obvious choice is Adam Brody, from TV's "The O.C." He even plays a comics nerd on that show — albeit a glamorized version.
And forget Tom Selleck, I've always thought Omni Man looks like Bruce Willis . . . with a mustache.
Come to think of it, Michelle Trachtenberg (TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") looks a lot like Atom Eve, and Lauren Graham (TV's "Gilmore Girls") would be perfect as Mark's mom, Debbie.
In other superhero movie projects news:
GHOST RIDER. Nicolas Cage's name comes up whenever a new superhero project is announced. As it turns out, he's signed to star in this horror-thriller, based on the Marvel Comics title. He'll play motorcycle-riding stunt driver Johnny Blaze, who become the flaming-skull-headed Spirit of Vengeance.
Joining him will be Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott and Peter Fonda . . . who's going from "Easy Rider" to "Ghost Rider."
SUPERMAN RETURNS. Director Bryan Singer is still filling out his cast. Joining soap star Brandon Routh, who will be the next big-screen Man of Steel, are Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor.
And on the supporting side, Hugh Laurie will play newspaper editor Perry White, while Eva Marie Saint will be Superman's adoptive Earth mother Martha Kent.
Singer has also been busy shooting down the rumors that Warner Bros. executives wanted him to replace Routh with Tom Welling, who plays Clark Kent on TV's "Smallville."
Those rumors were started by overzealous Welling fans, who are still mad about him not getting the job.
GOING THE OTHER WAY. One of my favorite movies from last year, the tongue-in-cheek zombie flick "Shawn of the Dead," is spawning a comic-book adaptation, coming this summer from horror comic publisher IDW.
Also, those who own the DVD version of the film should check out the extras, which include the "Shaun of the Dead" comic strip that Pegg and Wright did for England's "2000 A.D." magazine, featuring the ill-fated grocery-store checker Mary (she's the zombie who attacks him in his back yard).
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com