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New Line cranks up the Machina

New Line Cinema has picked up the rights to the critically acclaimed comic book "Ex Machina" by creators Brian Vaughan and Tony Harris, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Ex Machina" is a political thriller published by DC Comics’ Wildstorm division that tackles the question of what happens when a man who has superpowers realizes he can be of better service to humanity by becoming a politician — in this case, the mayor of New York. The comic explores such hot-button issues as Sept. 11 and gay marriage, the shades of gray in political realities and the idea that there is no room for heroes in politics.

Two versions of the script are being prepped. As part of the deal, Vaughan is writing one version, while Glen Brunswick, co-creator of comic book "The Gray Area" with famed artist John Romita Jr., will write an adaptation as well. Brunswick also is attached in a production capacity.

Vaughan, a popular comic writer based in San Diego, is no stranger to Hollywood or a thinking person’s comic book. His acclaimed "Y-The Last Man," created with artist Pia Guerra, deals with gender and sex while telling the tale of the sole male survivor on a planet in which a plague has wiped out all the men but not the women. The comic is set up at New Line, with Benderspink and David Goyer producing.

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