Netflix announced today that it has acquired Millarworld, Mark Millar’s comic book publishing company.

Millar previously created (with other artists) Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kingsman, and Old Man Logan, to name a few.  He’s one of the most popular comic book writers out there along with Brian Michael Bendis, etc.

The acquisition is the first of any publishing company by Netflix.  In many ways, this gives Netflix the first-look to adapt anything that’s been or will be published by Millarworld unless it’s already licensed to another company.  At the same time, many of us will lose out on the theatrical-going experience of seeing these stories on the big screen assuming they aren’t adapted as a television series instead.  Future projects from Millarworld will now be published under the Netflix label.  The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“As creator and re-inventor of some of the most memorable stories and characters in recent history, ranging from Marvel’s The Avengers to Millarworld’s Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Wanted and Reborn franchises, Mark is as close as you can get to a modern day Stan Lee,” said Ted Sarandos, the chief content officer of Netflix. “We can’t wait to harness the creative power of Millarworld to Netflix and start a new era in global storytelling.”

“This is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level,” said Millar.  “I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans.  Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home.”

Millar runs Millarworld with his wife, Lucy.  During eight years at Marvel, the comics and story arcs that he wrote influenced the first Avengers film, Captain America: Civil War, and Logan.  Since launching Millarworld, the company has launched 18 different character worlds–three of which have been adapted for films, including two sequels.

“Mark has created a next-generation comics universe, full of indelible characters living in situations people around the world can identify easily with,” added Sarandos. “We look forward to creating new Netflix Originals from several existing franchises as well as new super-hero, anti-hero, fantasy, sci-fi and horror stories Mark and his team will continue to create and publish.”

Millar has much more to say on his forum.