'Spidey' man will produce Melbourne-based comic flick

Sam Raimi, a man who knows a few things about bringing comic books to the big screen, will produce the film version of the Dark Horse comic "ArchEnemies."

Created by Drew Melbourne, "ArchEnemies" focuses on Ethan Baxter and Vincent Darko. They share a reasonably priced apartment and they just don't get along. Conflicts arise over the usual domestic disturbances -- parties, unwashed dishes and privacy. What neither man knows, though, is that they're also, um, archenemies in the outside world, where Ethan fights crime as the heroic Star Fighter and Vincent commits crime as the villainous Underlord.

"'ArchEnemies' is the story of a hero and a villain who don't realize that they're roommates in their secret identities," Melbourne says. "As Star Fighter and the Underlord, they hate each other. But as grudging roommates Ethan Baxter and Vincent Darko, they hate each other even more."

Melbourne adds, "These are smart, funny, flawed characters that I think audiences will really respond to. Vincent is an evil genius, but he's riddled with insecurity. Ethan's the hero, but he can be a massive tool sometimes."

In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that Melbourne and this Zap2it.com writer were college roommates for more than two years and that all similarities between this writer and central characters in "ArchEnemies" are entirely irksome.

The first issue of "ArchEnemies" premiered in April and was penciled by Yvel Guichet and inked by comic veteran Joe Rubenstein. The initial four-book arc was completed in July, leaving plenty of room for a follow-up series. Dark Horse will release the first four issues in collected edition this January.

Raimi will produce the "ArchEnemies" project, now set up at Paramount, with Josh Donen and Mike Richardson. Raimi is currently in post-production on his third "Spider-Man" feature and is also venturing into the comic book world to produce an adaptation of Steve Niles' "30 Days of Night."

Melbourne is enthusiastic to have Raimi on board, noting, "Sam gets superheroes like nobody else in Hollywood, and his movies are a great blend of comedy, action, and drama."

No director or writer is currently attached to the "ArchEnemies" film and casting has yet to begin, though Melbourne isn't without ideas.

"We haven't gotten into casting yet, but in my head I keep picturing Sean William Scott as Ethan/Star Fighter."