WIZARD WORLD TEXAS: ASPEN PANEL

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Michael Turner said the Fathom live-action movie continues to be as close as it has to becoming a reality at 20th Century Fox.

"The latest script is at Fox and hopefully we'll know in a couple of weeks," Turner said Saturday at the Aspen Comics panel at Wizard World Texas. "It's kind of wait-and-find-out on how the script is taken by Fox."

The current script, which Turner described as "a prequel to the comic," is by Sean O'Keefe and Will Staples, who also wrote the upcoming King Tut.

"They read the Fathom books," Aspen's Frank Mastromauro said. "These guys really get it.

Aspen recently signed a deal with CAA, and Turner said he wants the company to gradually grow into movies, animation and video games.

In other news from the panel:

* Turner said he will write a new series next year, to be drawn by Micah Gunnell. "It's very different, very cool," he said.

* The Soulfire hardcover, due later this month, will also be available in a signed slipcover edition.

* Turner is aiming for a mid-2007 release for Ekos, following a six-issue project with Marvel Comics.

* Aspen, Kiani and Cannon busts are targeted for a late spring/early summer release.

* Turner's Fathom #4 covers will be turned into prints.

* Aspen released an early convention edition of Aspen Seasons 2005: Fall.