Lincoln Butterfield Inks Publishing Deal for RIP, M.D. Animated TV Property

Press Release from Lincoln Butterfield Animation

Burbank, CA -- May 19, 2009 -- Lincoln Butterfield Animation has signed a deal with Fantagraphics Books to publish a graphic novel series based on its newest animated television concept, RIP, M.D. From veteran animation producer Mitch Schauer, RIP, M.D. is an edgy, teen-targeted property that takes a comical look at the real-life problems of monsters. Fantagraphics Books -- a respected publisher of sequential art since 1976 -- plans to release the first volume of RIP, M.D. in Q1 2010.

"We're very pleased at the opportunity to pair RIP, M.D. with a publisher that we clearly respect for what they have done with their own stable of comic book and graphic novel properties," said Joseph Walker, Associate Producer/Partner of Lincoln Butterfield. "We look forward to working with Fantagraphics on what is sure to be an incredibly fun series."

"The only licensed properties we've published to date have been newspaper strips -- PEANUTS, POPEYE, PRINCE VALIANT -- so this is new territory for us, but when I saw the work they'd done on RIP, M.D., I couldn't resist," said Gary Groth, Co-Founder of Fantagraphics Books. "It's smart, funny and has a jazzy visual style that tells the story with verve; it's precisely the kind of work that our profession constantly laments isn't published enough -- good comics that will appeal to kids."

RIP, M.D. follows the adventures of Ripley Plimpt, an ordinary boy whose life turns upside-down when he discovers that monsters are not only real, but are also in need of his unique services. After he finds and repairs the broken wing of a tiny vampire bat, he is accepted into the monster world as friend, confidant and protector. To monsters around the world, Ripley simply becomes known as RIP, M.D. -- Monster Doctor!

Lincoln Butterfield's growing catalogue of animation projects in development also includes the tween properties TAN (distributed by PorchLight Entertainment) and NIT: NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTIGATION TEAM (debuted at MIPCOM in October), as well as mature titles VENTURE PROBE and WHEN IN ROME. Each of the company's properties offers the potential for multiplatform extensions, such as publishing, broadband, mobile and feature films.