A forthcoming work of fiction aims to reinvent the graphic novel specifically for iPods and other media players. Called “ The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore,” it combines live action with pre-existing video, computer animation and other media. And the series producers encourage visitors to the Web site to download content and remix it themselves, to create their own original stories.
The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore depicts an alternate reality where the British Empire reigns supreme. It’s a peaceful world, but largely because the population has been mollified through addiction to an online global game network, a virtual reality simulation of war and strife. Jonas Moore, a character personality within the game, gains sentience and must fight for his survival as the system recognizes him as an aberration and seeks to eradicate him.
Unlike a conventional graphic novel, which is set up like a comic book, The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore features live action — Jonas Moore is portrayed by Colin Salmon, a well-known British actor whose credits include the James Bond movie “The World Is Not Enough,” “AVP: Alien vs. Predator,” the BBC TV show “Hex” and many others. Salmon’s live action is cut with newsreel footage, digital photography, 3D animation and other content, including an original soundtrack.
Sample media, music and characters from the Web site will be available for download. Users are encouraged to create their own stories around the IP and central characters, according to a statement.
“The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore” is expected to be released beginning this summer.