Probably the most famous graphic novel series in the world, “XIII” is not as well known in the U.S. ReelzChannel might change that in June when it premieres “XIII: The Series.”
UPDATE: “XIII: The Series” will premiere at 8 p.m. June 29 on Reelz.
Based on the spy stories of Belgians Jean Van Hamme and William Vance, “XIII: The Series” stars Stuart Townshend as the title character, a former CIA agent who escapes from a rendition camp with a surgically altered face and an identity handed him by a stranger. Suffering from amnesia, he takes his name from the Roman numeral tattooed on his neck as he searches for his true identity.
Since the first volume of “XIII” was published 25 years ago, the comics have sold more than 13 million copies worldwide and been made into a video game series. A 2008 NBC miniseries called “XIII: The Conspiracy” featured Stephen Dorff as XIII and Val Kilmer as his antagonist, Mongoose.
“XIII: The Series,” an hour-long drama currently airing in France and Canada, began shooting its second season last month in Toronto. It’s the second scripted series for ReelzChannel, which in the past was devoted mostly to programming about big-screen movies. Steven Seagal’s “True Justice” was its first scripted drama.
Check out the photos for more information about the spy thriller.
Curt Wagner, RedEye’s Show Patrol
