THE CIRCUS OF DR. LAO

Concept: 
A licensed property based on the novel that tells the tale of a strange magician and his amazing circus that comes to a small town in the America West.   The visitors to the circus seek discovery but end up learning more about themselves than the mysterious Dr. Lao.

Synopsis:
NOTE:   I have secured the rights to The Circus of Dr. Lao which was a novel set in a fictional town which satirizes the ordinary American citizen in the 1930’s.  The rights are for a one shot story (length to be determined) and then possible sequels.

"The world is a circus if you look at it the right way.

Every time you pick up a handful of dust, and see not the dust but mystery, a marvel, there in your hand.

Every time you stop and think, "I'm alive. And being alive is fantastic."

Every time such a thing happens, you are part of the circus of Dr. Lao."

That is a quote from the novel and also appeared on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in Joel Hodgson's last episode as the host.  It was his final message to the 'bots and was engraved on a plaque. 

The Circus of Dr. Lao is a 1935 novel set in the fictional town and mercilessly satirizes the mindset of ordinary Americans when confronted by examples of differences amongst people.

Here’s an excerpt from a review which sums it up great.

Abalone, Arizona, is a sleepy southwestern town whose chief concerns are boredom and surviving the Great Depression. That is, until the circus of Dr. Lao arrives and immensely and irrevocably changes the lives of everyone drawn to its tents.

Expecting a sideshow spectacle, the citizens of Abalone instead confront and learn profound lessons from the mythical made real--a chimera, a Medusa, a talking sphinx, a sea serpent, witches, the Hound of the Hedges, a werewolf, a mermaid, an ancient god, and the elusive, ever-changing Dr. Lao. The circus unfolds, spinning magical, dark strands that ensnare the town's populace: the sea serpent's tale shatters love's illusions; the fortune-teller's shocking pronouncements toll the tedium and secret dread of every person's life; sensual undercurrents pour forth for men and women alike; and the dead walk again.

The novel was later adapted by Charles Beaumont into the script for an effects-filled 1964 movie 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, directed by George Pal and starring Tony Randall in the title role. Randall appears as many of the different character in the circus...

Format:  One-shot graphic novella (48-80 pages). 

Art Style:  Someone that can handle realism and yet blend in the fantastical and bizarre.  I know, not asking much...

Note: The one shot will tell the tale of the book but rights (depending on how satisfied the rights owners are) could carry on with more tales of Dr. Lao, so it could be a continuing saga afterwards.