The imminent relaunch of HIP FLASK, which reunites WILDCATS and X-MEN: CHILDREN OF THE ATOM
writer Joe Casey with his CABLE collaborator, Ladronn, was precipitated by Ladronn's involvement with Hip's most recent big screen appearance: FLASK V: THE VENGEANCE OF HORN. Ladronn was tapped by director Lucas Stevens to create a look and feel for the movie that would stretch far beyond the screen. Ladronn happily relocated to Santa Monica to lead the team of artists and designers who would provide preproduction sketches and storyboards for the film, which earned him an Oscar nomination. There, Ladronn developed a strong friendship with Active Images' President and First Tiger, Richard Starkings who persuaded him to apply his talents to comic books once more.
"Ladronn won't work with just anybody. It took a concept as immense in scope as HIP FLASK to get the two of us to commit to a project guaranteed to travel the world. The worldwide popularity of Hip in other media means that we have our work cut out for us: crafting the ultimate comic book tale of Hip Flask... who he is and how he came to be. That's a challenge!"
— Joe Casey
