Revolution Studios announced today (Jun 6) that its comic bookadaptation Hellboywill be released through Columbia Pictures on Memorial Day 2004, a prime summer release slot in late May which has seen launchdates in the past for blockbusters from ET to the new Star Wars trilogy.

Based on the Dark Horse comic book series, Hellboy is a supernatural tale whose eponymouscharacter is saved from evildoing by a benevolent mentor who raises him to be ahero.

The project, currently shooting in Prague, is being directed byGuillermo Del Toro (Blade 2) and stars Ron Perlman, Selma Blair and John Hurt.

In a statement Jeff Blake, vice chairman of Sony PicturesEntertainment, said: "The swell in business over Memorial Day weekend is anexcellent spot to place an event-style project like Hellboy, especially given the currentplayability of comic book-based films.

"Hellboynot only has a loyal core following but is joined by a growing general audiencemaking this date the perfect choice."

Lawrence Gordon is producing for Revolution along with Dark HorseComics' Mike Richardson and Lloyd Levin.

Patrick Palmer is executive producer and Dark Horse's Mike Mignolagets an associate producer credit.