Ring of "bubonic" Roses

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Spice Factory and Persistent Entertainment are developing an adaptation of the graphic novel "Ring of Roses," a thriller set in an alternate London beset by the bubonic plague.

"Roses" will be produced by Jason Piette and Michael L. Cowan of Spice Factory and Matthew Rhodes and Aaron Cruze of Persistent.

The 144 page graphic novel, created by Das Petrou and drawn by John Watkiss, is centered on a prominent lawyer and his criminal acquaintance who -- while investigating the murders of a group of high-powered members of a secretive society -- uncover a vast conspiracy involving the release of the plague as a cover-up to political assassination and government takeover.

Los Angeles-based Persistent's credits include "Nailed," "Passengers" with Anne Hathaway, "Southland Tales" and "An Unfinished Life," directed by Lasse Hallstrom.

Brighton-based Spice Factory's credits include "The Secret Of Moonacre," "Plots with a View" and "The Merchant of Venice."