New Line Cinema has picked up the rights to the critically acclaimed comic book "Ex Machina" by creators Brian Vaughan and Tony Harris. Chris Bender and JC Spink are producing via their Benderspink shingle.

"Ex Machina" is a political thriller published by DC Comics' Wildstorm division that tackles the question of what happens when a man who has superpowers realizes he can be of better service to humanity by becoming a politician -- in this case, the mayor of New York. The comic explores such hot-button issues as Sept. 11 and gay marriage, the shades of gray in political realities and the idea that there is no room for heroes in politics.

Two versions of the script are being prepped. As part of the deal, Vaughan is writing one version, while Glen Brunswick, co-creator of comic book "The Gray Area" with famed artist John Romita Jr., will write an adaptation as well. Brunswick also is attached in a production capacity.

Cale Boyter and Ryan Markowitz are overseeing for New Line.

Vaughan, a popular comic writer based in San Diego, is no stranger to Hollywood or a thinking person's comic book. His acclaimed "Y-The Last Man," created with artist Pia Guerra, deals with gender and sex while telling the tale of the sole male survivor on a planet in which a plague has wiped out all the men but not the women. The comic is set up at New Line, with Benderspink and David Goyer producing.

This has been a banner year for Benderspink. Bender and Spink are producing with David Cronenberg New Line's upcoming "A History of Violence," an adaptation of a graphic novel that is generating Oscar-worthy buzz coming off its showing at the Festival de Cannes. Benderspink also saw "Monster-in-Law" bow in the spring, is in post on "Just Friends" and is in production on "Nothing but the Truth" in Winnipeg, Manitoba. "Red-Eye," starring Rachel McAdams and produced with Craven-Maddalena Films, is being released this summer by DreamWorks.

Vaughan is repped by Shapiro-Lichtman.