The former Virgin megastore in Union Square is getting an “X”-rated facelift.
The shuttered storefront will be transformed into a three-story outdoor movie theater on Oct. 28, when Marvel Comics premieres its “Astonishing X-Men” motion comic on the side of the building.
The screening is the centerpiece of the company’s first ever “Marvelfest” in Union Square Park. The event will feature several high-profile Marvel Comics creators, including X-Men artist Neal Adams and Spider-Man writer Dan Slott, a costume contest and various giveaways.
“This is something that’s never been done in the comic industry and we can’t wait to see how New York turns out to celebrate the premiere of ‘Astonishing X-Men,’ ” said Marvel’s vice president of merchandising and communications, Mike Pasciullo.
The motion comic — an animated version of the highly successful “Astonishing X-Men” comic book written by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon and drawn by “Captain America” artist John Cassaday – goes on sale on iTunes on the same day.