The Men in Black is an American comic book series based on the "men in black" conspiracy theory. It was created and written by Lowell Cunningham, illustrated by Sandy Carruthers, and originally published by Aircel Comics. Aircel was later acquired by Malibu Comics, which was then acquired by Marvel Comics. Three issues of The Men in Black were published in 1990, with another three the following year. The comics spawned a media franchise which includes a series of four films, an animated television series, video games, and a theme park attraction, as well as several one-shot comics from Marvel.