Adult Animation Revolution: Comics Getting Adapted Into Animation
by Tito W. James
I started the Adult Animation Revolution Blog because I noticed a cultural shift within animation. Animated series now have more of a focus on serialized storytelling for young adult and adult audiences. We’ve seen video games adapted successfully into animation and an explosion of YouTube original Indie animated shows.
Recently, I’ve also noticed a sizable number of indie comics that are being adapted into animated projects. I’ve written articles about indie comics that need their own animated series. It’s clear that I’m not the only one who’d love to see a Headlopper animated series! Therefore, I wanted to highlight the comics that are getting adapted into animation.
Something Is Killing the Children
Based on the comic created by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera, Something Is Killing the Children, follows the exploits of a monster hunter named Erica Slaughter. The comic series has been well regarded because of its iconic characters and expansive world-building. Animation fans love action-horror and Something Is Killing the Children could reach a whole new audience.
Wytches
Based on the comic created by Scott Snyder and Jock, Wytches follows Charles Rook who must help his daughter, Sailor, survive a terrifyingly real and mythic presence within the woods. Snyder promises that the animated series will closely align with Jock’s original comic art and incorporate extreme body horror, and high emotion, bringing a unique experience to animated TV.
Grim
Based on the comic by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano, Grim is a horror-fantasy series that follows Jessica Harrow, a woman tasked with being a Reaper who ferries souls to the afterlife. Jessica seeks to unravel the mystery of what killed her and what happened to the original Grim Reaper. The animated show is being developed by Wednesday creators, Al Gough and Miles Millar and director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, (Love, Death + Robots).
Monstress
Created by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda, Monstress is an epic fantasy series that follows young Maika, who risks everything to control her psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, placing her in the center of a devastating war between human and otherworldly forces. Fans of Steampunk, Kaiju, and Arcane should enjoy Monstress.
Powers
Based on the comic by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, Powers follows two Chicago homicide detectives who work on cases involving superpowers. The premise blends the genres of superhero with police procedural. Oeming’s art in particular could look unique in animated form.
Nights
Based on the comic book series by Wyatt Kennedy and Luigi Formisano, Nights is a supernatural coming-of-age story centered around a group of friends navigating life, relationships, and mysterious paranormal events. The series will be produced by animation studio Titmouse who envision the series as being like FLCL for a new generation.
Super Mutant Magic Academy
Based on the graphic novel by Jillian Tamaki and developed by J.G. Quintel (Regular Show), SuperMutant Magic Academy is a surreal comedy about a group of students attempting to navigate friendships, relationships and their burgeoning superpowers. This series comes out as peak Harry Potter nostalgia has audiences wishing for a creative (non-dark) take on superheroes.
Get Jiro
Based on the graphic novel by culinary expert, Anthony Bourdain, Get Jiro follows a deadly sushi chef surviving the warring gourmet factions in the savage foodscape of future Los Angeles. As an animated series, Get Jiro could appeal to fans of Quentin Tarantino films.
Fantasy Sports
Created by Steven Universe artist, Sam Bosma, Fantasy Sports combines globetrotting adventure with sports manga and spooky characters. The animated series could gain a similar audience to Steven Universe but with more of an action focus.
Lumberjanes
Created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, ND Stevenson, and Brooke Allen, Lumberjanes follows five friends who attend summer camp for “Hardcore Lady Types.” However, there are mysteries afoot and the Lumber Janes must navigate a supernatural world of secret caves, spooky creatures, and three-eyed foxes. Lumberjanes has been celebrated for its quirky and Queer characters and the animated show could appeal to fans of Gravity Falls.
Lore Olympus
Based on the incredibly popular Webtoon by Rachel Smythe, Lore Olympus is a modern retelling of the forbidden love between Persephone and Hades. Animation fans are known for “shipping” characters together regardless of genre. I hope that romance fans will find what they desire from a Lore Olympus animated series.
