Only a few years into its ongoing run at Image Comics, and John Layman and Rob Guillory's "Chew"already has a lot going for it. Already a rare sales hit in a tough marketplace and an Eisner Award-winner, the comic is also looking to officially become the next Image ongoing to add "TV show inspiration" to its credit.

Deadline is reporting that the Showtime cable network -known for quirky programming such as "Weeds" and "Dexter" -has bought a pilot script for a "Chew" TV series in a deal set up by the agents at Circle of Confusion who also helped bring "The Walking Dead" to the air. The script was written by "Eureka" writers Terri Hughes Burton and Ron Milbauer, however changes are expected to be made with the inclusion of Showtime and director/executive producer Stephen Hopkins ("Californication").

"Chew" tells the story of special agent Tony Chu -a cibopath who can see the past life and eventual death of anything he eats who lives in a world where poultry is outlawed thanks to a sweeping bird flu pandemic. The series 18th issue shipped to comic shops this week, and CBR News will soon have a double-sized installment of our regular "Chew On This" commentary feature.

In the meantime, Layman had only one phrase to share on Twitter in response to the news: "Um..." Meanwhile, Guillory seemed to confirm the report on his own page with a simple "Guess the word's out?"

Doubtlessly, we'll have more as it becomes available. Until then, check out Deadline for more.