Adult animation has seen an uptick in recent years, and soon there will be one more series to add to the list.
Copernicus Animation Studios is developing a 2D animated adaptation of Image Comics' sword and sorcery series Skullkickers, written by Jim Zub Zub and illustrated by Edwin Huang and Chris Stevens.
"Demand for adult animated content is on the rise," Copernicus Studios President Paul Riggs said in a statement. "Over the past few years we’ve seen the popularity of anime and other content for mature audiences increase in North America. Shows like Castlevania, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, and Rick & Morty are grabbing attention for good reason. It’s a great time to make our mark in this space."
"We have big plans for these head-cracking heroes!" Copernicus Vice President of Creative Murray Bain added. "There’s so much in the books to work with and we’re pumped to unleash that same excitement and a whole lot more in animation. It’s time to kick some skulls!"
Skullkickers centers on a trio of mercenaries and their adventures as they battle monsters and seek glory and money. The series has gained a cult following over the years due to its irreverent approach to the fantasy genre.
Zub's other works include Champions and Thunderbolts for Marvel, as well as Samurai Jack for IDW Publishing and co-creating Wayward for Image Comics.
Copernicus' official press release is below:
Halifax, NS: Copernicus Studios Inc is proud to announce a development deal to adapt the SKULLKICKERS comic series written by Zub and illustrated by Edwin Huang and Chris Stevens into an animated action-adventure series for adults.
"Demand for adult animated content is on the rise." Says Paul Rigg, President of Copernicus Studios. "Over the past few years we’ve seen the popularity of anime and other content for mature audiences increase in North America. Shows like Castlevania, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, and Rick & Morty are grabbing attention for good reason. It’s a great time to make our mark in this space."
SKULLKICKERS is a sarcastic send-up of sword & sorcery stories about a trio of mercenaries who kill monsters and cause mayhem in their quest for money, fame and adventure. The series was first published by Image Comics in 2010 and has built a loyal following over the past decade alongside surging interest in fantasy-based entertainment.
Jim Zub is a prolific writer based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past twenty years he’s worked for a wide array of clients including Marvel, DC Comics, Disney, Capcom, Hasbro, and Cartoon Network. Zub’s reputation has risen in comics and gaming with high profile projects including The Avengers, Samurai Jack, Rick and Morty VS Dungeons & Dragons and Conan the Barbarian.
"We have big plans for these head-cracking heroes!" Murray Bain, Copernicus Co-Founder and VP of Creative is keen to adapt the series. "There’s so much in the books to work with and we’re pumped to unleash that same excitement and a whole lot more in animation. It’s time to kick some skulls!"