Animation production company Copernicus Studios is developing an adult-oriented animated series based on the Image Comics title Skullkickers. Originally debuting in Image’s Popgun anthology, Skullkickers graduated to its own comic book title which ran for 34 issues from 2010 to 2015.
“We have big plans for these head-cracking heroes!” Copernicus co-founder and vice president of creative Murray Bain said in the announcement. “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!”
The fantasy series was created by writer Jim Zub and illustrator Chris Stevens. Edwin Huang was the main artist on the comic series. Zub has worked for Marvel, DC Comics, Disney, Capcom, Hasbro, and Cartoon Network, and has written high-profile comics including The Avengers, Samurai Jack, and Rick and Morty vs Dungeons & Dragons.
“Demand for adult animated content is on the rise,” says Copernicus Studios president Paul Rigg. “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.”
Co-creator Huang drew two new illustrations for the announcement, along with a new logo by Tim Daniel. Created by Huang along with writer Zub and Stevens, Skullkickers followed a mercenary trio that provided a sarcastic and sardonic bent on the sword and sorcery genre.
