Dark Horse And Image Comics Announce Animated Adaptations For Respective Original Properties

Adult animation fans and comic book enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to, as two of the industry’s biggest independent publishers—Dark Horse Comics and Image Comics—have recently announced major new animated series in development.

From a gritty detective noir to a high-octane “monster racing” drama, these upcoming projects signal a bold new era for creator-owned adaptations.

Dark Horse & Netflix Team Up for “Powers”

Netflix is officially returning to the world of gritty superhero noir with an adult animated series based on the iconic comic book “Powers,” created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming.

While Powers previously saw a live-action adaptation on the PlayStation Network, fans have long argued that animation is the ideal medium to capture Oeming’s distinct, moody art style. The project features a creative “dream team” to ensure it stays true to its roots. Brian Michael Bendis (co-creator of Miles Morales) is set to pen the pilot. Michael Avon Oeming is handling visual development for the series. Dark Horse Entertainment will produce, aiming to capitalize on the massive success of mature superhero hits like Invincible.

The series follows homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim as they investigate crimes involving “Powers”—individuals with god-like abilities who often fall prey to the corruption of celebrity culture.

Image Comics Revs Up “M1: Monster Racing League”

Not to be outdone, Image Comics has announced a high-concept original series titled M1: Monster Racing League. Created by father-daughter writing duo Robert and Lily Windom (the team behind Family Time), the series is being developed as both a comic and an animated series simultaneously.

Described as a “neon-hot” blend of Fast & Furious, Akira, and Arcane, the story is set in a near-future Tokyo. It follows 17-year-old Dev, who discovers a dangerous underworld of illegal street racing where speed is determined by bodily mutations and magical “pink crystal goop.”

Key details for the adaptation include:

Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Jeffrey M. Howard (Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) is spearheading the animated development. The comic features the return of Eisner-winning artist Jae Lee to interior art for the first time since the ’90s, using a new manga-inspired style specifically designed to translate well to the screen. The series draws heavily from K-pop energy and cyberpunk aesthetics, focusing on themes of competition and teen identity.