‘Wednesday’ Team Returns With Stunning ‘Grim’ Animated Series for Netflix
If you thought Netflix would run out of spooky, goth-adjacent content; the creative minds behind “Wednesday” are back at it again. Al Gough and Miles Millar are diving into the world of adult animation with an adaptation of the “Grim” comic series, and it sounds like a match made in a very stylish, well-lit corner of hell.
“Grim” Comics’ Story Line
If you’re not a comic aficionado, you might have missed “Grim” when it debuted in 2022. The comic series was published by Boom! Studios and quickly became a massive hit. The story, created by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano, centers on Jessica Harrow, a woman who finds herself in the unenviable position of being a newly recruited Reaper. Her job? Ferrying souls to the afterlife. The catch? She has absolutely no memory of her own death or the life she lived before.
Her quest for answers about her past drags her deep into the afterlife’s hidden workings, uncovering cosmic secrets and, of course, a shocking personal connection to Death himself. It’s a supernatural mystery wrapped in a fantasy saga, blending genres with a distinct visual flair that seems perfect for animation. With the comic’s 25-issue run just wrapping up, there’s a complete, beloved story ready to be adapted.
The Creative Team Has All the Right People
Gough and Millar, the team behind the captivating “Wednesday” show, will be executive producing the “Grim” animated series. Their track record also includes fan favorites like “Smallville” and “Into the Badlands.” These guys know how to world-build and create enjoyable characters, but the creative time for the animated series-to-be adds more punch to the concoction.
They’ve brought in Jennifer Yuh Nelson (basically animation royalty), who directed multiple episodes of Netflix’s Emmy-winning “Love, Death + Robots.” Before that, she worked at DreamWorks, where she directed the second and third installments of the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise, snagging an Oscar nomination for “Kung Fu Panda 2.” Her roles as supervising director and executive producer suggest that the “Grim” series is going to be a visual feast that pushes boundaries.
The original comic creators, Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano, are also on board as co-executive producers (always a good sign). It means the adaptation will likely stay true to the spirit of the source material that fans fell in love with.
Netflix + Adult Animation = Success
Currently, Netflix has had a bit of a mixed track record with comic adaptations. For every great adaptation, such as “The Sandman” or “Arcane“, there’s a project that never quite got off the ground, like the much-hyped “Something Is Killing the Children” series that ended up moving to another studio. But “Grim” feels different because it’s going to be an adult animated comic show, where Netflix has found massive success – “BoJack Horseman” and “Big Mouth.”
Final Thoughts: “Grim” the Animated Series Has the Firepower!
The creators behind the “Grim” comics, working in tandem with the creators of Wednesday, and bringing in a highly acclaimed animation veteran, spell a recipe for awesomeness! With the comic’s character-driven saga and mysterious world, this ultimate party has the power to create a darkly funny yet emotionally resonant animated series. There is still a lot to go about the “Grim” animation, but it’s great to know that the show is in tender hands.
