Netflix is expanding its adult animation lineup with a new adaptation of the acclaimed comic book series Powers from writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming. The streaming service has given the green light to develop an adult animated version of the long-running superhero crime comic, with the original creators directly involved in bringing their work to the screen.
The project comes as Netflix looks to compete in the adult animated superhero space, a genre that Amazon’s Invincible has turned into a major success. Invincible recently started its fourth season on Prime Video, proving there is strong audience demand for mature, violent superhero animation.
What Is Powers About
Unlike traditional superhero stories that focus on heroes saving the day, Powers takes a different approach. The series follows two Chicago homicide detectives, Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, who work in a special unit investigating crimes involving people with superpowers—referred to in the comic’s world as “powers”.
Christian Walker himself used to be a superhero before he lost his powers and became a cop. The story blends police procedural elements with superhero mythology, creating a noir-style crime drama set in a world where extraordinary abilities are part of everyday life.
If the animated series follows the comic’s storylines, it will likely begin with the first major arc called “Who Killed Retro Girl.” This storyline introduces Walker and Pilgrim as they investigate the murder of a young superhero named Retro Girl, who was found dead outside a school while pregnant with Walker’s child. These mature, complex storylines set the tone for what audiences can expect from the adult animated adaptation.
Who Is Making the Show
The original creators are taking a hands-on role in the adaptation. Brian Michael Bendis is writing the pilot episode, while Michael Avon Oeming is involved in the show’s visual development. This direct involvement from the comic’s creators gives the project a strong foundation, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the source material.
Dark Horse Entertainment is producing the series, with Keith Goldberg and Chris Tongue serving as executive producers. Dark Horse Comics currently publishes the Powers comic series, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a new limited series.
A Second Chance for the Franchise
Powers previously made its way to television in the mid-2010s as a live-action series for the PlayStation Network. Sony’s streaming service was experimenting with original programming at the time, and Powers became one of its flagship shows. The live-action version starred Sharlto Copley as Christian Walker and Susan Heyward as Deena Pilgrim, running for two seasons before being canceled.
The new Netflix version marks a fresh start for the franchise, this time as an adult animated series. Animation allows for greater creative freedom and a closer match to the comic’s visual style, which Oeming originally drew with a retro noir aesthetic featuring a dark city filled with danger.
A History of Awards and Recognition
Powers first launched in April 2000 as an independent comic before being published by Image Comics. The series quickly gained critical acclaim, winning the Eisner Award for Best New Series in 2001. Bendis won the Eisner Award for Best Writer in both 2002 and 2003, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s top creators.
The comic later moved to Icon, a Marvel imprint for creator-owned books, before finding its current home at Dark Horse Comics. The series has maintained a dedicated readership over its 25-year run, with each issue selling between 20,000 to 40,000 copies during its peak.
How Powers Compares to Other Adult Animated Shows
The announcement has drawn natural comparisons to Invincible, Amazon’s hit adult animated superhero series based on Robert Kirkman’s comic. Both shows target mature audiences with violent, complex storytelling that pushes beyond what traditional superhero animation offers.
However, Powers is expected to take a different tone. While Invincible is known for its extreme, bloody violence, Powers has more in common with crime dramas like Sin City or Law & Order. The focus remains on detective work, murder investigations, and the dark underbelly of a world where superpowered beings exist.
Adult animation has become a major focus for streaming platforms. Netflix already has several mature animated series in its lineup, with Devil May Cry season two and Bass x Machina scheduled to arrive this year.
What Comes Next for Bendis
Powers is not the only Bendis project making its way to Netflix. His graphic novel Torso, a period crime saga from the late 1990s, is also in development at the streaming service. Zach Cregger, director of the horror film Weapons, is among the producers attached to that project.
Bendis is widely known for his work on major superhero comics, including a long run on Ultimate Spider-Man for Marvel, before moving to DC Comics in recent years. His involvement in the Powers adaptation gives the project a strong creative voice from start to finish.
Also Read:
Release Information
Netflix has not yet announced a release date for Powers. The project is currently in development, with Bendis writing the pilot script and Oeming working on the visual design. As an adult animated series, it will target mature audiences with TV-MA or equivalent rating content.
The series will be available to Netflix subscribers in all regions where the streaming service operates, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and other global markets. More details about the voice cast, episode count, and premiere date are expected as the project moves forward in production.
Also Read: Peaky Blinders The Immortal Man Sparks Fan Outrage Over Real Sh**ty End and Missing OG Show Magic
Stay informed with the latest entertainment news and streaming updates from VvipTimes—your source for breaking stories from the world of TV, movies, and pop culture.
