Writer Jim Zub and artist Steven Cummings’ ongoing comic series Wayward, published by Image Comics, is set to be adapted for television and tabletop gaming in the near future.
Wayward was optioned by UK company Manga Entertainment to be developed as a manga or live action series. Both Zub and Cummings will be involved as creative consultants, developing the initial story treatment and assisting in character and creature designs.
“As soon as Jerome and I started talking about a collaboration, I had a good feeling Manga Entertainment would be the right place to develop Wayward. The crew at Manga intimately understand the anime market and have helped popularize some of the biggest brands in that space. As Japanese art and animation continues to go global, co-producing Wayward at a Japanese studio with Manga taking the lead is a natural choice.” – Jim Zub
Manga Entertainment is the UK’s largest anime distributor, dealing with franchises like Ghost in the Shell, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach and Death Note.
“We are very excited to be working with Jim and Steven to bring the characters and world of WAYWARD to life for the screen. Jim and Steven have managed to create a truly unique high stakes action-drama that feels fresh and authentic in its mixture of Japanese and Celtic mythology. We are very confident this story will connect with audiences across Asia and the rest of the world.” – Jerome Mazandarani, COO of Manga Entertainment
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Apparently trying to become a triple threat, Wayward is also set to be adapted for tabletop gaming by IDW Games. Zub and Cummings will once again be involved, along with Jon Gilmour, who previously co-designed Dead of Winter and Outpost: Siberia. The game will be fully cooperative, and allow players to control characters from the comics, who must defeat the villains controlled by the board game.
“Wayward is a passion project for Steven and I, and games are near and dear to our hearts, so getting the chance to bring both of those wonderful elements together with Jon and the rest of the IDW Games crew is an absolute thrill.” – Jim Zub
IDW Games has a large roster of licensed tabletop adaptations, including The X-Files and Back to the Future, as well as forthcoming games based on Planet of the Apes and Atari.
Wayward is an ongoing action-drama comic series published by Image Comics. From their solicit of Issue #1: “BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER FOR A NEW GENERATION! Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear. Can Rori unlock the secrets of her power before it’s too late?”
Zub is a Harvey and Shuster Award-nominated comic writer who has written on series like Samurai Jack, Thunderbolts, and Dungeons & Dragons. He also writes and owns two other series, GLITTERBOMB and SKULLKICKERS.
Cummings is a comic book artist who has worked on titles like Deadshot and Legends of the Dark Knight.
