Animorphs Has Morphed Into Graphic Novels

If you were a 90s kid then you may fondly remember reading K.A Applegate’s Animorphs novels. With striking covers, the science fiction series focused on a group of kids who gained the ability to change into animals and used it to defend against a covert alien invasion of slug-like aliens that controlled their hosts. It went on to spawned 50+ novels, a television series and in the process left a mark on many kids, who are now in their late 20s and 30s.

Animorphs is back and is set to leave its mark on a new generation thanks to Scholastic’s Graphix imprint and cartoonist Chris Grine. Later this month they will be publishing graphic novel adaptions of the beloved series, starting with the first book, The Invasion.

Animorphs: The Invasion graphic novel cover by Chris Grine.

This was the first novel and the one that introduced readers to most of the core cast. We also find out how they get their animal changing abilities and their mission.

Long time Animorphs fans should be excited because it looks like these adaptations are in the hands of a fan. Speaking to the A.V. Club, Grine shared his passion for the project, stating “I love this series, I can’t wait to share it with the fans who have been wanting this to happen for so long.”

Grine has put a lot of consideration into the look and feel of the graphic novel. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he mentioned that he was given a lot of free reign in this regard but referenced what was described in the books. As you can see in the preview images below, the characters are dressed not too dissimilar to how kids dressed back when the books were published but at the same time look like how kids are dressed today.

What about the iconic covers? Grine wanted to do “something that felt true to the originals even though it was a fresh take.” As you can see above, they’re paid tribute to in the upper third. At the same time, it’s not relying on it with all new visuals to catch readers’ attention.

The Animorphs graphic novel will appeal to a wide ranger of readers. Long-time fans will get to experience the franchise in an all-new way, while still getting a hit of nostalgia. Younger readers, who were not even born when the novels were originally published, will get to experience an updated version of the classic series and will enjoy it for its unique premise.

Animorphs: The Invasion will be available in all good comic book stores, book stores, and online stores from October 6th.

Take a look at the first four pages of this graphic novel below.