If you’ve been on the indie animation side of the internet (where I personally have lived for almost 20 years), then Murder Drones does not need an introduction, and neither does its animation studio GLITCH Productions. The Australian animation studio has been on a generational run when it comes to their projects–The Amazing Digital Circus and the upcoming Gaslight District and Dana Terrace’s Knights of Guinevere– and Murder Drones was the first in this new set of shows to become wildly successful.
Given all of that, it was no surprise to me that when a graphic novel adaptation by Oni Press was on its way for one of GLITCH’s IPs, that the Kickstarter pre-launch page had over 5,000 sign-ups. That’s a lot of fans and a lot of pressure to make it good. Which is why we spoke to the writer Wyatt Kennedy (Nights, Bolero, Marvel United: A Pride Special) about his experience with adapting this story.
E.B. HUTCHINS: What drew you to writing about Murder Drones?
WYATT KENNEDY: Oni reached out to me, kind of out of the blue and expressed they were fans of my previous work and thought I’d make a good fit for adapting MD. I was mostly curious about working on an adaptation, mostly as a learning technique because I’ve never really worked with anyone’s IP outside of a handful of projects for Marvel.
HUTCHINS: What themes are you interested in writing about? What character arcs are you the most excited about adapting?
KENNEDY: For a project like this, Glitch was very specific in aligning it as closely to the source material as possible, so really all the comedy and character beats from the original are fully intact. I’d say I’m more excited about seeing how the show will visually be translated since our artist, Jo [Mi-Gyeong], is just phenomenal.
HUTCHINS: Murder Drones is a big property with a beloved fanbase. What would you tell fans of this series to be excited about for your adaptation?
KENNEDY: I think for those who love physical media, actually owning a story they love that’s told with a lot of care and respect for the source material will mean a lot. I think it’s also a great avenue that can open the door for more stories and explorations of this universe in the future.
HUTCHINS: Murder Drones is being funded through Kickstarter. Are there any stretch goals that you’re excited to have revealed or met?
KENNEDY: I’m not really involved in that aspect, haha! I’m sure whatever Oni and Glitch has lined up will definitely entice the diehard fans and hopefully newcomers as well.
HUTCHINS: After Murder Drones, do you have any future and/or current projects you’re working on?
KENNEDY: NIGHTS, my ongoing series with Image Comics returns October 29th with issue 16, and I have more Image series planned that I look forward to unveiling soon. Wiccan: Witches Road, my first series with Marvel will release December 5th.
HUTCHINS: Lastly, where can people find you?
KENNEDY: You can follow me on Instagram at @thelavenderlemons
Murder Drones is available to be backed on Kickstarter right now until
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