The cult 90s cartoonSwat Katsis finally back, this time in comic book form. For the first time in over 30 years, fans will get new adventures in MegaKat City, created by the same team that launched the original series.
ScreenRantcan exclusively announce ahead ofSan Diego Comic-ConthatSwat Kats: The Radical Squadronwill debut this fall through a new Kickstarter campaign led by Roditeli Productions and the original creators, Christian and Yvon Tremblay.
" We are absolutely thrilled to bring new storytelling to the Swat Kats universe. We are equally excited that such outstanding collaborators are joining us in this first ever comic book series."
The first story arc, titled “MegaKat City Has Fallen,” kicks off a planned expansion of the Swat Kats franchise into comics and beyond. Previously, the creators had successfully launched a Kickstarter to fund the creation of a teaser for theSwat Kats RevolutionTV series, but this new series is a chance to see new stories and the IP expand.
From Cartoon Classic to Comic Comeback
The originalSwat Katsanimated series, which I adored, aired in 1993 on Cartoon Network and was produced by Hanna-Barbera. It quickly became a global favorite, airing in more than 76 countries and gaining a loyal cult following. Despite its popularity - and awesome Turbokat jet I used to build out of LEGO - the show was never continued or revived until now.
Fans have waited three decades for a return, and the new comic is designed to reward their patience with high-energy storytelling and modern visuals. Kevin Roditeli:
“Swat Kats comics had to happen! Badass Kats, Jets, cars, crazy weapons, explosions, and over-the-top villains — This should have been a fan-favorite comic franchise for years, now is the time, and with a KILLER creative team! I’m grateful to the Tremblay Bros for trusting me in bringing the Swat Kats for the first time to comic readers - We will do it right and for the fans.”
All-Star Creative Team Joins the Swat Kats Project
The comic will be co-written byFrank J. Barbiere, known for work onAvengers,Lobo, andFive Ghosts, andKevin Roditeli, writer ofBad Omens: Concrete JungleandWashed in the Blood.
“I’m honored and excited to be contributing to the world of the Swat Kats,“Barbiere says.“As a fan who grew up and was inspired by the action and excitement of the original series, I’m working hard with the team to deliver an energetic, modern take that will thrill longtime fans and a new audience ready for the Radical Squadron.”
Interior art will come fromJorge Corona, his first major project since winning Best Artist at the 2024 Golden Issue Awards forTransformers. Corona is also known forBatgirl,Middlewest, andNightwing. Corona:
“From being a kid watching the show and filling notepads with different missile designs sketches for the Turbo Kat to now being part of the first comic iteration of The Radical Squadron… it’s pretty awesome!”
DC veteran Joseph Illidge is also attached as editor, rounding out a team with deep roots in superhero comics.
The Swat Kats Kickstarter Campaign Launching This Fall
Roditeli Productions, led by Roditeli, is also behind major indie campaigns such asThe Exiled(with Wesley Snipes) andZorro: Man of the Dead, which raised over $350,000 on Kickstarter. The Swat Kats comic will be packed with exclusive content, variant covers, and more surprises.
In addition to the comic, Roditeli Productions and the Tremblay Bros. are actively pursuing publishing and licensing deals to further expand the franchise across multiple categories.
