I would like to say a huge thank you to NBCUniversal International Studios for optioning the rights to ‘Trees‘ which is one of my favorite comics to come out in recent years. While it is hard to say that Image Comics took a chance on publishing this comic (since almost anything touched by Warren Ellis and Jason Howard pretty much turns to gold), but this was a concept that felt oddly manga-like in tone with world building in an alternate Earth setting. Thankfully, they did and it has had me hooked since the first issue. London-based production company Hardy Son & Baker will be overseeing the project but there is no word that Ellis and Howard will have a say on the show at this time though ideally, they will.
The pair created the book in 2014 and is set ten years after we were invaded by alien “Trees” which landed, caused some disasters in their immediate area and went silent. We’re living in a world that has recovered and for the most part moved on as the Trees have had no interaction with our society.
Only now, something is starting to happen. It follows various societies from around the globe as to how many now live from artists to politicians. All of these stories are, so far, unconnected though things are really picking up in recent issues as we’re learning that the Trees might not be as dormant as everyone has thought.
It is a mixture of science fiction, drama, crime fiction, and politics done right. They haven’t touched that much on religion which seems to be the only big picture piece really missing from the series though with what they’ve given us it is quite astounding.
While I’m curious to see what direction a live action television show takes this series I almost wish an anime company had picked this up. Ideally, Production I.G with Mamoru Oshii directing as ‘Ghost in the Shell’ really feels like it could have a perfect tone for much of what has been presented in this series so far.
Sadly, that isn’t what television audiences would be too interested in but thankfully there is enough going on to give us some fully engaging television with a solid plot and action mixed in for good measure.
‘Trees’ is the latest Image Comics property to be options for television in recent years joining both ‘Black Magick’ and ‘The Wicked + The Divine‘ which are both making their way to the small screen.
Are you looking forward to checking out ‘Trees’? What network do you feel would be best suited for airing the series? Share your thoughts below!
Comic Synopsis:
Ten years after they landed. All over the world. And they did nothing, standing on the surface of the Earth like trees, exerting their silent pressure on the world as if there were no-one here and nothing under foot. Ten years since we learned that there is intelligent life in the universe, but that they did not recognize us as intelligent or alive.
Source: Deadline
Stuart Conover is an author, blogger, and all around geek. When not busy being a father and husband he tries to spend as much time as possible immersed in comic books, science fiction, and horror! Would you like to know more? Follow him on Twitter!
