Nearly four decades ago, legendary MAD Magazine artist and writer, Sergio Aragonés, unleashed his creator-owned comic, Groo the Wanderer. Now, Groo may finally be getting an animated adaptation. Via The Hollywood Reporter, Josh Jones and Scott Nocas’ newly formed production company, Did I Err Productions, has picked up the rights to adapt Groo as either an animated movie or a TV series. Jones even named the company after Groo’s “Did I err?” catchphrase, which is usually uttered after Groo has made a monumental mistake. That happens a lot in his stories.
As you may have surmised from the image above. Groo is largely a comedic parody of Conan the Barbarian. Unlike his counterpart, Groo is very stupid and accident prone, despite his skills as a warrior. Aragonés put it best to THR: “He’s a nincompoop who ruins everything. He sinks ships, he destroys buildings.” Additionally, Groo tends to slaughter friend and foe alike when he loses track of which side he’s on.
Regardless of his inept nature, Groo has proven to be one of the longest-running independent comics. Groo made his first appearance in 1982’s Destroyer Duck #1, before eventually getting his own series. The adventures of Groo have been published by Pacific Comics, Eclipse Comics, Marvel’s Epic line, and Image Comics. However, Dark Horse Comics has been the home of the character since 1998.
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Aragonés collaborates on the comic with writer Mark Evanier. Usagi Yojimbo creator, Stan Sakai, also contributes to the comic as a letterer. Evanier and Aragonés are attached to produce the animated Groo adaptation in whatever form it takes.
“I’ve loved Groo the Wanderer since I was eight years old, and to have the honor of bringing the character to on-screen life is, quite literally, a lifelong dream come true,” said Jones in a statement to THR. “Sergio’s style, the characters, the world, and especially the humor have always appealed to me. I just want to help bring what I’ve loved for so long to the next generation!”
The search is currently on for a creative team that “understands Aragonés’ unique vision and characters.” However, no major studio is currently attached to the project.
Are you curious to see an animated adaptation of Groo? Who would you cast as his voice? Let us know in the comment section below! Also.
Recommended Reading: Groo: Fray of the Gods Volume 1
