One of the Most Underrated Animated Series of the ’90s Returns After 30 Years

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In the present day, ’90s kids are thrilled by the comeback of a cherished animated show. Many franchises such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sonic the Hedgehog have seized the opportunity to capitalize on nostalgia, with their reboots appearing on the big screen and in comic books. This strategy makes sense because it’s much simpler to revive a property that already has a passionate fanbase, compared to creating something entirely new. Moreover, these successes are more than worth the investment, especially for devoted fans. Each triumph encourages another to tread the same path, and the most recent instance is a long-awaited return of an animated series after a 30-year hiatus.

In a thrilling turn of events, the classic animated series “SWAT Kats” will be making its debut in comic book form, under the guidance of seasoned editor known for works like “Batman” and “Milestone”. The dynamic duo of Frank J. Barbiere, renowned for titles such as “Avengers”, “Lobo”, and “Five Ghosts”, and Kevin Roditeli, creator of Roditeli Productions and former co-founder of Massive Publishing, will serve as co-writers. Art duties will be handled by Jorge Corona, who is currently wrapping up his award-winning stint on Skybound’s “Transformers” series with Daniel Warren Johnson.

SWAT Kats, the beloved animated series from creators Christian and Yvon Tremblay, is set to make a comeback on Kickstarter this fall. Fans can look forward to exclusive content and some exciting surprises for both new and long-time enthusiasts of The Radical Squadron. First airing in 1993 on Cartoon Network, the show was produced by Hanna-Barbera and gained international acclaim, being broadcast in over 76 countries. It’s one of the most iconic cartoons from the ’90s, known for its high-octane action, gritty aesthetics, and dedicated cult following.

Joseph P. Illidge mentioned that SWAT Kats, one of his favorite animated series back then, stood out due to its distinctive blend of adventure, relatable characters, and urban politics. When Kevin invited him to join his innovative team as an editor, it was a swift ‘Yes!’. We’re excited to rekindle this universe for you with a fresh take on high-octane action and higher stakes in the new era, reminiscent of Batman meeting Blacksad.

The Tremblay Bros are overjoyed to introduce fresh storytelling into the SWAT Kats universe,” they shared. “We’re equally ecstatic to have these talented partners on board for our inaugural comic book series, a collaboration that marks a first in this universe.

Titled “MegaKat City Under Siege“, the narrative unfolds as the city lies in ruins, and the Radical Squadron confronts their most formidable adversary yet. Plans are underway to bring SWAT Kats back on various platforms. Previous efforts have been made to revive SWAT Kats, including a reboot named “SWAT-KATS Rebellion“, which was in production as recently as 2022.

Barbiere expressed, “It’s an honor and a thrill for me to be part of the SWAT Kats universe. Being a fan who was fueled by the action and excitement of the initial series, I’m putting in my best effort with the team to create a dynamic, contemporary version that will delight long-standing fans and attract a fresh audience eager for the Radical Squadron.

Corona, who once spent his childhood days sketching missile designs inspired by ‘Turbo Kat’ on his notebooks, is now proudly contributing to the initial comic series of the Radical Squadron – it feels amazing!

Additional details about SWAT Kats can be discovered on their Kickstarter webpage. Preparations include special editions, merchandise, and rewards specifically for fans prior to the Kickstarter campaign’s start.

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2025-07-24 05:18