‘Slam!’ Graphic Novel Getting Animated Adaptation at HBO Max

Slam!, a graphic novel published by BOOM Studios, is getting an animated series adaptation at HBO Max. Deadline reports that Pamela Ribon, co-creator of the series with Veronica Fish, is adapting the book. The Warner Media-owned Rooster Teeth Studios, BOOM Studios, and Minnow Mountain are partnering on the series. Ribon also co-wrote Disney’s Moana and Ralph Breaks The Internet.

Slam! takes place in the fast-paced world of all-female roller derby. As Deadline describes it, it “follows two young women who will have to decide if their budding friendship is stronger than the pull of a team when a win is on the line.” Ribon drew from her real-life experience as a member of the L.A. Derby Dolls for inspiration.

Minnow Mountain is handling the animation, which will combine rotoscoped and 3D animation. The Texas-based studio is also responsible for the animation of Amazon’s Undone. Alongside the announcement, Ribon issued the following statement:

I’m so fortunate to have the coolest, talented-est, Austin-est animation studios in the world partnering to bring Slam! to life as a television series. Billy Wee and the team at HBO Max geeked out just as hard as we did when talking about where this could go in storytelling and animation. That’s when we knew we’d found the perfect home. We’re so excited to make this rough and tumble, emotional, honest show about what it means to surrender your life, and your knees, to roller derby.”

Ryan P. Hall, Head of Rooster Teeth Studios, also expressed his excitement:

We are beyond thrilled to be working with BOOM! Studios and Minnow Mountain to bring Slam! to life in animation. Pam Ribon is one of the best storytellers in the business and Slam! is a truly inspiring story, so we can’t wait to share this world with the HBO Max audience.”

Slam! will be yet another BOOM Studios comic the publisher helps adapt. R.L. Stine’s Just Beyond is currently in development at Disney+ while the Jake Gyllenhaal-starring Snow Blind is in development with Apple.