I read the first volume of this series by Rick Remender (Punisher, Fear Agent, Uncanny X-Force), and although I love Remender, I thought the first 6 issues of this book were kind of boring. The bulk of the cast is made up of some pretty angsty characters, which makes sense, as they are (mostly) all teens. I remember thinking to myself that this could play out in awesome ways, but as an intro, it didn't really do it for me. I actually remember thinking it might be better as a television show, and now, much like almost every other comic these days, I am getting my wish; Deadly Class is being adapted for television by Remender and Miles Orion Feldsott.
The series initially focuses on Marcus Lopez, an orphan who lives on the streets and enrolls in an assassin school, run by a man named Master Lin. Master Lin trains children to become assassins, with most, if not all of his pupils the children of high ranking criminals, mob bosses, and murderers. The series is pretty angsty, with the teens sneaking out, getting into major trouble (drugs, murder, sex) and then trying to get out of said trouble without being expelled from the school. Violence and intrigue explodes at a moments notice in the books, with all the petty jealousy and teenage issues getting ramped up to 11 because these kids are all either murderers, or are being trained to become one.
The cast list is pretty exceptional: Benedict Wong (Avengers: Infinity War), Benjamin Wadsworth (Teen Wolf), and Lana Candor (X-Men: Apocalypse) will all star. Joining the Russos as executive producers are Remender, Miles Orion Feldsott (Bionic Woman), Mike Larocca (Spy), Adam Targum (Banshee), and Lee Toland Krieger (The Age of Adaline).
Bill McGoldrick of NBC had this to say: “We’re committed to developing graphic novels for SYFY and have found a rich, compelling, truly unique world in Deadly Class. Our producing partners expertly combined high school angst, 80s nostalgia and comic flair into a beautifully realized, visually arresting pilot that truly brings Rick and Wes’ acclaimed comic series to life.”
Deadly Class does not currently have a release date.
