The CW has The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow. CBS has Supergirl and Fox has Gotham. ABC has Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter. Netflix has Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and The Defenders. Now WGN is looking to step into the comic adaptation game with the Vertigo Comics classic dark crime series, Scalped.
The critically acclaimed, ongoing Scalped series spans 60 issues over the course of 5 years. Anti-hero Dash is an undercover FBI agent investing the crime-ridden reservation where he grew up. The comics explore Dash’s inner battle of staying loyal to his people, or siding with the government who has treated his community poorly ever since he can remember. Dash left his reservation but returns to investigate Lincoln Red Crow’s underground crime ring and find the person responsible for killing two FBI agents long ago.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, here’s the synopsis: “A modern-day crime story set in the world of a Native American Indian reservation. It explores power, loyalty and spirituality in a community led by the ambitious chief Lincoln Red Crow as he reckons with Dashiell Bad Horse, who has returned home after years away from the reservation.”
THR’s insiders say the producers are exploring the idea of an all-Native American cast. Jason Aaron wrote the Scalped comics and R.M. Guera is responsible for the illustrations. Doug Jung (Banshee) will pen the TV series. The Flash and Arrow writer Geoff Johns will co-write and produce.
Scalped is inspired by the arrest of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist who was named repsonsible for the death of two FBI agents during a shootout on an Indian Reservation in 1975. The concept of the series speaks to the modern-day dynamic between police officers and members of adversely affected communities. Some fans of the Scalped comics are disappointed that WGN got their hands on this precious gem. It would have been nice for a larger network to take interest in such an intriguing message. The show is expected to shed light on the strugles of underserved minority groups and Native American culture. The comic is dark and gritty, and fans are also hoping to see that sentiment translate accurately onto the big screen.
Scalped will be WGN’s second comic adaptation next to Salem, which is on its third season.
