Feeling Bad Never Looked So Good

Well, folks, grab your tissues because Black Hole is finally getting the live-action treatment we’ve been waiting for! After what feels like a hundred years and a parade of talented folks trying to get this puppy off the ground—from David Fincher to Neil Gaiman (yes, THE Neil Gaiman)—it’s about time, right? So, what’s the news? Deadline reports that the enigmatic comic by Charles Burns is getting a series on Netflix, and directing this wild ride is the talented Jane Schoenbrun, known for their indie horror gem, I Saw the TV Glow.

Time-Traveling Teens and Their Freaky Features

Originally dishing out 12 issues between 1995 and 2005, Black Hole centers around a group of 1970s Seattle teens who discover that post-coital life can come with a few *side effects*. Yes, after some teenage shenanigans, some of these kids end up with all sorts of bizarre mutations. Picture one getting a cute little tail (adorable, right?), while another transforms into a, well, a bug! However, more than the catchy mutations, it’s Burn’s jaw-dropping, quirky art style that gives this story its spine-chilling edge. His mastery of expressive faces married with splashes of black ink creates a surreal and haunting visual journey—perfect for the big screen! Or should we say, the big streaming device?

Jane Schoenbrun: The Right Match?

Who better to dive into this insane world than Jane Schoenbrun? Their 2021 debut, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, and the equally captivating I Saw the TV Glow, both masterfully tap into that eerie sense of not fitting in your own skin. They explore unspeakable desires along with the spooky fears that bubble up from the depths of teen angst, wrapped up in beautiful visuals that feel perfect for the dreamlike atmosphere of Burn’s comic.

What’s Next for the Director?

Currently, Schoenbrun is putting the finishing touches on their next horror venture, a killer film titled Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, set to drop next year. Can’t wait to see how that slasher flick turns out!

Netflix: A Match Made in Dark Heaven?

Netflix seems like the right home for Black Hole. With 12 issues to explore, a series format gives Schoenbrun the freedom to breathe life into each peculiar character and quirky plot twist. However, here’s the catch: there’s a slight concern nagging at us like an old injury. Are Netflix execs eyeing Black Hole as the next big hit to fill the gaping void that Stranger Things will leave behind when it bows out in December 2025? After all, both stories feature a gang of misfits and oddball happenings in a retro setting, which looks good on the boardroom chalkboard.

Fingers Crossed for a Cult Classic

Fingers crossed that Netflix realizes how unique Black Hole is! It’s not just another horror story; it’s a cult classic waiting to happen, especially with a true visionary like Schoenbrun at the helm. If they let Schoenbrun do their thing, this adaptation could be a gem in the Netflix lineup—maybe not the kind to be plastered on T-shirts at Target, but definitely something that resonates with those who appreciate the strange and the beautiful. Keep an eye out; this could get weird, and we’re totally here for it!