Back in 2024, when SYFY declared that the chilling Image Comics series, Revival, which first graced us with its presence in 2012, was going to be transformed into a SYFY original series, die-hard fans like myself erupted in joy… yet, there were lingering questions about how they would effectively bring the spine-tingling narrative to live action.
The original tale penned by writer Tim Seeley and illustrated by Mike Norton, which was nominated for Harvey Awards, quickly became a sensation as it reimagined the zombie genre, making it relatable, peculiar, and terrifyingly philosophical. This narrative unfolds in the small-town setting of Wausau, Wisconsin, where the comic book series Revival follows an unsettling event that resurrects people who perished on January 1, only to find themselves alive again on January 2.
There was no clear cause or motivation, but a remarkable event, later referred to as ‘Revival Day,’ took place. This event drastically altered the lives of everyone residing in the small town and significantly changed the way they perceive death. The main characters Dana Cypress (portrayed by Melanie Scrofano from Wynona Earp), her father Wayne, who is the Sheriff, and her younger sister Em, find themselves entangled in the aftermath of this transformative day.
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Getting Ready for SYFY’s 2025-2026 Lineup: A Look at Revival, Resident Alien, and The Ark
As a devoted sci-fi enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about the upcoming shows on SYFY for their 2025-2026 season. They’ve got some fantastic titles lined up, including the intriguing Revival, the captivating Resident Alien, and the mysterious The Ark.
Why SYFY’s Revival Stands Out in a Crowded Zombie Landscape
Now, let’s talk about one show that doesn’t quite fit neatly into the zombie genre – SYFY’s Revival. While it may share some similarities with other shows in this genre, its unique approach and innovative storytelling set it apart and make it a must-watch for any sci-fi fan.
Luke Boyce, an independent filmmaker and collaborator on the series creation of “Revival,” shared with SYFY WIRE his affection for the show due to its distinct approach to narrating the undead saga (preferring not to label them as zombies) and the persistent dry humor that permeates the plotline. However, the journey to bring “Revival” to the small screen was a lengthy one, involving the recruitment of co-creator Aaron B. Koontz to determine the ideal setting for this tale.
The origins of SYFY’s Revival series
In an interview with SYFY WIRE, Boyce shared that his career in creating independent horror shorts and films was what initially connected him with Seeley, whom he now regards as a friend. He recalls discussing potential adaptations of “Revival” for quite some time after it was released as a comic book. In 2020, their discussions became more structured when they decided to develop “Revival” into a feature screenplay. However, due to the onset of COVID-19, they shifted their focus to collaborating on an original horror feature titled “Revealer“, with Seeley writing and Boyce directing it.
Boyce explained that “Revealer” was a creative outlet during the lockdown, serving as a response to the situation. However, “Revival” didn’t progress as smoothly. Interestingly, this difficulty with “Revival” led to Boyce meeting Aaron. It turned out to be a fortunate coincidence because Aaron then produced “Revealer“. After that, conversations between Boyce and Aaron about “Revival” ensued. Aaron became increasingly interested and started generating ideas for it, eventually becoming more creatively involved.
In addition to his work as a producer in independent horror film circles, Koontz was presented with the comic book Revival. He claims he was instantly captivated by the initial issue. “I’m drawn to its peculiarity, its abstract quality, and its odd charm,” he shares with SYFY WIRE. “There’s a touch of humor, a distinct perspective. Furthermore, this concept of ‘rural noir,’ as [Tim] clearly mentions at the outset, intrigues me. It’s like a world reminiscent of Fargo, but it’s a murder mystery where the victim is still alive. And I think to myself, ‘This is incredibly fascinating!’
Despite his efforts, Koontz found himself envisioning Revival as a television series due to the central focus on characters and ensembles within the story. “The characters they’ve written are so beautiful, intriguing, and flawed,” he shared. “I can picture Dana, Em, Wayne, and Ibrahim, which forms a strong base. Characters give life and breath to a show. If we concentrate on them, we have something truly unique, regardless of the wild events that take place in the comics. This is what will keep viewers engaged. Tim and Mike have crafted that beautifully.
Figuring out the big question: Should Revival be a movie or a television series?
As I embarked on crafting the screenplay for “Revival,” there were numerous creative roadblocks that surfaced. The initial feature version was quite distinct, and I recall us flipping through the comic, lamenting, “Alas, we won’t be able to include this character here, and that one there…” In retrospect, Ibrahim wasn’t part of the original feature, and it’s hard for me to envision this project without him. He’s undoubtedly one of my favorite characters in the series!
Boyce mentions that they initially opted for the feature path since it was familiar ground for him and Koontz, as their sandbox was the indie film world. In simpler terms, Boyce notes that because they were accustomed to making films within the independent film industry where funding and production are more accessible, they chose to stick with what they knew comfortably. However, he adds that TV is a different ballgame entirely, but they managed to find an opportunity at the right time.
As a gamer diving headfirst into the world of storytelling, I can tell you firsthand that it was Aaron who championed the idea for this epic series. Initially, there were whispers about a limited series or something similar, but it was Aaron’s vision that took us beyond those boundaries. As we delved deeper into what this could become, it became clear that TV format would be the perfect medium. The comic spans 47 issues, which means it’s chock-full of stories. In some instances, there’s just too much story, so a good chunk had to be trimmed down. But the characters and the setting—Wausau, Wisconsin, almost serving as another character itself, trapping us in this quarantine zone where everyone is grappling with an unknown entity—make it a goldmine for storytelling. When you really take a closer look, TV was the obvious choice.
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2025-05-26 18:47