The Marvel Universe is known for its well-placed humor, and it seems that ABC is looking to focus on that for an upcoming comedy series based on Marvel’sDamage Controlcomics. The network, which is really killing it with comedies these days —Modern Familyremains a ratings juggernaut, whileFresh Off the Boat,black-ish, andThe Muppetsare all excellent recent additions to its lineup — has reportedly bought a script for a half-hour, single-camera sitcom that follow the overworked and underpaid clean-up crew of the Marvel Universe. The new series will share the comics' title,Damage Control, and it has landed a put pilot commitment.
According toVariety, the comic follows the exploits of
Damage Controlwill be developed byBen Karlin(Modern Family), who will executive produce alongsideDavid MinerandJeph Loeb, Marvel’s head of television.
It’s unsurprising that ABC wants to expand its arsenal of Marvel series.Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.has done reasonably well for the network, and thoughAgent Carterhasn’t put up great numbers, it has a loyal fanbase. A comedy, though, could be more in ABC’s wheelhouse, perhaps leaving Netflix to explore its much grittier take on Marvel series withDaredevil,Jessica Jones, and others.
But wait, there’s more! ABC is also working on aS.H.I.E.L.D.spinoff,Marvel’s Most Wanted, which will focus onAdrianne PalickiandNick Blood’s characters Mockingbird and Lance Hunter, which currently has a pilot production commitment. Further,American Crime(a low ratings grabber for ABC, though it did garner a few Emmy nods) creatorJohn Ridleyis also working on a top-secret Marvel project for the network. So if you were worried about a shortage of superhero shows, that’s definitely not happening any time soon.
As forDamage Controlthough, are you a fan of the comics? Do you think they would make for a great sitcom? Is ABC the place to make that happen? Let us know your thoughts!
