Craniacs, created by longtime Topps executive Ira Friedman and Garbage Pail Kids artist Joe Simko, is being developed for an animated series with animation studio Titmouse, the companies announced.  The Craniacs universe was first revealed in a limited series of trading cards in 2023, with the first set in wide distribution planned for release in August (see "’Crainiacs’ Goes Wide in the Hobby").

Titmouse is best known for The Legend of Vox Machina (see "’Critical Role’ Animated Series"), and also produced The Venture Bros., Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Beavis and Butthead, among others.

Craniacs are from a world of skull-faced characters whose planet has two disparate civilizations: one from the future and one from ancient times.  The animated universe planned by Titmouse will be targeted at kids 6-12, and feature action, physical comedy, and outrageous competitions, alongside friendship, fraternity and family.

Friedman noted the validation of the property the new deal implies in a statement accompanying the announcement.  "It’s a real vote of confidence for Craniacs that Titmouse, a company with such talent and high regard, will be applying their special magic to our original IP," he said.

Titmouse Creative Director Alexei Bochenek described the property enthusiastically.  "Skulls?  Skateboards?  Planets smashing together?  Hell yeah we want to make a cartoon about that!" he said.  "I was basically Futurama-shut-up-and-take-my-money-meme when I saw Joe's incredible artwork and heard about Ira's big plans for this new IP."