Biker Mice from Mars is easily one of the most hardcore cartoons of the ‘90s era, even when compared to other shows of its kind like Street Sharks, Toxic Crusaders, and – of course – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And now, the iconic Throttle, Modo, and Vinnie are having their origin stories fully explored for the first time in the franchise’s history in an all-new Oni Press comic series, one that promises to stay true to the TV show’s original tone and style.

In an AIPT Comics interview with Melissa Flores, the creator of the upcoming Oni Press Biker Mice from Mars comic series, she reveals what fans can expect from this new chapter in the franchise’s history. Plus, fans get a first-look at the cover art for the first issue (one main, two variants) from artists Dustin Weaver, Ramon Villalobos, and Francis Portela.

The cover artwork alone conveys the fact that this series will be a worthy addition to the Biker Mice from Mars’ legacy – that of unadulterated, kid-friendly badassery. Plus, on the cover done by artist Francis Portela, fans can enjoy a sweet homage to another beloved science fiction animation, Akira, which is something that should get fans even more excited about this new Biker Mice from Mars tale.

However, while the homage to Akira might imply this new series will take the Biker Mice from Mars franchise to an overly dark place with their origin, Melissa Flores reassures fans that that’s not the case, as the tone of the original series will remain firmly intact.

Melissa Flores: Though we are dealing with some very dark themes, war veterans who have literally given limbs to try and save their planet and losing it anyway, their sense of humor and the pure ridiculousness of these plots gave it so much levity that it was still just a really fun show to watch.

So much of that is imparted in the chemistry between Vinnie, Throttle, and Modo, and we’re definitely keeping that in the comics. There’s no reason to go uber dark when one of the reasons why Biker Mice from Mars is so beloved is because people loved the zaniness of it.

What Will Oni Press’ Biker Mice from Mars Be About? Their “Mars War” Origins, Explained

This AIPT Comics interview confirms that Oni Press’ Biker Mice from Mars comic will be about the iconic Biker Mice’s origins – but, what does that mean, exactly? In the original animated series, the Biker Mice come to Earth to stop an alien race that travels from planet to planet, stripping each world of its resources before moving on to the next one. These aliens are called Plutarkians, and what they are trying to do to Earth, the Plutarkians succeeded in doing to Mars.

Before traveling to Earth, Throttle, Vinnie, and Modo fought in a great war against the Plutarkians. Each of them suffered permanent injury as a result of the war, which is indicated by their cybernetic enhancements. Despite putting their lives on the line, and literally losing pieces of themselves trying to save their world, the Biker Mice lost to the Plutarkians, and as a result, lost their planet. Fans only know this from the exposition offered by the characters, but now, with this upcoming comic, they’ll be able to see this era of Biker Mice from Mars history first-hand.

The Grungy ‘90s Awesomeness of the Classic Biker Mice from Mars is the Most Exciting Part of the New Comic Series

While the fact that fans will be seeing a major part of Biker Mice from Mars lore that they’ve never seen before is one of the most exciting parts of the new comic, it could be argued that it’s not the most exciting part, as that honor goes to the fact that it will keep the original tone and style of the classic cartoon. What made Biker Mice from Mars so beloved wasn’t necessarily the storyline (though it was shockingly cohesive), it was the aesthetic, and this comic promises to stay true to that integral aspect of the series.

Out of all the anthropomorphic cartoon crime-fighters in the ‘90s, none were as cool as the Biker Mice from Mars. Melissa Flores and the entire Oni Press team understand that (even going so far as to reference Akira), so as they press onward into uncharted territory of the Biker Mice from Mars’ war-torn past, the series itself promises to fit perfectly into the established aesthetic of the original show – and fans should be very excited.

Biker Mice from Mars #1 by Oni Press is available July 17, 2024.

Source: AIPT Comics