Ax Battler is finally making a comeback in Golden Axe animated series

It’s been a rough couple of decades for Golden Axe star Ax Battler, the barbarian. Following the release of his now-classic video game breakthrough, Golden Axe, Battler has descended into obscurity, presumably taking roles in Red Box geezer teasers in Moldova. But like Mickey Rourke circa 2008, Ax Battler is getting another shot at glory.

Comedy Central announced a brand-new Golden Axe animated series based on Sega’s classic side-scrolling beat-em-up. Joining Battler on his 10-episode journey are dwarf Gilius Thunderhead, amazonian sorceress Tyris Flare, and a new character Hampton Squibb, billed as a “naive, inexperienced first-time adventurer.” Unfortunately, none of these characters will be played by themselves. Fortunately, Emmy-winner Matthew Rhys stars as Thunderhead, with Comedy Bang! Bang!-great Lisa Gilroy as Flare, and Spartacus-himself Liam McIntyre as the great Ax Battler. Mythic Quest’s Danny Pudi will play audience surrogate Hampton Squibb, with third Doughboy Carl Tart playing Golden Axe III’s key “badass humanoid panther” Chronos “Evil” Lait. Together, they’ll attempt to save Yuria from the seemingly immortal Death Adder and, we assume, those little thieves that try and steal your potions and pot roast.

Millennials might remember all these names from the Mountain Dew and Dorito-dust-fueled sleepovers from their youth, where Golden Axe, along with Streets Of Rage, provided hours of cooperative play. For those of us that sucked at Mortal Kombat, it was a welcome respite to be able to play on the same team as your friend’s older brother, who had the mental fortitude and button-mashing stamina to play through all 50 minutes of the game.

Golden Axe has a strong pedigree. Mike McMahan of Star Trek: Lower Decks and Joe Chandler of American Dad! will write the first episode and executive produce the series, so expect this to be an ironic take on the very important video game series based on an airbrushed illustration found on the side of a very sick van. However, how this will play into the overarching Sonic Cinematic Universe or the Knuckles television series is still anyone’s guess. But rest assured, if this show is successful, there will be a crossover. There just has to be. If there isn’t, well, may god have mercy on our souls.