The feature film adaptation of the Dark Horse comic Beasts of Burden now has a director.  Created by Eisner-award winners Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson, Beasts of Burden is set in the unassuming little town of Burden Hill. When supernatural events start to occur, it’s up to a group of dogs (and one cat) to protect their owners from the forces of evil.  A couple of years ago, Shrek and Chronicles of Narnia director Andrew Adamson came aboard to produce the animated Reel FX project, and now The Wrap reports that 9 director Shane Acker has been tapped to take the helm.

Though 9 wasn’t a runaway box office success, it was a decidedly different entry in the world of animation as Acker’s dark and innovative tone helped the film stand out amongst the more colorful family fare.  Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After) is writing the script for Beasts of Burden, and with Acker now onboard we can likely assume that this won’t be your average cutesy talking animals movie.  Hit the jump to read a synopsis for the comic.

beasts-of-burden-book-cover

Here’s a synopsis for Beasts of Burden:

Welcome to Burden Hill-a picturesque little town adorned with white picket fences and green, green grass, home to a unique team of paranormal investigators. Beneath this shiny exterior, Burden Hill harbors dark and sinister secrets, and it’s up to a heroic gang of dogs-and one cat-to protect the town from the evil forces at work. These are the Beasts of Burden Hill-Pugs, Ace, Jack, Whitey, Red and the Orphan-whose early experiences with the paranormal (including a haunted doghouse, a witches’ coven, and a pack of canine zombies) have led them to become members of the Wise Dog Society, official animal agents sworn to protect their town from evil. This turns out to be no easy task, as they soon encounter demonic cannibal frogs, tortured spirits, a secret rat society, and a bizarre and deadly resurrection in the Burden Hill cemetery-events which lead to fear and heartbreak as our four-legged heroes discover that the evil within Burden Hill is growing and on the move. Can our heroes overcome these supernatural menaces? Can evil be bested by a paranormal team that doesn’t have hands? And even more importantly, will Pugs ever shut the hell up? [Amazon]