Jason Voorhees Slashes Into Animation

More than 46 years after his film debut, Jason Voorhees is set to appear in animation for the first time. Womp Stomp Films will release a 10-minute animated short titled "Never Hike Alone: Ghosts in the Fog" on November 13th, available for free on their YouTube channel. The film follows campers lost in the fog near Camp Crystal Lake. This is the fourth installment from Womp Stomp Films, founded by Vincente DiSanti in 2016, known for its crowdfunding-funded "Friday the 13th" fan films. The company operates under self-imposed guidelines to avoid copyright issues, offering its content for free. This animated venture was produced in collaboration with Mexico-based Mako Animation Studio. The release coincides with increased activity around the "Friday the 13th" franchise, including a recent prequel series and news of a new feature film.

The "Never Hike Alone" saga began with a short film in 2017, followed by a prequel and a feature-length sequel. These fan films have gained a devoted following, relying on crowdfunding to finance ambitious productions. Womp Stomp Films' approach ensures the films are accessible to fans without direct profit motives. The production team acknowledges the potential for rights holders to challenge their work, though no action has been taken thus far. The new animated short represents a significant shift for the independent production company, marking its initial venture into animation.