Futurama creator Matt Groening told an enthusiastic gathering of fans at the San Diego Comic-Con of his determination that Futurama would survive 'in some form or another.' The Fox Network will broadcast one more season of the stylish animated outer space comedy, but the episodes that will be shown were already contracted for, and the network declined to order any more (see 'No Future For Futurama?').  Groening admitted that there was just 'a slight chance' that Fox would reverse its decision and order more episodes, but he said that there are other potential venues for the show, and that he was also considering the possibility of a feature length Futurama film.

 

An on-line petition asking Fox to reinstate Futurama has already gained over 140,000 signatures, which demonstrates that the show has a committed fan base.  Futurama's brilliant design with its echoes of all the classic science fiction films makes the property a natural for the visually oriented fans who frequent pop culture stores.  With an excellent comic series from Bongo anchoring a solid line of Futurama merchandise, the possibility that the show will continue in some form is good news for retailers.