Toronto - Portfolio Entertainment has brought noted animator John Kricfalusi onboard to turn an astrology-themed website into a series, and is now developing The Zodiacs for Teletoon.

The would-be series is being reworked from the popular zodiacgirlz.com into a 26 x 30 about 12 super-powered tween girls (Aries, Taurus, et al) who protect Earth from the evil embodiment of a little-known 13th sign.

Kricfalusi (Ren & Stimpy, The Ripping Friends) lends his distinct style to the characters as animation director, paired with head writer Erika Strobel (Carl Squared), who has completed the bible and first script.

"When we acquired the rights to the website... we found the designs did not lend themselves to TV," says Portfolio co-boss Joy Rosen. They were flat and lacked "attitude," which is where Kricfalusi comes in. "We contacted John because he evokes so much character."

Portfolio optioned the rights to the site from its creators at L.A.-based 3 Muses, and will take preliminary animation to MIPCOM in the fall in search of more broadcasters.