4 Influential Comic Runs Fans Rarely Talk About (& 3 Synderverse Fans Should Definitely Read)

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Influence from comics on how superheroes are depicted in various media is often subtle, sometimes not immediately noticeable in adaptations. However, with the surge of superhero films and series in the 21st century, it’s common to see their comic book roots serving as a more straightforward foundation for the storyline. Notably, entire comic book stories or the works of specific artists and writers are increasingly being used as the main inspiration for adapted content. This trend is evident across numerous DC and Marvel productions that have emerged during the era of increased superhero popularity.

In many cases, certain comic book series have had a profound impact, yet they often receive little to no mainstream recognition for their role in shaping adaptations. However, closer examination usually reveals just how heavily a famous comic book film or TV series is influenced by both renowned and lesser-known series. Here are four such comic book series that made significant impacts without receiving much acclaim:

1. Watchmen (DC Comics)
2. The Dark Knight Returns (DC Comics)
3. Kingdom Come (DC Comics)
4. The Sandman (Vertigo/DC Comics)

4) The New 52’s Justice League Origin

The DC Comics reboot known as the New 52, which followed the Flashpoint continuity, has sparked debate among fans. Regardless of personal opinions, this era produced numerous standout stories, with many pointing to the Justice League’s initial origin story as a highlight. This storyline commenced the New 52 and depicted Darkseid launching an attack on Earth, causing each Justice League member to cross paths (often leading to memorable superhero fights). Each issue of their individual origins progressively filled out the team until they were united, aligned, and ready to confront Darkseid. Since the inception of the New 52, various adaptations of this rendition of the Justice League’s origin have been created multiple times.

The 2014 animated film “Justice League: War” draws heavily from the Justice League’s origin story as it appeared in the New 52 comic series. Notably, instead of Aquaman, Shazam is featured in the movie’s portrayal of the League’s formation. Similarly, Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” and Ray Fisher’s portrayal of Cyborg in it reflect the New 52’s influence, as Cyborg became a founding member of the League for the first time in this comic series. Additionally, Superman’s suit in the New 52 comic books eliminated the red trunks, which subsequently impacted the design of later live-action Superman suits, including those worn by Henry Cavill and Tyler Hoechlin. The costume of David Corenswet’s Superman in James Gunn’s “Superman” also incorporates aspects of Kal-El’s New 52 suit, blending them with the classic Kingdom Come “S”-shield, demonstrating that the impact of the New 52 on storytelling and costume design remains significant.

3) Peter David’s Aquaman Run

For years, the character “Aquaman” has been the target of more fish-related jokes than can be counted, a trend that persisted in shows like Superfriends and Smallville. However, Arthur Curry’s reign as King of Atlantis underwent a significant transformation during Peter David’s popular 90s comic book run on Aquaman. Changes included Arthur adopting a rougher, more battle-scarred demeanor, growing longer hair and sporting a full beard. Furthermore, Aquaman also lost his right hand in Peter David’s comics, being replaced by a projectile harpoon instead. Notably, the impact of Peter David’s interpretation of Aquaman extended beyond comics, as evident by Jason Momoa’s portrayal of the character.

In the movies like “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” and “Aquaman,” Jason Momoa portrayed Aquaman in a manner reminiscent of Peter David’s version, with his beard, long hair, and rugged demeanor mirroring the character’s long-standing angst. However, it’s important to note that Peter David’s run wasn’t the sole inspiration for Momoa’s portrayal. The New 52 and notably the “Throne of Atlantis” storyline also played significant roles in shaping the Aquaman films. Despite not having Arthur’s harpoon hand, Momoa’s Aquaman successfully embodied David’s interpretation of Arthur Curry on the silver screen.

2) Iron Fist #1 – 2 (1996)

In the role as guardian and master of kung fu in K’un Lun, Danny Rand, also known as Iron Fist, has consistently faced his toughest adversary: Davos, who goes by Steel Serpent. Being the son of Danny’s martial arts mentor, Lei Kung the Thunderer, Davos claimed he was the rightful successor to challenge the eternal dragon Shou Lao the Undying and acquire the Iron Fist’s title and power. In a two-part comic book series from 1996 titled Iron Fist, Davos’ ambition comes true when he steals the Iron Fist from Danny, seizing the energy-infused powers of K’un Lun’s Immortal Weapon. This forces Danny to exert more effort than ever before to outmatch Davos and retrieve the Iron Fist once again. These events lay a solid foundation for season two of Marvel’s Iron Fist on Netflix.

In this season, we get a revisit of the intense duel in K’un Lun between Danny Rand (Finn Jones) and Davos (Sacha Dhawan), where Danny emerges as the winner and takes on the role of the Iron Fist. Feeling swindled by Lei Kung’s verdict in favor of Danny, and further angered upon Danny’s return to New York City, Davos seizes Danny and executes a ritual, stripping him of his Iron Fist powers. Subsequently, Davos proves to be a more ruthless wielder of the Iron Fist than Danny, leading a gang of martial arts students as his private military force. In the end, though, Danny finds a way to transfer the Iron Fist from Davos to his chosen successor, Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick). Later in the season’s climax, both Danny and Colleen reclaim their shared power of the Iron Fist. Although it’s not an exact portrayal of the two-part battle between Danny and Davos, Iron Fist season 2 still delivers thrilling martial arts sequences while using the storyline of Davos stealing the Iron Fist from Danny Rand as its foundation.

1) DC Earth One

Prior to the popular explosion of the DC Universe’s Absolute series, the DC Earth One imprint was already offering similar content, but with fresh takes on iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and the Teen Titans. Sadly, the inconsistent release schedule of DC Earth One led to its demise, with the series effectively concluding with the third volume of Batman: Earth One in 2021. Despite its intermittent publication, DC Earth One produced some of the most captivating alternate reality stories within the DC universe, and it has notably influenced numerous DC films in a surprising way.

The initial installment of “Superman: Earth One” shares a lot in common with Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” as both depict Clark Kent as a secretive hero who is compelled to reveal his identity when faced with an alien invasion demanding him. Similarly, they both introduce Superman in strikingly similar fashions.

Likewise, the themes from “Batman: Earth One” can be noticed in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.” Both stories feature a younger Bruce Wayne developing his Batman persona and technology from scratch, and show him making more mistakes and sustaining injuries during his crime-fighting adventures compared to the seasoned detective he is typically portrayed as.

Despite DC Earth One not fully realizing its potential as an alternative comic book series line, its impact can be seen on the big screen, and it is hoped that DC Earth One will continue providing material for future adaptations in DC movies and TV shows.

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2025-09-11 23:12