7 Comics That Would Make Incredible TV Shows (& They Aren’t All Superheroes)

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Comics have become a popular source of stories for Hollywood movies and TV shows. The success of the Marvel and DC Cinematic Universes over the last two decades proves this, and it doesn’t look like this trend will end soon. While many comic adaptations become big-budget films, they also work well as television series. Some stories are actually better suited for the episodic format of TV, allowing them to unfold gradually like the original comic book issues. We’ve already seen this work with popular shows like Netflix’s Daredevil (and its Disney+ continuation), The Walking Dead, and The Boys. However, there are many other comics with the potential to become fantastic TV series as well.

There are seven comics that would make excellent TV shows, and they’re not limited to the superhero genre. These comics span various types of stories, but they all share one thing: compelling, in-depth narratives that are ideal for a serialized format – the kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat and eager to see what happens next.

7) Darkhawk

We mentioned this list wouldn’t only feature superheroes, and Darkhawk is a prime example of a great one. This underrated Marvel comic, which ran from 1991 to 1995, would be perfect as an animated series. Its hero has a unique, distinctly ‘90s design, and we’ve already seen how well comics can translate to animation with shows like X-Men ’97.

Darkhawk is a comic book hero with a compelling backstory. Christopher Powell discovers a strange amulet after seeing his police officer father accept a bribe. This amulet lets him swap consciousness with a powerful android he can mentally control. Driven by a desire for justice, he becomes the crime-fighting hero Darkhawk. The sci-fi concept is strong and would work well as a series, and isn’t limited to animation – a live-action show with good production could be truly captivating.

6) Monstress

I’m honestly shocked that no one has turned Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s Monstress into a TV show yet! It’s an incredible comic, and I truly believe it would be amazing on screen – especially as a high-quality, prestige series. The world-building is phenomenal, the backstory is so detailed, and the characters are incredibly complex. Plus, the artwork is just breathtaking, and I think all of that would really translate beautifully to television.

The comic series Monstress takes place in a world ruled by women and centers on Maika Halfwolf, a teenage girl connected to a powerful, enigmatic monster. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a war between magical beings called Arcanics – who can often blend in with humans – and the human Federation. This Federation is governed by the Cumaea, a group of sorceresses who gain power by consuming Arcanics. Maika is secretly an Arcanic who looks human, and she’s determined to uncover the truth about her mother’s death. It’s a sprawling, complex story with a similar feel to Game of Thrones.

5) Wonder Woman: Dead Earth

Published by DC Black Label in 2019-2020, Wonder Woman: Dead Earth is a distinctive comic book created by Daniel Warren Johnson. It tells the story of Wonder Woman, who awakens after a centuries-long slumber to find Earth devastated by nuclear war. She must now safeguard the last human city from terrifying creatures while uncovering the mysteries of this new world – and potentially her own role in its destruction.

Wonder Woman: Dead Earth blends science fiction and horror in a way that feels fresh and unexpected for a Wonder Woman tale. It’s a surprisingly realistic story that would work best as a short, focused series – the kind of show that would be truly captivating and high-quality television.

4) American Vampire

Vampire stories consistently perform well on television, and Scott Snyder’s comic series, American Vampire, would be a fantastic adaptation. What’s unique about American Vampire is its fresh take on vampires. It presents them not as a single type of creature, but as a diverse population with different evolutionary paths – including some who can even walk in sunlight, a key difference for these “American” vampires. The story unfolds across various time periods, features a vampire war, and includes a clandestine group dedicated to hunting them.

This story offers a fresh perspective on vampires by introducing various types, which is a welcome change from typical vampire tales. Its story, which unfolds over many years, would work especially well as a series.

3) Saga

Although the comic book series Saga was always intended to be a comic and won’t be adapted for television, it would still make a fantastic TV show. This epic science fiction story explores universal themes like love, family, war, and self-discovery, all while delivering thrilling action, intense drama, and unexpected plot twists.

A television adaptation of Saga has the potential to be truly exceptional. It’s filled with compelling characters, boasts a sweeping scope, and offers enough material for multiple seasons. The key to success would be faithfully capturing the story’s epic feel. Many fans are eager to see this series brought to life on screen.

2) Gotham Central

There was a potential TV show based on the world of Matt Reeves’ The Batman that unfortunately didn’t move forward. In 2020, plans were underway for a police drama, possibly titled Gotham Central. The project was put on hold in 2022, and it’s unknown how closely it would have followed the Gotham Central comic book series. Still, a show focusing on the Gotham City police department would have been really exciting.

The comic series Gotham Central, written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, isn’t a typical superhero story, even though it takes place in Batman’s city. Instead, it focuses on the Gotham City Police Department and the difficulties faced by officers who work in a place also known for its super-powered conflicts. It’s a unique perspective on the superhero world, bringing a more realistic and human element to the story. While it would still have some fantastical elements, it feels like a concept perfectly suited for a compelling TV show.

1) Marvels

As a huge movie fan, I recently discovered this comic called Marvels, and it’s brilliant. It doesn’t focus on the superheroes themselves, but on what it would really be like to live in that world. It’s told through the eyes of a news photographer, Phil Sheldon, and it shows us the Marvel Universe from a totally normal, everyday perspective – how regular people experience life alongside all these superpowered beings. It’s a short series, just four issues, but it’s incredibly effective at making you feel like you’re seeing these iconic events through the lens of someone just trying to live their life.

Similar to Wonder Woman: Dead Earth, this story would be best told as a limited series. It’s not really suited for multiple seasons, and an anthology format could work well. It would offer a unique and different take compared to typical superhero stories.

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2026-02-25 19:12