For two decades, Marvel and DC Comics have largely controlled the world of superhero entertainment, building hugely successful movie universes from their characters. While the Avengers and Justice League have dominated the box office, leading many to believe those two companies are superhero stories, the industry is starting to recognize the appeal of independent comics. These comics often offer bolder, more original, and grittier stories. The popularity of shows like Prime Video’s Invincible and The Boys demonstrates that audiences are eager for fresh takes on the genre and stories that aren’t afraid to challenge the typical, polished superhero formula.
More projects are getting approved, but there’s still a huge number of great characters from comics outside of DC and Marvel who haven’t had a chance to shine on the big screen. We’ve talked about characters like The Goon and Spawn – the latter has been stuck in development for years without getting the updated movie he deserves. Now, here are seven more fantastic superheroes who are ready for their moment in theaters.
7) Zephyr
Valiant Entertainment has had trouble launching its movie universe, but they have a fantastic opportunity with the character Faith Herbert, who goes by the superhero name Zephyr. She’s a refreshing change from the typical dark and muscular heroes seen in most comic book films – Faith is a confident, plus-size woman with a genuinely positive outlook and a love for all things pop culture. She can fly and move objects with her mind, and she’s a vital part of the Harbinger Renegades team in comics like Harbinger and Faith. A movie about Faith would offer something new to the genre because she’s a fan herself – she grew up reading comics and science fiction before getting superpowers. This adds a fun, self-aware layer to the story, letting it celebrate geek culture without being negative. Although a movie has been discussed for years, it hasn’t happened yet. A solo film starring Zephyr would be a welcome change, demonstrating that anyone can be a hero, regardless of their body type.
6) Ghost
Dark Horse Comics made a big impact in the 1990s with their innovative comics, and Ghost was one of their most memorable creations. The story centers on Elisa Cameron, a ghost who investigates the mystery of her own death in the city of Arcadia. She can become invisible and teleport, abilities she uses to fight corruption and supernatural forces. A Ghost movie could be a visually striking and atmospheric thriller, combining the suspense of a detective story with the eerie elements of a ghost tale. Surprisingly, the character hasn’t been adapted for live-action yet, which is a missed opportunity considering how effectively her powers could be realized with today’s visual effects technology.
5) Vampirella
Vampirella is a famous character in horror comics, but her journey to live-action films has been disappointing. Originally created in the late 1960s, she’s an alien from the planet Drakulon who resembles a vampire and dedicates herself to protecting Earth from dark forces. Despite often being overlooked because of her costume, Vampirella’s stories expertly combine gothic horror with exciting science fiction. The only significant attempt to adapt her for the screen was a low-budget 1996 film starring Talisa Soto, produced by Roger Corman, which was plagued by a weak script. A new adaptation could embrace the character’s over-the-top, action-packed roots, portraying her as a powerful hero instead of simply a visual attraction. Viewers are eager for a gritty, R-rated adventure that honors Vampirella’s history as a formidable monster hunter.
4) Witchblade
In the 1990s, Top Cow Productions found huge success with Witchblade, a comic series that blended police investigations with elements of ancient mythology. The story follows Sara Pezzini, a determined NYPD detective, who acquires the Witchblade – a powerful, living gauntlet. While Witchblade was previously adapted into a TV show starring Yancy Butler in the early 2000s (and was generally liked), the show’s visual effects were limited by the technology available at the time. An anime version also existed, but the franchise hasn’t had a live-action project in a while. A new movie could truly showcase the Witchblade’s unique, organic nature, using today’s CGI to depict it as a natural extension of Sara herself. The combination of a realistic New York setting and supernatural action makes for a strong summer movie concept.
3) Space Ghost
Many people today remember Space Ghost as the quirky host of the show Space Ghost Coast to Coast. But the character actually started as a genuine superhero created by Alex Toth in the 1960s, and has been featured in comic books as a serious space hero. The idea of a galactic peacekeeper fighting for justice has a lot of potential for a thrilling sci-fi movie. A Space Ghost film could bring back the character’s original strength, focusing on his spaceship, his powerful bands, and his enemies like Zorak and Moltar. The character’s design is still fantastic, and a sincere, rather than comedic, take on the source material could create a space adventure as exciting as Guardians of the Galaxy.
2) Death
Jonathan Hickman is a highly respected comic book writer, and his series East of West has a main character perfectly suited for a major film. The story takes place in a fractured America where the Civil War continues, and the country is on the brink of destruction. The protagonist is actually Death, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who rides a robotic horse and uses dual revolvers to seek revenge for his family. Combining science fiction, westerns, and biblical themes, East of West has a distinctive visual style unlike anything currently seen in movies. Although Amazon was once reportedly developing a series based on the comic, the project appears to have stalled. A film adaptation would be a visually impressive and epic story, offering both stylish action and thought-provoking themes, setting it apart from typical superhero movies.
1) The Maxx
Sam Kieth’s The Maxx is a brilliant comic book that uses the superhero genre to thoughtfully explore themes of trauma and mental disconnection. The story centers on a homeless man who believes he’s a superhero, traveling between the real world and a dangerous dreamscape called the Outback, where he safeguards his beloved, Julie Winters, a social worker. In the 1990s, it was famously turned into an animated series on MTV, often hailed as one of the most successful and visually faithful comic adaptations ever made, thanks to its unique style and dark atmosphere. Despite its potential, The Maxx hasn’t been adapted into a live-action film, which feels like a significant oversight, especially considering the success of psychological thrillers like Joker. A movie adaptation could really delve into the characters’ tragic backgrounds and create a truly immersive and mind-bending experience for viewers.
If you could give any superhero outside of DC or Marvel a big-budget movie, who would it be? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Bloober Team launches ‘Remosd Neul Serorehso Ovam Ceyerd’ countdown website
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Transformers Powers Up With ‘Brutal’ New Combaticon Reveal After 13 Years
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Everything We Know About Henry Creel’s Origin Before the Stranger Things Finale (Including the Stage Play)
- Prince William & Kate Middleton Debut Never-Before-Seen 2025 Photos
- Arc Raiders Guide – All Workbenches And How To Upgrade Them
- Beyond the Limit: Harnessing Extreme Nonlinear Optics in Fibers
2026-01-04 23:15