7 Superheroes That Need a Great Animated TV Series Like Invincible

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Over the past several years, we’ve seen numerous comic book adaptations take center stage, but some have truly left fans spellbound. Amazon Prime Video’s Invincible is a compelling case for investing more resources into animated productions due to its immense potential. Unlike any other series out there, it delivers a raw and impactful narrative about the life of superheroes and beyond. Invincible is an animated series based on the comics by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. It focuses on Mark Grayson, a young superhero who harbored dreams of following in his father’s footsteps. However, his path takes unexpected turns filled with shocking plot twists and revelations.

It’s clear that “Invincible” was an ideal fit for an animated series, as compared to a live-action story. Many other superhero narratives could also benefit from being adapted into an animated format rather than live action. Notably, “Invincible” is a captivating tale that doesn’t patronize its audience, and it comes as no surprise that comic book enthusiasts are eager to see numerous other superhero stories receive similar treatment. It’s not just the universally recognized heroes who deserve this kind of adaptation; fans are yearning for a wider range of superhero stories to be brought to life in animation.

1) Radiant Black

Radiant Black stands out among superhero comics with its unique and captivating storyline. The narrative revolves around Nathan Burnett and Marshall Ward, two close friends whose lives are drastically altered by a tiny black hole that bestows powers upon them. As the saying goes, beware of what you wish for, and this is especially relevant when it comes to gravitational abilities. This series would greatly benefit from an animated adaptation, as the dynamic action sequences and vibrant colors simply wouldn’t translate effectively in a live-action version.

As a follower, I’m excited to share that “Radiant Black” is a captivating comic series co-created by Kyle Higgins and Marcelo Costa, set in the expansive universe of Image Comics’ “Massive-Verse.” This story could serve as a gateway to other tales like “Inferno Girl Red,” “Rogue Sun,” and “Dead Lucky.”

Similar to “Invincible,” this series boasts the potential for powerful narratives that intertwine effortlessly with relatable characters grappling with everyday challenges. The visually stunning world provides high-stakes drama, while the characters are remarkably relatable. The series has already gained a dedicated fanbase and they eagerly anticipate more readers joining them on this thrilling journey.

2) Wonder Woman (Dead Earth)

It’s plausible to think that several solo stories from DC Comics could make great animated shows, such as “Wonder Woman: Dead Earth”. This story starts with Diana waking up to a world that’s almost extinct. The world she vowed to safeguard has crumbled, and its beloved heroes are gone along with everyone else. Given that it belongs to DC’s Black Label, it hints at the grim and dark tone readers should expect.

I can’t help but admire “Wonder Woman: Dead Earth,” a gripping tale that Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer have crafted. It offers a gritty twist on the superhero genre, delivering an emotionally impactful punch through its distinctive art style. Reminiscent of “Invincible,” it’s graphic in all the right ways. If ever animated, I fervently hope they preserve the unique artistic flair without alteration.

The fierce persona of Diana offers a striking contrast to the bleak dystopian setting, offering readers a different take on the Wonder Woman narrative than what we’re accustomed to. Given it’s just one volume, it may not run for an extended period, but it could serve as the launching point for a series of mini-series, providing a platform for numerous DC storylines.

3) Black Hammer

Black Hammer is a unique superhero tale penned by Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston. Instead of the typical heroic escapade, this narrative offers something quite distinct. It starts off a decade ago when Black Hammer and six other heroes intervened to prevent a catastrophic event in their city. Unfortunately, their heroics resulted in their entrapment. In essence, it’s a cosmic twist on the classic “once there were heroes of this world” superhero narrative. The themes and visual style make it ideally suited for an animated adaptation, given its engaging content.

The series Black Hammer has several spin-offs with potential for an animated adaptation, such as Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil, The Quantum Age, Black Hammer ’45, among others. What sets Black Hammer apart is its distinct look and feel compared to other superhero stories, offering readers a fresh perspective on the genre. This unique approach could make an adaptation akin to Invincible a game-changer, and it’s something we’d eagerly welcome. Moreover, with its expansive cast, any character could headline their own compelling story.

4) Darkhawk

Darkhawk, a Marvel character debuting in 1991, carries a distinct ’90s vibe in his appearance. Originally the son of a police officer, Christopher Powell’s life took an extraordinary turn when he discovered the enigmatic Darkhawk Amulet. This artifact transformed him into a superhero, battling threats close to home and eventually venturing into the cosmos. Given the cosmic nature of his adventures, Darkhawk would be an ideal choice for an animated series. The animation medium would also better accommodate Christopher Powell’s transformation, as his physical form is replaced by the Darkhawk armor whenever required.

Darkhawk, though frequently underestimated in the Marvel Universe, holds immense untapped potential. He’s teamed up with groups such as the New Warriors, West Coast Avengers, and the Loners. His encounters have spanned from battling his own adversaries, the Raptors, to engaging with the Shi’ar, encompassing a wide array of cosmic perils in between. With his narrative seemingly on hold in Marvel Comics, this might be an opportune moment to rejuvenate these tales. What makes this even more appealing is that there are numerous aspects in Chris’s storyline to explore, from a sci-fi twist on the teenage superheroes of Marvel, to full-blown cosmic space wars.

5) Geiger

For individuals seeking an intensely captivating heroic journey filled with mystery and peril, the post-apocalyptic tale of Geiger will undoubtedly exceed expectations. The narrative unfolds decades following a cataclysmic nuclear war that has ravaged the world. The few survivors huddle together in the scant safe havens that persist, as they fight tooth and nail for their very existence. Beyond these sanctuaries lie desolate landscapes contaminated by nuclear waste, spawning nightmarish creatures and villains. Among this chaos emerges a man known by many aliases, but most notoriously: Geiger. Accompanying him is a fearsome two-headed wolf, adding yet another layer of intimidation to an already imposing figure.

Geiger originated from the minds of Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Brad Anderson. This series packs a powerful punch, filled with unexpected turns and shocking twists. The bleak, irradiated landscape adds to its appeal as a potential animated adaptation. The narrative promises to deliver a hard-hitting impact to viewers, similar to Invincible. Likewise, the darker tone aligns with series such as Castlevania.

6) Local Man

If traditional tales of cosmic or radioactive superheroes don’t appeal to you, perhaps a blend of rural crime and noir genres with a dash of superhero lore will pique your interest? The narrative centers around Jack Xaver, formerly known as Crossjack, who was once part of the super-team Third Gen. However, after the team disbanded, Jack finds himself back home, grappling to find his place in the world. The plot then unfolds into two interwoven narratives, with flashbacks to enrich the present storyline. Local Man has already garnered a dedicated fanbase, underscoring the enormous promise this series holds.

The character known as “Local Man” was brought to life by Tony Fleecs and Tim Seely. This character’s epic tale is woven into the broader tapestry of the Image Universe, thus paving the way for further adaptations and thrilling exploits. With a narrative structure brimming with enigma, “Local Man” promises to be an exciting animated series. The intriguing juxtaposition between past and present will set this series apart from others, allowing the creative team to venture into uncharted territories of innovation.

7) Kick-Ass

Of course, even those who casually follow comics likely recognize Kick-Ass, thanks to its live-action movie versions. Yet, many enthusiasts believe another try could be valuable, this time as an animated series. The narrative revolves around Dave Lizewski’s relentless pursuit of superhero status, but he encounters numerous obstacles throughout his journey. He gains allies and foes alike, resulting in a richly detailed universe filled with unexpected twists. The story has a raw, authentic feel, with consequences that sometimes uncomfortably resonate. Essentially, it’s about a neighborhood hero trying to safeguard his city while enduring genuine hardships.

John Romita Jr. and Mark Millar are responsible for the creation of ‘Kick-Ass’. The narrative unfolds within the universe known as Millarworld, encompassing characters like ‘Kick-Ass’, ‘Hit Girl’, ‘Big Game’ and various other related series. This could serve as an excellent starting point for a fresh line of animated shows, allowing the stories to intertwine and form a powerful compilation. Given its grittier approach to storytelling, it would undoubtedly appeal to fans anticipating another animated show akin to ‘Invincible’.

What superhero series would you like to see get the Invincible treatment?

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2025-07-09 18:43