10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

As a lifelong comic book enthusiast, I can confidently say that the list you’ve presented is nothing short of a treasure trove for DC Universe fans who crave a more mature and engaging cinematic experience. Each title on this list showcases some of the most iconic characters in comics, with stories that delve deep into their complex psyches, exploring themes of morality, justice, and humanity.


Fans of the DC Universe are eager about James Gunn’s leadership, as it promises a mature and engaging future for DC movies. Gunn has confirmed that R-rated movies will be part of this new era, which is fitting given DC Comics‘ history of creating mature comic books. With numerous stories from DC Comics suitable for R-rated adaptations, fans have longed to see these tales unfold on the big screen in all their gritty detail. DC Comics paved the way for mature mainstream comics in the 1980s, and many of these stories would thrive as R-rated movies within the DCU.

Camelot 3000 Is a Futuristic Take on the King Arthur Mythos

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

In the realm of English mythology, King Arthur stands out as one of the most recognized figures. Over the centuries, many stories have been spun around this legendary British monarch, but only a select few have ventured to place him and his knights in the distant future. The graphic novel “Camelot 3000,” penned by Mike W. Barr, Brian Bolland, Bruce D. Patterson, Tatjana Wood, and John Constanza, does just that – transporting the myths to the year 3000. In this future setting, Earth faces an alien invasion, causing Arthur and his knights, as well as their adversary Morgana Le Fay, to be awakened from their slumber. The ensuing narrative unfolds as a gripping saga of conflict and timeless legends, ideally suited for an R-rated cinematic experience or perhaps even two.

Grant Morrison’s Legendary Animal Run Has Multiple Stories That Would Make Amazing R-Rated Films

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

Grant Morrison’s iconic run on “Animal Man” stands out as one of DC Comics’ treasures from the late ’80s, a period when DC welcomed British creators to offer more adult perspectives on their superheroes. Morrison rejuvenated Animal Man, reshaping his backstory and leading readers on a mind-bending metaphysical journey, illustrated by artists Chas Trujillo and Tom Grummet. Many of the stories in “Animal Man” by Morrison would be suitable for R-rated films. The initial four issues are heavy on body horror and violence, the fifth issue features cartoonish violence presented realistically, and the fifteenth issue depicts Animal Man and Dolphin attempting to rescue a pod of dolphins from a cruel tradition – all stories that could make compelling R-rated movies.

Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye Takes Readers on a Trip Through The Earth

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

The Young Animal imprint, overseen by the lead singer of My Chemical Romance, offered a fresh take on classic DC themes and introduced new ones to readers. Standout titles included “Doom Patrol,” a mature-reader staple from DC, but the real shock was “Cave Carson Has A Cybernetic Eye.” This character, previously a DC sci-fi figure who explored Earth’s depths, was given a wild makeover in this series. Packed with action and adult language, the twelve-issue run also crafted a poignant backstory for Cave and his kin. It might seem an unlikely choice for a movie, making its success even sweeter, as it showcases the vast diversity within the DC Multiverse.

Batman: Three Jokers Showed Readers the Most Violent Sides of Batman’s War

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

Currently, Batman doesn’t belong in the DC Universe, but that situation might change soon. The Joker always tags along wherever Batman goes, and there are some captivating Batman/Joker tales ripe for an R-rated film adaptation. One such story is “Batman: Three Jokers” by Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, Brad Anderson, and Rob Leigh. This comic wasn’t universally adored when it debuted under DC’s Black Label, but it has found a niche audience since then. It uncovers secrets about the Joker that nobody expected, placing Batman, his partners who have suffered at the hands of the Joker – such as Batgirl and Jason Todd – in a battle against the Joker’s latest attack, while also exploring their complex relationships with the Clown Prince of Crime. “Batman: Three Jokers” seems ideally suited for the grittier DC Universe.

Planetary Took Readers Across the World for Superhero-Based Archeology

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

The acclaimed comic duo Warren Ellis and John Cassaday’s Planetary ranks among the best comics ever produced within the comic medium. Spanning across twenty-seven issues, this series chronicles the exploits of Elijah Snow, Jakita Wagner, and the Drummer, who are part of the investigative team for the Planetary organization. Their mission: uncovering the mysteries of the past. Opposing them is a quartet of malevolent super-scientists, known as the Four, who have their own sinister agendas for the world. Planetary did not shy away from graphic violence or mature themes, but its true brilliance lies in the vastness of its imaginative storyline. With a potential movie series based on this book, audiences could follow the team through their action-packed and frequently gruesome escapades.

Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing Run Set a New Standard for Comic Horror

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

During Alan Moore’s tenure at DC, the company began to explore a more sophisticated and grown-up narrative approach, an investment that would reap rewards down the line. Kicking off his career on the comic book Swamp Thing, Moore revived DC’s horror genre for the first time since the conclusion of series like House Of Secrets and House Of Mysteries. Moore, collaborating with artists Steve Bissette, Jon Totleben, Rick Veitch, and numerous others, revolutionized Swamp Thing and DC in ways that still resonate today. Swamp Thing has been adapted into multiple films and television shows; however, few adaptations have delved as deeply into darkness as Moore’s run did. There are countless tales within the DC Universe that could translate brilliantly into R-rated horror movies, solidifying the DCU as a platform for diverse superhero narratives.

Vigilante #17-18 Is One of Alan Moore’s Most Brutal Tales

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

In the DC Universe, the character known as Vigilante is widely recognized, yet he significantly differs from Adrian Chase’s comic book portrayal. Nevertheless, they both exhibit a common trait: an unwavering dedication to correcting injustices through extreme means. This shared characteristic makes the “Father’s Day” storyline from Vigilante #17-18, penned by Alan Moore, Jim Baikie, Tatjana Wood, and Annie Halfacree, an ideal fit for the DCU. The narrative revolves around Vigilante safeguarding a young prostitute from her brutal father. With its intense and violent nature, this tale could serve as the ideal launching pad for Vigilante’s solo venture beyond the Peacemaker series.

Aquaman: Andromeda Is Cosmic Horror at Its Finest

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

In essence, Aquaman is a crucial figure within the DC Universe, and despite the setback of his second DCEU film, he’s bound to show up in the DCU. However, a fresh perspective on the character could be just what’s required to entice fans back to theaters. The comic book series Aquaman: Andromeda, written by Ram V, illustrated by Christian Ward, and colored by Aditya Bidikar, revolves around an underwater mission in search of an extraterrestrial artifact, with Aquaman and Black Manta both on the hunt for it. With cosmic horror being relatively scarce in modern cinema, Aquaman could be the ideal character to reintroduce this genre.

Batman: The Killing Joke Could Use a True Adaptation

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

The iconic graphic novel “Batman: The Killing Joke,” penned by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, John Higgins, and Richard Starkings, is a timeless masterpiece. While it was previously turned into an animated film, some adjustments to the narrative didn’t sit well with all comic enthusiasts. Consequently, t The Killing Joke” is widely regarded as one of the finest Batman stories ever told. Given the iconic status of Batman and the Joker as comic’s most notorious adversaries, a faithful adaptation would undoubtedly resonate with both new and seasoned fans alike.

Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons Tells the Story of Wonder Woman’s People

10 DC Comics That Could Be R-Rated Movies in James Gunn’s DCU

Looking ahead, Wonder Woman’s star is shining brightly. Her current comic series is hugely popular, and her debut video game is on the horizon. It seems certain that Wonder Woman will continue to be a significant part of the DC Universe, with the Amazons closely following behind. The rich history of the Amazons has been brilliantly told in DC’s Black Label series, Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Phil Jimenez, Gene Ha, Nicola Scott, Annette Kwok, Wesley Wong, Hi-Fi Design, Romulo Fakardo Jr., Arif Prianto, and Clayton Cowles. This story takes the feminist ideals of Wonder Woman and weaves them into the Greek mythological origins of the Amazons. Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons is a captivating read, and an R-rated DC Universe film could do it justice.

Read More

2024-11-19 17:47