With so many different Batman stories over the last fifty years, it’s not surprising that some animated versions have been quite different from the serious, detective-like Batman fans know from the comics. But different doesn’t always mean bad – some of these unusual takes on the Dark Knight have still managed to win over audiences despite being a little quirky.
DC Comics has a history of experimenting with its characters, but unfortunately, some stories haven’t lived up to their potential. In a few cases, they’ve mishandled beloved heroes and villains, resulting in comics that serve more as examples of what not to do than as compelling narratives. Here are ten DC comics that didn’t do justice to their iconic characters, significantly diminishing their impact.
It’s a bit of a bummer to realize it’s been eight years since Upgrade came out. As a huge fan of sci-fi and thrillers, I remember being immediately hooked by Leigh Whannell’s cyberpunk vision and Logan Marshall-Green’s performance. The film felt so fresh and built a world I was genuinely excited to see more of. It got great reviews, and considering Whannell’s background with successful franchises, I really thought it would launch something big. Sadly, it was a one-off, and honestly, if things had gone a little differently, we’d probably be anticipating Upgrade 3 or 4 right now.
The hosts of this week’s Insider Gaming podcast think we might see Star Wars Jedi 3 revealed soon, possibly at Summer Game Fest, PlayStation’s State of Play event, or the Xbox Games Showcase. Considering the four-year gap between Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a similar timeline would suggest the third game could arrive in 2027 if development follows a similar pattern. While there’s no confirmation yet, the timing makes sense.
Stories about a villainous Superman are common – we see it in characters like Ultraman and Homelander. Considering how powerful Superman already is, it’s easy to imagine how destructive he could be if he lost his moral compass, as demonstrated in stories like Injustice. But while an evil Superman is frightening, one hero is far more terrifying when he turns bad: Reed Richards. An evil Reed Richards is uniquely monstrous.
Dotemu and Triskell Interactive’s new game, Theos: City of Myths, is an exciting addition to the strategy genre. It offers accessible gameplay and appealing graphics, making it seem simple at first, but it actually has surprising depth. A recent demo impressed reviewers with its charming style and promising potential. By adding a unique ‘godly upgrade’ system to city building, Theos: City of Myths could quickly become a favorite among strategy game players.
Fans of Hunter x Hunter have been eagerly awaiting new chapters, and creator Yoshihiro Togashi has been sharing updates over the past year. Now, it looks like a major update is coming later this year with the release of a new manga volume on July 3rd. This is the first new volume in almost two years, suggesting that more chapters are likely on their way.
Apple TV+ has a growing collection of sci-fi shows, and For All Mankind is just one example. The next few years look particularly exciting for science fiction fans, with both returning favorites and brand new series in development. Apple TV+ aims to be a go-to streaming service for the genre.
Zack Snyder is planning to remake the classic action film Escape From New York, which originally starred Kurt Russell as the memorable character Snake Plissken, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sources say Snyder wants to create a grittier, more realistic movie, similar to his remake of Dawn of the Dead, relying heavily on practical effects and real locations. Considering how well-received his version of Dawn of the Dead was, this approach is likely to be a positive sign for fans.
There are a few shows that never quite got the recognition they deserved, and one in particular always puzzled me. Despite running for several seasons, being genuinely fun to watch, receiving good reviews, and even having a great finale, it’s rarely mentioned when people talk about science fiction. It’s surprising how underrated it remains.