The 21st century has ushered in a golden era for comic book enthusiasts, with superheroes dominating movie and television screens worldwide. From blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed series, comic adaptations have become a mainstay of popular entertainment. However, despite this surge in popularity and over 25 years of consistent output, numerous iconic comics remain untouched by Hollywood. This article explores 10 iconic comics Hollywood has somehow never adapted, shedding light on compelling stories and characters yearning for their debut on screen.
Grendel: From Crime Noir to Sci-Fi Epic
One of the greatest independent comics ever created, Matt Wagner’s Grendel is an expansive saga that evolves from a grounded crime story to an interstellar adventure. Starting with Hunter Rose’s quest to dominate America’s criminal underworld, the Grendel legacy spans centuries, turning into a political powerhouse known as Grendel Prime. Its blend of noir and sci-fi elements offers plenty of material ripe for adaptation into multiple TV seasons or a film series.
Although a completed Netflix series adaptation was shelved, Grendel’s potential remains undeniable, leaving fans eager for a comeback.
Bone: A Family-Friendly Fantasy Adventure
Jeff Smith’s Bone debuted in 1991 and has retained a loyal fanbase with its unique blend of humor, action, and heartwarming fantasy. The series follows charming, quirky characters in a richly imaginative world, making it ideal for family audiences. Despite several attempts to bring Bone to the big screen, including an ill-fated Nickelodeon project, no adaptation has yet succeeded.
The challenge remains cracking the right tone to faithfully translate Bone’s spirit to film or television.
We3: A Sci-Fi Tale of Liberation and Survival
Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s We3 offers a gripping, emotional story of three enhanced animals escaping government control. This dystopian sci-fi narrative, reminiscent of a darker Watership Down, skillfully balances charm with intense action, making it a compelling but complex property for adaptation.
Published under DC’s Vertigo label and endorsed by DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn, We3 inspires hope for a future film or series, especially with elements seen influencing recent cinematic projects.
Ex Machina: Superhero Politics Meets Real-World Drama
Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris, blends superhero powers with political intrigue in a unique narrative. The story follows Mitchell Hundred, a superhero-turned-mayor of New York City, who famously prevented the full-scale 9/11 attack. The series expertly marries action and political drama, reminiscent of Iron Man meets The West Wing.
Oscar Isaac’s 2020 involvement in a potential film adaptation (under the working title The Great Machine) hints at promising developments for this untapped gem.
Saga: An Epic Space Opera for the Streaming Age
Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga broke mainstream comic barriers with its richly woven space opera. The story centers on a couple from opposing alien factions navigating love and survival while raising their daughter. With influences from Star Wars and Game of Thrones, Saga presents an intimate yet grand narrative perfect for a high-quality streaming series.
Unfortunately, its dense storyline and creators’ current reluctance pose challenges for a live-action adaptation, but it remains a fan favorite for potential future projects.
Mage: An Allegorical Autobiography in Comic Form
Matt Wagner’s Mage trilogy chronicles the adult life of Kevin Matchstick, a modern version of King Arthur. Combining fantasy with themes of responsibility and personal growth, Mage offers a poetic, personal narrative rarely seen in comics or films. It lends itself beautifully to a trilogy format where each installment represents different stages of Kevin’s life, from a young loner to a mature family man.
The Wicked + The Divine: Fame, Divinity, and Mortality
Created by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, The Wicked + The Divine explores the lives of twelve reincarnated gods who live as pop culture icons. The series delves into the intoxicating allure of fame and the ephemeral nature of life, making it a fascinating commentary on celebrity culture laced with supernatural elements.
Afterlife With Archie: A Twisted Horror Take on Classic Characters
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla transformed the wholesome world of Riverdale into a chilling horror saga with Afterlife with Archie. Mixing classic teen drama with elements reminiscent of The Walking Dead, the comic offers a fresh, thrilling perspective on beloved characters.
As spin-offs like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina demonstrate the potential of Archie Comics in live-action, an Afterlife adaptation could revolutionize how these characters are perceived.
A Contract with God: A Timeless Graphic Novel for the Screen
Will Eisner’s A Contract with God is hailed as a landmark in graphic novels, offering an intimate, poignant view of New York tenement life through four interconnected stories. Unlike Eisner’s more famous creation, The Spirit, which had a poorly received film version, this deeply human anthology would make an excellent movie or miniseries adaptation.
Love and Rockets: Chronicling Life Through Indie Comics
One of the pioneering series of the alternative comics movement, Love and Rockets by the Hernandez brothers offers three distinct narrative styles rooted in different settings — from Los Angeles to a fictional Latin American town. Tracking the lives of compelling characters over decades, this series has a rich, humanistic quality ideal for a unique television adaptation.
Conclusion
Hollywood has gifted audiences with countless memorable superhero adaptations, yet many iconic comics remain unexplored on the big and small screens. From the noir-sci-fi blend of Grendel to the family fantasy of Bone, the political drama of Ex Machina, and the haunting horror of Afterlife with Archie, these untapped stories hold immense potential for rich, diverse adaptations.
Fans and studios alike should look beyond the mainstream to these hidden gems, ready to be brought to life in compelling new ways.
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