After earning a prominent spot in pop culture, superheroes have garnered legions of superfans, and the immense success of superhero comic adaptations only continues to grow. While the box office-shattering records, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) isn't too far behind.
However, considering the impact of superhero comics on film and television, it's easy to forget that there are many other comic book genres that can traverse well to the silver screen. Averting their attention to these obscure genres, many showrunners have created impressive TV adaptations that don't feature superheroes but are scintillating nonetheless.
V-Wars
Adapted from an eponymous comic book by Jonathan Maberry, V-Wars focuses on a dystopian world divided by an ancient disease. The ones affected by the disease develop predatory instincts and crave the blood of other humans. Meanwhile, the remnants of the population immune to the disease attempt to abolish the ways of the evolved humans to survive.
Dr. Luther Swann (Ian Somerhalder) and Michael Fayne (Adrian Holmes), who were once best friends, become victims of the class divides that triumph in their society. While Michael leads the blood-thirsty vampires to glory, Luther races against time to find a viable solution to their problem.
Stumptown
As the title suggests, Stumptown is set in the city of Portland where military veteran Dex Parios has a lot going on. She has PTSD from war, is grieving the death of her college sweetheart, struggling to make ends meet with her piling gambling debts, and feels weighed down by the responsibility of looking after her younger brother. It's these dilemmas that lead her to become a private investigator.
The adventures—and misadventures—of sharp-witted military veteran Dex are based on a comic book series written by Greg Rucka and drawn by Matthew Southworth. From its premise, the series might come off as a typical crime-drama fare but it is elevated by the performances of its cast and the impeccable chemistry between its characters.
Resident Alien
From Resident Alien revolves around the trials and tribulations of an alien who crash lands on Earth and assumes a human identity in a Colorado mountain town.
To his dismay, before he can pull-off his nefarious plans, he learns that a 9-year-old boy can see beyond his fake human demeanor. The series brings a hilarious take on an otherwise bleaker Resident Alien rarely leaves a dull moment.
Locke And Key
Straight out of the comics of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, Locke and Key tells the story of siblings Tyler, Kinsey, and little Bode who return to their ancestral home, Keyhouse, after their father's death. Soon they learn that it's no ordinary home—it's full of magical keys that could help them unravel the mysteries behind their father's murder.
Although the series received a mixed bag of reviews after its release, many appreciated it for its lighthearted tone and intriguing fantastical elements.
Riverdale
Bringing new life to the renowned Archie Comics, teenage hijinks of Archie, Betty, Jughead, and Veronica as they struggle to cope up with the nefarious criminal happenings in their town.
While staying true to the original characterization and coming-of-age themes of the source, the series brings its own contemporary twist. Along with that, it does not shy away from taking risks and introducing bizarre yet entertaining plot points. It may not be for everyone, but any viewer looking for a teen series that has well-thought-out drama and intriguing mysteries in equal volume should check it out.
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina
Half-human half-witch Sabrina Spellman has become a fan-favorite over the years. Woven from the same fabric as other Archie Comic characters, the teenage witch has had several adaptations in the past; each of which has a unique take on the character's magical adventures.
Bringing a rather dark twist to it, Netflix's adaptation portrays how Sabrina struggles to balance her life as a normal teenager with her newfound occult abilities. With evil forces brewing all around her, she must learn to stand up for herself and protect her loved ones.
I Am Not Okay With This
Similar to Stephen King's Carrie and Roald Dahl's Matilda, I Am Not Okay With This follows the life of a complex teenage girl who learns that she possesses telekinetic abilities. But instead of being an asset, these unruly abilities further complicate her life as she struggles to suppress her anger.
Despite receiving rave reviews,anti-hero action.
The End Of The F***ing World
After its release on Netflix in 2018, The End Of The F***ing World was nothing short of being a cult phenomenon that garnered a huge worldwide fanbase within no time. Unsurprisingly, even its second season received strong reviews and further stemmed its place as an epic comic book adaptation.
With two grumpy yet hilarious characters at its fore, the series unfolds like a road trip where the two not only get involved in a series of violent events but also learn to rise above their existential angst and appreciate each other's company.
Snowpiercer
What started as Bong Joon-ho's Snowpiercer unfolds in a train that circumnavigates a world unsuitable for human survival.
Like most sci-fi movies and shows, Snowpiercer demands a heavy suspension of disbelief from its viewers. Even so, its thrilling premise and impressive set pieces are enough to keep most viewers captivated.
The Walking Dead
AMC's is jarringly dark, yet fans religiously return to it every week.
The show ensues in a world where humanity has fallen and only a few have survived a brutal zombie apocalypse. However, the real threat to these survivors not only comes from the dead but also from other surviving human communities who have formed their own set of ethics in a lawless world. As confirmed, The Walking Dead franchise isn't ending anytime soon. Fans of the series can still check out its original comic books by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard.