5 Comic Books that Would Make Great TV Shows

The Walking Dead has been hailed as the ‘King of Cable TV’. But this is in the US, so don’t you go throwing set-top boxes out of the window.

Twelve years ago, the Smallville pilot broke the WB record for a TV debut. More recently, 2012’s Arrow (a mash-up of Batman Begins and Robin Hood) became a huge success, though Marvel will strike back this September with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

While these two behemoths were wrestling for concepts, Image Comics emerged as the unexpected victor. Their comic adaptation of The Walking Dead is a bigger commercial and critical success than any other comic book show.

Producers are eager to emulate TWD’s success. Which comic books should they pick?

#5 Planetary (Wildstorm/DC) by Warren Ellis & John Cassaday

Planetary is a trio who call themselves the ‘Archaeologists of the Impossible’. Sponsoring them is the mysterious Fourth Man. The team comprises Elijah Snow, Jakita Wagner and Drummer—each possessing a handy ability for battling the boss.

They investigate relics, phenomena and conspiracy theories while fending off The Four (evil, scientifically accurate depictions of the Fantastic Four).

The TV transformation of the popular comic should attract viewers of The X-Files, Supernatural and Fringe. The comic is suited for an episodic re-telling and can build on the mythology aspect. Producers can certainly look at this as a limited series, but it could also become a never-ending show running into thousands of bore-you-to-death seasons.

#4 Morning Glories (Image Comics) by Nick Spencer & Joe Eisma

Our six protagonists gain admission to the Morning Glories Academy, an exclusive boarding school. Parents do not remember their children, the basement has a vengeful spirit, other school locations have a history of occult occurrences, and the students have secrets of their own—all of which is the regular curriculum of today.

The TV version will combine the quirkiness of Glee with the mystery of LOST. But the USP of the book is its writing: when you complete an arc, it feels like your mind just got untangled; yet, you keep craving for more.

Morning Glories can be a cerebral yet charming show for the 15–25 demographic.