To all the studios out there potentially reading this, allow us to persuade you to adapt these 10 outstanding comics into TV shows. They are certified hits.
Every now and again you pick up a comic, and it’s just so cinematic that it lends itself to the television medium. Of course, over the years, there have been innumerable comic book shows. Some of them have been flops, but many have gone on to become some of the most coveted series in the world. We’re talking The Walking Dead, The Boys, The Sandman, Preacher, Locke & Key, just to name a few. And that’s not to mention every single Marvel and DC show.
As we look ahead to the next generation of comic book TV shows, we’ve cited 10 comics that deserve TV adaptations. We’re sticking with indie entries in this list; we’ll be covering Marvel and DC comics in a separate article.
Death Sentence
With Prime Video’s The Boys concluding in 2026, it’s time for another subversive superhero story to get the TV treatment. And please let it be Death Sentence by Monty Nero, Mike Dowling, and Martin Simmonds.
A subversive superhero saga, Death Sentence sets the scene in a near-future London, where a sexually transmitted virus (known as G+) infects people with super powers… but there’s one big caveat. The virus kills them in six months. Do those infected lay low and count their days, or go out in style?
With a work as engaging and oddly prophetic as Death Sentence, it lends itself to a live-action adaptation. Turns out, Monty Nero is very much down for an adaptation — and pieces have been moving to make it happen. “Yes, there’s always something rumbling on,” he confirmed in our exclusive interview with the writer. “A TV show was the latest proposal. Mike and I just make our comics, we don’t get too hung up on the lottery of which shows get put into production. It’ll be fun if it happens – and lobbying never hurts!”
Ripperland
From John Harris Dunning (Summer Shadows) and Steve Orlando (Midnighter, Martian Manhunter) this unique 4-issue comic series from Dark Horse Comics blends the Jack the Ripper mythos with Westworld. The comic is drawn by Alessandro Oliveri, coloured by Francesca Vivaldi and lettered by Fabio Amelia.
The story takes place in the year 2188, where post-Brexit England now operates as a theme park run by Americans. What’s more, in this new Victorian era London, infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper has returned. The murder of a U.S. mogul sparks Special Agent Jesse Holden to travel to investigate the mysterious killing. Paired with British Police Detective Edwin Fogg, the unlikely duo must work together to solve the case.
Through its in-depth and creative worldbuilding, to a clever plot, Ripperland feels like it’d be a wonderful TV show. We can hope.
Crossed
Crossed is a dark comic series created by Garth Ennis (the mind behind The Boys and Preacher) with illustrations by Jacen Burrows. It’s easily the darkest, most brutal, disturbing and gruesome comic on this list. It’s not for the faint-hearted; consider yourself warned.
So what’s the premise? A virus infects humanity, but instead of turning them into brainless maniacs; it brings out people’s demons. They don’t become dumb, flesh-eating zombies People become disturbingly sadistic and homicidal. The virus strips every bit of empathy out of those infected. The infected or “Crossed,” — as named because of the distinctive cross that appears on their faces — quickly take over the world.
The series has had much critical acclaim over the years, and it also merited various spinoff projects. Notably, comics legend Alan Moore wrote his own run set in the Crossed universe, titled Crossed +100, taking place a century after the outbreak.
Some people might see Crossed as a little too gruesome and disturbing for television. It’s disturbing enough to read in comic form. Even so, that hasn’t stopped studios from picking up Garth Ennis’ other hyper violent works — look no further than The Boys.
Mouse Guard
A few years back, a Mouse Guard movie was planned at 20th Century Fox. The project was gaining traction, with Wes Ball at the helm, and both Andy Serkis and Thomas Brodie-Sangster attached to star. It all fell apart after Disney’s acquisition of Fox.
To this day, fans are extremely disappointed that an adaptation of David Petersen’s beloved fantasy never made it to our screens. But readers refuse to give up hope, and we agree. In fact, a Mouse Guard TV series would work much better than a movie. It can retain the original stop-motion plan, and further build on the intricate world building of the original comics.
Empire of the Dead
Written by the late horror legend George A. Romero (the mastermind behind such zombie films as Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead) and illustrated by Alex Maleev, Empire of the Dead is not just a zombie comic, but also a vampire saga. The story is set in a walled-off New York City, where humans try to survive the outbreak. But aside from zombies, there’s also a cunning society of vampires that lurk in the shadows.
The seamless blend of humans, zombies and vampires makes for a fascinating comic. It’s got plenty of action, of course, but it also dives into cultural issues and political intrigue, which is indicative of Romero’s work.
Empire of the Dead is the perfect gritty, post-apocalyptic novel for those seeking to dive a little deeper into the genre. It offers something unique, while still staying true to Romero’s signature style. Given the immense history of Romero’s work on-screen, seeing this get adapted for television would be hugely satisfying.
Benjamin
Benjamin is created by Philip K. Dick Award Winner Ben H. Winters with art from Leomacs. This is a comic that breaks time, space and reality.
The story centres around renowned science fiction author Benjamin J. Carp, who wakes up in burned-out motel on the fringes of Los Angeles… many years after he died. He remembers his death, so why is he suddenly alive again? It’s like something from his novels has entered reality. His resurrection is a mystery indeed — and it’s merely the catalyst event of a wild, mind-melting adventure.
A comic like this could make for an extra mind-bending and visually stunning TV series. The story is good, but seeing how the comic’s gorgeous visuals would translate onto the small screen, well, it’d certainly be something to behold.
Castle Waiting
We’ve written entire articles on just how good Castle Waiting is. Both written and illustrated by Medley, Castle Waiting was originally self-published in the 1990s before being picked up by Fantagraphics. The story is set in a world of fairytale and myth; it even includes some characters you may recognise, such as Simple Simon and Iron Henry. Some stories directly reference or even remix classic tales, such as The Cruse of Brambly Hedge, which is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
The main setting is Castle Waiting itself — a sanctuary for outcasts and travellers. Our protagonist is Lady Jain, a pregnant lady who seeks refuge in the castle after fleeing her abusive husband, Sir Hathmar, where she encounters her found family.
Given the gluttony of dark and gritty fantasy shows nowadays, an adaptation of Castle Waiting would be a fresh change of pace. It’s a feel good, nostalgic and sentimental story.
Be Not Afraid
Be Not Afraid, published by BOOM! Studios, is an ambitious and evocative entry into the realm of horror comics that skillfully explores themes of faith, identity, and the complexities of maternal love.
Written by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, with striking illustrations by Lisandro Estherren and atmospheric coloring by Francesco Segala, the comic offers a compelling narrative that resonates on both a spiritual and psychological level.
The story centers on Cora Reims, a young farm woman who experiences a prophetic vision that leads her to give birth to a Nephilim, an entity caught between the celestial and the mortal worlds. Seventeen years later, this child exhibits increasingly disturbing abilities that not only threaten the natural order but also cast a shadow of fear and suspicion over the local community. The tension builds steadily as Cora grapples with the duality of her son’s existence and the weight of a divine mandate to confront what she has brought into the world.
Atmospheric, foreboding and haunting comic, Be Not Afraid has all the merits of a brilliantly eerie and chilling TV show. It’s easy to imagine it being made by someone like Mike Flanagan.
Vatican City
From legendary comics writer Mark Millar and artist Per Berg, Vatican City sets up a simple premise. A sudden vampire uprising ushers the world into chaos within a matter of hours. The entire United States is plunged into darkness in one evening. So too is Rome. However, there’s one location that the vampires simply cannot step foot inside; the sacred land of the Vatican.
And so, our protagonist, Guido Cavelti (who originally entered the Vatican in a bid to join the Swiss Guard) joins two thousand tourists and staffers in relative safety behind the walls and ancient, holy relics of Vatican City. All the while, millions of bloodthirsty vampires surround them, prepared to wait for as long as it takes to strike.
Millar has an immense track record of seeing his comics become excellent live-action projects. Look no further than Kick-Ass and Captain America: Civil War (which was not a direct adaptation, but his Civil War comic served as a huge inspiration). Up next should be Vatican City. It’s one of the best of his I’ve read in some time!
East of West
East of West is one of the best series to come out of Image Comics. It takes everything you love about westerns and blends it all together in a 45-issue epic. It’s a sci-fi and dystopian saga, all wrapped up the quintessential western style.
The comic sets the scene in an alternate version of the United States, where country is divided into seven nations. We follow Death — one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse — on his journey of revenge. But it’s so much more than that. The story combines everything from political intrigue, to pure fantasy, to biblical themes.
If studios want an epic than can run for many seasons, and just gets better and better, there’s not many better options out there. There were once discussions of an adaptation at Prime Video, but it never came into fruition.
Do you agree with our picks? Which comics would you like to see get adapted for television? Tell us in the comments down below!
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