Usually, it iscomic booksthat plant the seed of inspirationin the minds of filmmakers and program creators. From masked vigilantes to caped crusaders, comic books have long given us thesource material for blockbuster moviesand hit TV shows. But sometimes, it so happens that this relationship is flipped on its head.
When a certain television series becomes a sensation and gathers a cult following, it can end up growing wings and finding a second home in the world of sequential art — that is, comic books. Over the past decades, more than a few shows have sparked enough discussions for publishers to commit themselves to creating comic book series based on the same narrative as the televised versions — especially ifthey were canceled too soon.
This list explores 15 memorable comic book offshoots that were born from the small screen. From classic sitcoms likeI Love Lucyto modern sci-fi favorites likeStranger Things, these print-form adaptations have taken beloved stories and characters, and graced fans with new fascinating tales in comic form. So, without further ado, let us revisit some of these gems.
15The X-Files
The X-Files
TheX-Filesis a beloved crime drama that premiered in 1993 and had an incredibly successful run for 11 seasons. It tells the story of FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, two individuals with opposing personalities who share the same desire to investigate unsolved cases.
On one hand, there’s Mulder’s unwavering belief in theexistence of the supernatural, and on the other, there’s Scully’s scientific approach and relentless skepticism. Their outstanding chemistry warranted unending exploration.
And that’s where the comic-book adaptation comes in.TheX-Filesfirst entered the comic book landscape in 1995, and the series, published by Topps Comics, has over 40 volumes. The comics expanded on mythology arcs and brought back some favorite characters, staying with the monsters-of-the-week format for consistent intrigue. Even after the original TV show ended, publications like WildStorm continued to engage readers.
Set in the year 2517, Firefly follows the crew of the Serenity, a smuggling ship operating on the fringes of Alliance space. Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) is a veteran of a civil war, bitter about having fought for the losing side and now making his living as an outlaw smuggler out among the distant colonies forgotten and ignored by the Alliance. However, after taking on paying passengers, Mal finds himself caught up in a conspiracy likely to bring the whole Alliance military down on him and his crew.
Joss Whedon’s short-lived science fiction western wasn’t well-received when it aired, but has since found a passionate cult following. The series centered around an outlaw crew led by Sergeant Malcolm Reynolds.
Set 500 years in the future where Earth is under totalitarian rule, it is all about survival and challenges, butFireflyleft audiences wanting more of its creative blend of sci-fi technology and Old West frontier vibes when it wascanceled after one season. The movieSerenityattempted to wrap up many of the plot lines, but fans wanted more in the world ofFirefly.
Boom! Studios, and author Greg Park, seemed to have heard fans’ cries, and launched aFireflycomic book in 2018. There have since been 36 issues, and several other one-shots and graphic novels that follow further adventures of the crew, seeing them smuggle contraband and fight the Alliance.
The existence and success of these comic books proves that, even 15 years later and after only one season,Fireflyremains relevant.
13Star Trek
Even though most fans know it best from thenumerous hit TV shows and movies, the vast world of theStar Trekuniverse extends its branches to other mediums such as comic books as well. The original series ran from 1966 to 1969, following which there have been numerous films and spin-offs, likeStar Trek: The Next GenerationandStar Trek: Voyager, as well as some that are still ongoing, such as the prequel series,Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Related:The 20 Coolest Superpowers in Star Trek Aliens
The show’s initial popularity led Gold Key Comics to develop a comic book series in 1967, which then passed the torch to Marvel Comics in 1979. These tales feature the second five-year mission of Kirk and the Enterprise, which was originally supposed to be a full-fledged TV show.
IDW Publishing currently produces newStar Trekcomics from multiple timelines, and keeps its multi-decade history alive in the hearts of fans with new stories.
Developed by J. J. Abrams in collaboration with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci,Fringeis a remarkable science-fiction drama that takes place in Boston, Massachusetts.
The show introduces us to FBI special agent Olivia Dunham, and an eccentric father-son duo, Walter and Peter Bishop, who work togetherto solve the many mysteriesof a parallel universe that affects them all.
During its five-season run,Fringegarnered widespread acclaim for its imaginative storytelling, mind-bending mysteries, and science-driven solutions. The same style translated into print when WildStorm picked the TV show and turned it into comic books.
Artistically sketched out characters and familiar details continued the show’s promise of exploring the supernatural, giving fans two six-issue comics, namelyFringeandFringe: Tales from the Fringe.
11True Blood
true blood
HBO’s beloved, guilty-pleasure vampire series ran from 2008 to 2014. It chronicles the supernatural adventures of a harmless waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, who gets pulled into an enchanting maze of werewolves and vampires after it is revealed that the two have been co-existing in her small town of Louisiana for a long time now.
True Bloodexploredgenres like romance, mystery, gore, horror, and a tad bit of comedy, and was headlined by heartthrobs Anna Paquin and and Alexander Skarsgård.
To put a more entertaining spin on the Southern gothic tales, IDW Publishing began releasing comic books that would complement the overall narrative of the show. Authors Ann Nocenti and Michael McMillian worked on most of these publications, allowing the readers to follow Sookie and her friends as they battle foes and uncover new secrets.
10Supernatural
Supernatural
The Winchester brothers, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, form the center of this super-hit CW series. Both Sam and Dean follow in the footsteps of their father and fight supernatural threats across America.
Apart from being passionate towards the paranormal tropes, character relationships, and overarching plot,Supernaturalis also the longest-running sci-fi/horror TV show of all time, with 15 seasons under its belt. A legacy such as that demanded new adventures from the well-established fanbase.
To build on the cultural phenomenon that isSupernatural, WildStorm and DC Comics decided to publish companion comic books.
With showrunner Eric Kripke giving insights, the artists Peter Johnson and Rebecca Dessertine recreated the same atmosphere as the series and took on new ghosts and monsters. There are a total of four limited series, with six issues each, to keep fans invested.
9Orphan Black
Orphan Black
Debuting in 2013,Orphan Blackwas a Canadian science fiction thriller. It starred Tatiana Maslany as the lead protagonist, who witnesses a woman’s suicide and is shocked when she notices that the woman looks exactly like her.
After assuming the dead woman’s identity, Sarah Manning unravels a chilling conspiracy about clones and government control. Praised forMaslany’s brilliant multi-role performanceand the thought-provoking narrative,Orphan Blackalso led to a great comic book series.
IDW Publishing began releasingOrphan Blackcomics in 2015. The books retained connections to the original series and explored new twists and turns against the same gritty and urban backdrop. Whether foreshadowing arcs or untangling side narratives, comics likeOrphan Black: HelsinkiandOrphan Black Crazy Sciencewere a delight for fans.
8I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy
Sitcoms are often complete by themselves and don’t require tinkering by reimagining them in another medium for consumption. There is no worldbuilding to explore, or unfinished plots to flesh out.
However, an exception to that rule is this classic sitcom starring Lucille Ball. Airing from 1951 to 1957,I Love Lucyrevolutionized the television industry. Today, it is rightfully considered as one of the greatest and most influential sitcoms ever created. The show centered around Lucy and her husband Ricky Ricardo, as well as their wacky schemes and outrageous lifestyle.
Related:The All-Time Best I Love Lucy Episodes, Ranked
Back in 1954, Dell Comics decided to launch anI Love Lucycomic series that would bring the hilarious and subversive adventures of Lucy, Ricky, and their neighbors, Ethel and Fred, to print. Perfect in tone and charm, these comics were just as silly as the show itself. The publication released 35 issues, which were later reprinted by Eternity Comics in the early 1990s.
7Scooby-Doo!
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Since premiering on screen in 1969, Hanna-Barbera’s beloved mystery-solving franchise has reigned supreme when it comes to children’s entertainment.
Every episode ofScooby-Doo!follows the titular character and the gang as they solve supernatural mysteries. Beyond the success of the cartoon, the characters have appeared in movies, video games and more.
Perhaps the most elaborate and celebrated iteration of Scooby-Doo, however, has been in comic books. First published in 1970 by Gold Key Comics, the series introduced multiple new stories and themes of mysteries involving monsters by painting them in vivid color and with attention to detail.
Ever since, publishers like Archie Comics, Marvel Comics, and Charlton Comics have expanded the lore for young readers. Currently, the baton lies with DC Comics, whoseThe Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteriesis an ongoing comic book series.
6Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty
Rick and Mortyis an adult-animated series that, in a loose parody ofBack to the Future,follows the misadventuresof an alcoholic scientist named Rick and his awkward grandson Morty. The show’s brand of outrageous humor, absurd hijinks, and clever intergalactic adventures has gathered critical acclaim and an enormous fan following.
In 2015, Oni Press published an officialRick and Mortycomic book to further extend fan engagement in between the animated series’ run.
The comic books have over 60 issues published, with writers Zac Gorman, Kyle Starks, and Alex Firer crafting new escapades in the already established world. It also goes without saying that the change in format was just as chaotic, absurd, lush, graphic, and offbeat.
