Big- and small-screen adaptations just keep getting better
For decades, comics and graphic novels have stoked the imaginations of readers of all ages and backgrounds. From epic fight scenes to memorable moments, lovers of this longstanding visual storytelling staple have often wondered how they’d translate to the big and small screens. We celebrate some of the most recent comics and graphic novels that have been transformed into movies/TV series, starting with “The Sandman,” a highly anticipated Netflix series with all the twists and turns. And of course, with the celebration of this genre of entertainment, we must acknowledge the advancements in CGI and expansion of storytelling that has made the most impossible moments in comic history possible.
The Sandman
Netflix
Who knew dreams could be this exciting? Okay, okay. Perhaps, we all knew. Yet, when nightmares are walking in the “waking world,” humanity is on the verge of ceasing to exist. In The Sandman, things get a bit hairy as the ruler of the Dreaming is captured in an occult ritual. For years, we’ve witnessed villains seek to capture every entity from Satan to Death to gain ultimate control. But, what could be the reason behind capturing the King of Dreams? After being held against his will since 1916, Dream/Morpheus escapes and seeks to restore order to his kingdom.
If you have a love of fantasy and bit of horror, The Sandman offers a fantastical view of “hell on Earth” through the biddings of its main villain, Corinthian (a nightmare from the Dreaming). Tom Sturridge stars as the titular character in this Netflix Original series. Boyd Holbrook stars as Dream’s biggest foe. The series has been praised for its faithfulness to the original comic book by Neil Gaiman (published by DC Comics), performances, and visual effects.
The Boys
Prime Video
Based on the comic book of the same name and developed by Eric Kripke of “Supernatural” fame, The Boys returned in June for its third season after fans patiently waited nearly two years. After Homelander has proven to be unstable and predictably evil, our team of literal anti-heroes are tasked with terminating him to make the world a better, less bloody place. And with the most recent reveal, the world has the potential to get less good and more bloody. Only time will tell as we await season four.
This is the series where viewers who are “allergic” to superhero entertainment are sucked in and become unexpected, hardcore fans. While filled with violence and gore, this Amazon Original series is known to equally expand on its characterizations, offering a richer, relatable narrative. Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Jack Quaid, Laz Alonso, and Jensen Ackles star in the latest season.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Disney+
Sometimes, when you get the call, you don’t have a choice beyond taking it. But, what if the call is to be a superhero? Could you handle that, plus your day job? Enter Jennifer Walters. Faced with the complications of singledom in her 30s and a burgeoning career as a lawyer for superheroes, her blood is accidentally cross contaminated with the blood of her cousin, Bruce Banner (The Hulk). Having expressed a complete lack of interest in becoming a super being, she reluctantly gets trained by Bruce as she adapts to her 6-foot-7-inch, green alter ego. This comedy, action-adventure series stars Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk, with Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Tim Roth (Abomination), and Benedict Wong (Wong) returning in their previous Marvel-based roles.
While She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Disney+ is the home of all its entries. So, whether you need to get caught up on the latest and greatest series/movie or simply want to rewatch the overarching story unfold, it’s all waiting for you.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Microsoft Movies & TV
The character of Spider-Man is usually one of the first comic characters that come to mind when you mention the genre. So, it was no surprise when the big screen took interest and continues to find ways to revamp the adaptation and become even more relevant to newer audiences. From the interpretations of Tobey McGuire to Andrew Garfield to Tom Holland, we’ve seen the characterization of Spider-Man from varied, equally loved perspectives. And they can all be found on Microsoft Movies & TV. With the most recent interpretation’s crossover to the MCU space, fans were able to experience the hero in a more broader sense—and to say they loved it would be an understatement.
After being framed for the death of Quentin Beck in “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Peter Parker (Holland) asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to cast a spell to make the world forget Spider-Man’s true identity. However, the corrupted spell backfires and exposes the world to villains across the multiverse. Can Spider-Man protect his loved ones and the world in his biggest war to date? Zendaya and Alfred Molina also star in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The Batman
Microsoft Movies & TV
Despite the—dare we say—more welcoming dispositions of the most iconic comic book heroes, Batman always offered a dark, brooding grit. From the popular TV series in the 1960s starring the revered Adam West to the equally popular animated series in the 1990s to the coming-of-age series “Gotham,” Batman has experienced a wide variety of adaptations across all cinematic offerings. Hitting the big screen led to some of Hollywood’s biggest names of their times, including Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck. And its most recent adaptation, The Batman, Robert Pattinson dons the mask and cape while bringing a fresh new view to the dark knight.
Director and co-writer Matt Reeves describes The Batman as a mix of detective story, action, and psychological thriller. The movie kicks off with the death of Gotham City’s mayor at the hands of The Riddler (Paul Dano), who beckons for Batman. As his alter ego seeks answers and justice, Bruce Wayne—haunted by the death of his parents—is darker than ever as our hero embraces his true purpose while confronting his history. Zoë Kravitz, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis also star as Catwoman, The Penguin, James Gordon, and Alfred, respectively.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Microsoft Movies & TV
Can a “box office disappointment” get a second chance? Ask viewers of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, who have lauded it a critical darling four years after the original release of “Justice League.” Having experienced a series of developmental shifts and another writer/director stepping in post production, the movie seemed doomed until fans rallied to get the original cut under the direction of Snyder. It went on to be re-released as an HBO Max Original Film.
Comic book readers often clamored for collaborative narratives between their favorite heroes, which lead to the Justice League being one of the most revered groups. As the sequel to “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” the movie unites some of DC’s biggest players (i.e., Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Aquaman, The Flash) to battle Steppenwolf and his army. The all-star cast includes Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, and more.
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