Television’s Rising Star: Comic Books!

Whether you’re into the old school “floppy” comics or the new school graphic novel anthologies, we can all agree, 2019 is already becoming a great year to be a comic book fan. From Marvel & DC movies galore to Netflix picking up original series for the docket, we’ve got A LOT of binge-watching to do!

Here are 5 of our top faves that you can watch online or on TV to get your super (or not so super) hero fix!

Luke Cage by Archie Goodwin
A wrongfully charged inmate in Seagate Prison named Carl Lucas undergoes a scientific experiment. When a racist prison guard tampers with the machine, Lucas develops some supernatural side-effects! Namely, enhanced strength and bulletproof skin, Luke Cage is born. Netflix uses a surprising amount from the OG source while throwing in changes that are good to keep track of if you’re a MCU fanatic. The show also seems to stray away from the originals more commercial-minded roots and instead shows Luke as a man of the people and fights for the people.
Book to Netflix Rating 7.5/10

Lucifer by Mike Carey
Cast out of Heaven, Lucifer Morningstar has resigned his throne in Hell for Los Angeles. Emerging from the pages of The Sandman, the former Lord of Hell is enjoying retirement as the proprietor of L.A.’s most elite piano bar when an assignment from the Creator Himself threatens to change all that. While the setup and setting are the same, die-hard comic fans may find themselves disappointed by the loose adaptation in the show. You’ll find many of the supporting characters from the comics but the biggest change is Lucifer helping the LAPD solve mysteries with the help of an original character, Chloe Decker and her uptight ex-husband, Dan Decker. This addition almost makes the series feel like the Devil is playing Sherlock Holmes! While the show and comics may be totally different beasts, the show really captures the essence of Lucifer’s character and the themes within his lore.
Book to Netflix Rating 7/10

The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way
In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-seven extraordinary children were spontaneously born to women who’d previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, “To save the world.” These seven children form the Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. The show took more time to develop and play with the characters of this comic and while the plot is still the same some of the changes really brought out deeper meanings and a slightly shifted ending that leaves watchers on the edge of their seat!
Book to Netflix Rating 8/10

Daredevil by Frank Miller
The origin of Daredevil, Matt Murdock is blinded but gains super power abilities he uses to patrol Hell’s Kitchen. Netflix’s take on The Man Without Fear really manages to capture the essence of the comic earning it critical acclaim! It has been hailed by many fans as “the best adaptation of a Marvel Comic yet” as well as having three successful seasons. Unfortunately to many fans disappointment, Netflix rejected the offer of a fourth season, but you can still watch it or enjoy it in its original comic glory!
Book to Netflix Rating 10/10 

Jessica Jones by Brian Michael Bendis
After a decade, Jessica Jones is back in her own solo series! A lot has changed in the Marvel Universe and there are many secrets hiding in the shadows – secrets only a special woman like Jessica Jones can hope to uncover. Alias Investigations is open for business, and of all the many mysteries to discover, her new case may be the most dangerous one! This blistering new series is filled with haunting revelations from Jessica’s past, and answers to some of the biggest questions about the new Marvel NOW! universe! While Jessica Jones borrows the set-up from Alias, much changed on the road to Netflix. The comic’s climactic arc became the show’s first season. Characters were radically changed, while others were dropped altogether. The show on it’s own has wonderfully round characters but they way they fit into the storyline drops off in many ways.
Book to Netflix Rating 6/10

Happy reading and watching!

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