From DC comics to an array of Marvel favorites, comic book lovers have been inundated with some wonderful comic strips over the years. Telling a story or a series of stories, comic books have also helped bring movies to life, with several movie-to-comic adaptations occurring over the years.
Of course, movies being adapted into comic books haven’t always been well received, but there have certainly been some notable success stories that have impressed comic book connoisseurs. If you’re considering hunting down a few copies for yourself, then below is a brief look at five of the very best of them.
RoboCop
Whether you prefer the original RoboCop or you thought the second and third installments of the franchise delivered more, there is no denying how iconic RoboCop is as a franchise. Alongside the movies, fans of the science-fiction action films can explore Detroit’s cybernetic law enforcement officer in comic book form. Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Boom! Studios have absolutely nailed numerous versions, with fresh storylines adding another layer of intrigue for people who adore the movies.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
A hit TV series and movie that many senior comic book fans remember fondly, there is also a Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic book that deserves some recognition. Clearly aimed at fans of the vampire-themed classic, the comic book continues Buffy’s story and is the work of Dark Horse Comics. While it might be tricky to track down a copy in 2024, it’s a treat worth searching for if you have an affinity with the show. It contains new storylines and various character developments that will appeal to diehard fans of a production that first came to the fore in 1998.
Alice in Wonderland
Given the popularity of Alice in Wonderland, it probably comes as no surprise to learn that there is also an array of comic books associated with the much-loved magical tale. Also being featured in top titles in other areas of entertainment like the Queenie slot game, a title based on the book’s antagonist, the Queen of Hearts, Alice in Wonderland has been the focus of numerous comics. Highlights include Marvel Comics’ released adaptation, Rod Espinosa’s art-filled masterpiece, and Junko Mizuno’s manga-style adaptation that also brings a somewhat darker feel to the iconic fantasy adventure.
Back to the Future
A series of movies that highlight the dangers of experiments going wrong, the Back to the Future films first came to the fore in 1985 and are regarded as masterpieces that are adored all around the world. Many fans of the science fiction classics aren’t aware of the various comic books with the same name, though. Exploring the untold stories and alternate timelines that are so heavily featured in the movies, the comics serve up the same adventures you’d expect while also containing plenty of comical moments. Well-made and well-designed, the Back to the Future comics are worth investing in should you manage to find them.
Star Wars
It is one of the biggest movie franchises we’ve ever seen, and it makes a lot of sense for Star Wars to transition over to the comic book category. In fact, the Star Wars franchise has experienced plenty of praise among the comic book community, with a wide selection of epic creations being shared. Starting as adaptations of the original story, they’ve evolved further to become a favoured choice for Star Wars fans thanks to the fresh adventures and the various backstories they tend to boast. For people with a passion for Star Wars, these comic books enable them to take a deeper dive into a franchise they adore. Both Marvel Comics and Dark Horse certainly deserve credit.