Post-Heroes

[khaosworks]

With the success of Heroes, I'm wondering how many other super-hero based series are being pitched to the networks at the moment. Personally, at the top of my wishlist for a viable television series about superpowers adapted from comic books would be Marvel's Runaways. In a Marvel Universe gone completely around the bend since before Civil War, Runaways has been a breath of fresh air - with fun, likeable characters, a healthy appreciation of the Marvel Universe without going overboard (similarly with Young Avengers) and at times, genuinely moving.

The reason why I'd go for Runaways instead of Young Avengers is because the concept doesn't need any knowledge of the Marvel Universe and can be imported without any real connection: six kids discover their parents are super-villains. In fact, I'm surprised I can't find any hint that Marvel has been shopping the idea around: it seems a complete natural. Get creator Brian K. Vaughan (who's now writing for Lost) and Joss Whedon (who's writing the current story arc in the comic) on board, and away you go.

What other comic books do you think could make it as a television series in today's market?

Comments

[shaddyr]

I was just at the 3 and Up Store this weekend with the kids to pick up the Buffy Seasons 8 comic books. The guy in there told be he wanted to recommend something I was really going to like and pulled out the first issue of Runaways. He told me it was every bit as engaging on the Whedonverse.

I haven't read it yet, but it's nice to see that other people whose taste I respect are saying good things about it.

[khaosworks.livejournal.com]

I picked up the digest-sized trade paperbacks - there are 7 of them so far, covering Vaughan's run on the series from #1-#24, and they're well worth it.

[eviltofu.livejournal.com]

Spider-man loves Mary Jane.
Nextwave.

[pbristow.livejournal.com]

An article in... Was it the Times?... over here last week reports that US TV has pretty much abandoned sitcoms and is churning out all the superhero and/or supernatural based shows it can. This was attributed to the success this year of "Heroes" and some other show I hadn't heard of.

(I read the article while visiting friends, so can't provide more accurate reference).

[khaosworks.livejournal.com]

Supernatural is the television show in question, funnily enough. I've heard of a number of supernatural/fantasy/sci-fi based television shows coming out for next season, but none specifically comic bookish or superhero based. Perhaps it's just that nobody's able to find something that can distinguish itself from Smallville or Heroes rather than look like a rehash.

[eviltofu.livejournal.com]

I can hardly wait for the hybrid show, Super Hero sitcoms. (Bring back the Tick!)

[querldox.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised the CW hasn't tried a superhero academy soap.

[dan-ad-nauseam.livejournal.com]

Comedy Central beat them to it.