Buzz
Each year, the number of movies and TV shows inspired by graphic novels continues to rise, as major studios show more interest in the bizarre and unique works in this medium. Graphic novels blend the best features of books and comics, making them distinct creations. Notable examples like Sin City, V for Vendetta, and Happy! have already been adapted into successful films, proving the potential of these stories.
The following ten graphic novels stand out in various ways, ranging from horror to thrillers, comedy to drama, and from despair to chaotic madness. These stories are not widely known—most of them are likely unfamiliar to you. However, their adaptation into movies or TV shows could introduce a wider audience to these hidden gems and their unforgettable experiences.
10. Through the Woods (Emily Carroll)
Through the Woods features five interconnected short stories, each revolving around a subtle yet ever-present horror. This is not a terror we see, but one that lurks around us, hidden from view. The forest acts as the unifying force behind these tales, a symbol of suspense and unease. Characters like three sisters staying in a secluded cabin while their father hunts, a woman trapped in a forced marriage, and a haunting creature, all contribute to the chilling narrative. The true horror lies in the unexpected and eerie events that catch us off guard, making the stories all the more frightening.
The unique structure of these interconnected stories makes them perfect for a TV mini-series, where each episode could immerse viewers in its own atmospheric world, with a distinct pace and tone, while maintaining an underlying sense of mystery and dread.
9. Harrow County (Cullen Bunn)
Good horror movies are a rare find these days, but a Harrow County adaptation could change that. Here's why it would be the perfect fix for the genre.
This graphic novel follows Emmy, a teenage girl who uncovers a terrifying secret about her home county of Harrow. Her life takes a drastic turn as she is thrust into the horrors that haunt her town, including unsettling locations filled with monstrous creatures, like a Civil War cemetery overrun with burning skeletons. Emmy struggles to separate her twisted imagination from the terrifying reality around her, leading to encounters with seemingly ordinary things that quickly reveal their horrifying true nature.
The entire work is steeped in Southern Gothic tradition, blending magical realism with a dark, eerie atmosphere where the boundaries between good and evil blur. The story takes ordinary objects and transforms them into agents of madness, always ready to turn deadly. Its 32-issue arc would make an excellent fit for a streaming service series.
8. Sentient (Jeff Lemire)
Humanity has wiped out Earth, and a small group of survivors must now search for a new planet to call home. As they journey through space, they must navigate the many dangers and unexpected challenges, from the hostile environment of space to the psychological strain it places on them. Luckily, their ship is equipped with advanced technology and a unique AI that has gained self-awareness. However, the deeper threat lies in the toll the long voyage takes on their mental health, pushing them towards moral dilemmas and emotional breakdowns. These challenges may turn out to be more perilous than the dangers of space itself.
This gripping space thriller follows the traditions of the genre, but it introduces a fresh twist with its raw portrayal of violence, often venturing into horror territory. It’s a unique blend that can only truly be experienced on the big screen, much like the film Passengers—except in a darker, more intense tone.
7. Air (G. Willow Wilson)
Blythe, a seemingly ordinary flight attendant with an unusual fear of heights, finds herself caught in a battle over the latest Aztec technological breakthrough. It is through this struggle that she discovers she is a 'hyperpract'—one of the rare individuals capable of mastering the new technology. This enables her to enter a reality where images take precedence over physical objects, giving her the ability to move an airplane without the need for fuel.
At first, the story might feel like a fast-paced action movie, but as it unfolds, it takes on the characteristics of a love story. As you delve deeper, it shifts yet again into a thrilling, suspenseful narrative.
A wild and eccentric creation, straddling the line between madness and the mundane. This is precisely the type of story modern audiences are craving, particularly those weary of the predictable plots and stereotypical characters that dominate current films and TV shows.
6. Fatale (Ed Brubaker)
This noir-inspired story follows Josephine, a quintessential femme fatale whose magnetic presence drives men to madness. Dangerous cultists believe she is meant to be sacrificed to their gods. One of her biggest struggles is her amnesia, which causes continuous disruptions and creates a series of unnecessary problems in her life. The novel spans several years, although the main events occur in the present day. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Josephine’s life is filled with men obsessed with her, but they all ultimately suffer the consequences of getting involved with her.
The compelling fusion of horror and crime is something that is sorely lacking in contemporary films, making an adaptation of this graphic novel an excellent way to fill that gap and reinvigorate the genre.
5. The Pro (Garth Ennis)
The Pro tells the story of a woman with a questionable profession who unexpectedly gains extraordinary abilities and joins the local superhero team. She’s a force to be reckoned with, fighting bad guys in the morning, picking up her son from daycare in the afternoon, and working as an escort by night. However, there’s a twist—the local superheroes aren’t as heroic as they seem. They’ll protect you if necessary, but if you cross them, they won’t hesitate to destroy you. Their morality is as flawed as their powers are vast.
Packed with foul language, violence, lust, and a moral gray area, this story is a wild satire of the superhero genre. Think The Boys, but even more bizarre and morally corrupt.
4. 5,000 km Per Second (Manuele Fior)
Piero and Nicola share a deep friendship, but their bond is tested by their mutual obsession with Lucia, a mysterious girl who resides in their apartment complex. The tale begins as a love triangle, but as time passes, Piero and Lucia are separated not just by distance but by 5,000 kilometers. Their troubled lives briefly intersect once more, but the distance between them only serves to intensify their unresolved feelings.
Admiration, disappointment, love, and hate—these emotions swirl throughout the story, breaking down traditional ideas of love and relationships. It offers an unconventional perspective on romance that is often absent from modern cinema, reminding us that real love is seldom as idealized as it appears on the big screen.
3. On a Sunbeam (Tillie Walden)
This graphic novel follows Mia, a girl whose journey unfolds across two timelines—past and present. In the present, Mia joins the crew of the spaceship 'Aktis,' tasked with locating and restoring ancient, ruined structures from the far reaches of space. Alongside her is Jules, a talkative and obsessive companion. The vast distances between celestial objects bring the two women closer, threatening to blur the lines between friendship and something deeper. Meanwhile, Mia’s past reveals her time at an elite school, where her first love, cruel classmates, and local competitions shaped her understanding of life.
A hidden gem in the genre of space adventure, this story also weaves in an unconventional love narrative. Themes of race, gender, and religion take a backseat in the cosmos—what truly matters is being a good person. These issues are more relevant than ever, and sometimes, the best way to discuss them is through art.
2. Essex County (Jeff Lemire)
Set in a small Canadian town, this graphic novel unfolds three interconnected stories. The first follows a boy who is now living with his uncle after the death of his mother. The second story revolves around two brothers, their bond strained by a difficult relationship as they play hockey. The third is about a bitter nurse who cares for the sick and is forever dissatisfied with her life.
The core of this graphic novel lies in its portrayal of mundane life, overshadowed by the weight of depression and existential despair. The characters, trapped in their town like prisoners, struggle with unhappiness. In their search for purpose, they turn to hockey, religion, and comic books, but each time, tragedy strikes, pushing them deeper into apathy and hopelessness.
This work would translate beautifully into a psychological thriller. It’s a genre that's been underrepresented lately, but it's one that definitely deserves more attention.
1. The Invisibles (1997) (Grant Morrison)
The Invisibles follows an anarchistic group fighting against interdimensional creatures that have taken over half the world. Jack Frost is the latest reincarnation of Buddha, Lord Fanny is a transgender woman, King Mob is the team's central figure, and several other unique characters join in the struggle. Their mission is to find a way to defeat these invaders. Along the way, they journey through time, learn magic, engage in violence, and, of course, smoke pot.
Anarchy and freedom, or order and submission? These are the questions each member of the group must confront, but can they make the right choice? Only time will reveal the answer.
An absurd satire on society filled with outrageous characters and wild situations, this kind of narrative would be a perfect fit for the many media outlets available today.
