Photo Credit: Marvel
In this day and age, there are so many superheroes that a lot of them are forgotten when it comes to adapting their stories onto the big screen.
However, there are plenty of heroes left that deserve their own television shows to highlight how compelling they can be. So many of these superheroes have the opportunities to become positive role models or a relatable figure for viewers who are searching for them.
25. Northstar
Jean-Paul Beaubier is one of the most iconic superheroes for LGBTQ readers as one of the first gay characters in comic books. He’s also the very first to ever have a same-sex marriage depicted inside of a comic book panel rather than just acknowledged in an off-hand remark. There aren’t a lot of heroes that represent readers dealing with their sexuality in a healthy way, and Northstar would be a great addition to the Marvel television roster.
Both of the big comic book moguls have striven to diversify their lineups by altering long-standing characters to make steps in the right direction. However, why just change characters when there are already unique and strong heroes in the Marvel universe that deserve recognition.
Like most superheroes, his parents die in an unfortunate accident when he’s a young child. However, Beaubier ends up losing his sister in the accident when she is adopted by a different family. Sadly, his adoptive parents also die, and Beaubier becomes even more rebellious. When his mutant powers of super flight, speed, stamina, and endurance manifest, he loses his only hobby as well due to the lack of competition.
Despite his traumatic childhood, Northstar grows up to be a hero to be admired. He’s exactly the kind of role model that LGBTQ youth need in this day and age, especially because he’s proud of his sexuality even when he feels like an outsider. With a lot of teens begging for more representation in genre shows, Northstar would be the perfect character to headline his own series.
Photo Credit: The CW
24. Miss Martian
Making her debut on Supergirl as a white martian masquerading as a green martian, this hero quickly won over fans despite initial distrust of her backstory. M’Gann M’orzz actually ends up having quite the tragic history even though her race was responsible for the genocide of the green Martians Martian Manhunter falls in love with her and forgives her white martian side because she was actually responsible for trying to save any survivors on their planet. Since she left the show to continue the freedom fight on Mars, Miss Martian would make a good lead of a series that takes place on the planet.
Civil Wars have always been successful storylines on television, and not just ones that deal with the historical reenactment of American history. Instead, the civil wars which force two sides to reckon with their hatred for the other. On Supergirl, themes of hope and good-nature always prevail which would be the case on a Miss Martian television series. She believes that not all of the white Martians can be on board with the destruction they have caused, and is quick to recruit her own band of merry rebels to fight for the cause.
Of course, DC could also go in a more traditional route by having M’Gann actually be a green martian who becomes one of the figureheads of the aliens rights movement on Earth. A member of Teen Titans and Young Justice, Miss Martian has the opportunity to be a smart spinoff decision for DC Comics.
Photo Credit: Marvel
23. Power Pack
Marvel has recently introduced their teen-oriented television shows, but Power Pack could be their first live-action kids series. Originally conceived as a comic aimed toward children, the Power Pack is a group of pint-sized superheroes that get to save the world without adult supervision, the ultimate dream of every preteen.
The four kids range from five years old to twelve and are forced to save the world when their parents are kidnapped by one of their main villains: the Snarks. They continue to terrorize the Power Pack alongside the other main villain, Bogeyman. The Power Pack has maintained a cult status in the comic book world and was a longtime favorite of people who grew up alongside the group.
As a television show, Disney Channel or even Netflix could debut a Power Pack series targeted completely towards kids. The superheroes have also teamed up with the X-Men and Cloak&Dagger, both groups who will have their own series this year. It’s an ideal starter show for Marvel to try and entice a new generation of viewers to get attached to their superheroes.
Even if networks are worried about pulling the trigger on a live-action series, The Power Pack comics are already drawn similar to a cartoon and they would be the perfect to continue their adventures in animation.
While the short-lived comics generally give the two eldest siblings, Alex and Katie, the most characterization since they end up leaving the Power Pack to join different teams, expanding the universe into a television show would give everyone more room for growth.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
22. Grifter
Cole Cash might look like a mixture of an apocalyptic Deadpool and Wally West. Grifter is a grizzled hero who faces off against the alien race, Daemonites. Cash takes on the Grifter persona as he fights for vengeance against one of his close friends. Daemonites have yet to be introduced in the DC Television Universe, but it would allow Grifter to lead a separate storyline than one connected to the Arrowverse.
He first starts out as part of the military specialists’ group named Team 7, before joining the Wildcats. While it would be interesting to see his pursuits alongside his various teams, the New 52 took Grifter in an equally intriguing direction that could make a new television show.
In the reboot of the comics, Cole Cash remains his expert military training who also has become an expert con artist. Rather than have the Daemonites kill one of his friends, they attempt to take possession of Cash’s body. His telepathic powers wake him up early, and Cash ends up becoming a wanted man since the aliens have disguised themselves as humans. A lone wolf on the run from his family who’s been tasked with hunting him down is reminiscent of many different successful crime shows like Homeland or The Americans.
Audiences always love a man who has been framed, which is why so many true crime documentaries have succeeded. A spy on the run from his only brother and who shares a telepathic bond with the aliens who kidnapped him is a near perfect storyline to adapt to the silver screen.
Photo Credit: Marvel
21. Fantomex
Another victim of the Weapon-X Program in the X-Men comics, Fantomex becomes an unlikely hero despite being designed to be a villain against mutants. Initially pretending to be the “most wanted thief” in all of Europe, he gains protection from Jean Grey and Professor Xavier. However, he turns against them but allies Jean’s fear of Weapon-X by assuring her he has no intention of becoming a soldier but he really wants to gain the reputation he originally lied about having.
Like Deadpool and Wolverine, both unhappy graduates from the same program, he goes on his own adventure to form his own identity.
As a mix between a self-serving thief and a reluctant antihero, Fantomex would be a good character to introduce on The Gifted before allowing him to gain his own series. He has a complicated relationship with Mystique, one of his former teammates who he shares an intimate moment with and the two definitely could make a compelling television drama. With Jennifer Lawrence’s tenure as Mystique finishing up soon, maybe it’s time to complex assassin gets her time to shine on a television show.
Another big character who could make the leap to a Fantomex television series? The incredible telekinetic Psylocke, who got downgraded to a minor character in the movies even though she’s one of the most powerful superheroes in Marvel’s comics. Not to mention, Deadpool and Wolverine have both been fan favorites since the moment they were created by Weapon X, so it comes as no surprise that Fantomex would be equally impressive.
Photo Credit: The CW
20. Roy Harper
Arsenal became one of the best characters on Arrow due to his strong development and of course, some awesome parkour moves. Since Colton Haynes left the series (minus a few guest appearances here and there), it could be time to give Harper is own spinoff show. Haynes’ celebrity has been growing since his early days on Teen WWolf with roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens.
He’s a natural choice to lead a spinoff series in the Arrowverse, especially since his character hasn’t been sticking around Star City. Easily transforming from a street punk with a heart of gold to a hero willing to sacrifice his life for those he loves, Harper is like the poster child for a new superhero show.
What wasn’t explored on Arrow was Roy Harper’s long-standing battle with drug addiction. The opioid epidemic has been sweeping our nation, and Roy Harper could offer a voice for those who have struggled or are still struggling. He’s currently a part of the Titans team in the comics but has gone off on his own while the team is temporarily disbanded.
Alongside long-term love interest and partner, Donna Troy, they could form their own television show where the two find redemption. Since both Donna and Arsenal will be missing from the live action Titans show, it would make it easy to allow the two to grow on their own. While many shows touch upon drug addiction, a show starring Roy Harper could really make a difference for the millions of people who deal with it every single day.
Photo Credit: Marvel
19. Odin
Anthony Hopkins did an amazing job portraying Thor’s father, Odin, in the Marvel films and it seems unfair that his time has come to an end. However, the films left enough of a story open for a television series to follow the rise of Odin in Asgard.
Specifically, Thor: Ragnorak hints at his crusade through the various realms to become the respected leader everywhere. If the right streaming network or premium channel could get their hands on the rights to Odin, then Anthony Hopkins could continue the legend. Also, it would be great to see Cate Blanchett as Hela before she was just the villainous daughter. Now, viewers would be treated to the complex father/daughter relationship as the two tore apart worlds for their taking.
Having an Odin television series would be a no-brainer for Marvel if they could get the cast members to sign on. With the current movie phase coming to a close, the movie franchises for Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America are all in jeopardy, fans would be excited to spend more time in any of the established universes.
Asgard would make the perfect location to continue the exploration of their history because the world is already so beautiful. Plus, it would be so entertaining to eventually see Odin transform from ruthless war hero to patient father when raising his two sons. With the introduction of the Valkyries in the most recent Thor movie, it would also allow for their epic adventures to be documented before they’re wiped out by Hela.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
18. Cassandra Cain
The third Batgirl, Cassandra Cain is often overlooked due to Barbara Gordon’s long-time popularity. However, she has carved a name for herself as the deadly yet silent assassin known as Orphan. She’s raised by her father, David Cain (who also used the named Orphan), with the intention of giving her to the evil villain Mother as a tool of evil. However, she is ultimately rejected by Mother only to be forced to murder the mother of one of Batman’s ally.
Full of guilt, Cassandra is ultimately taken under the wing of Batman as Gotham’s newest vigilante. The story of a broken girl who must overcome her learning deficiencies to become a voice for other children who need help.
Like many superheroes who represent a minority, Cain is the one who is raised with a learning disability. While Matt Murdock uses his blindness to his help his crimefighting as Daredevil, Cassandra has to learn to overcome her communication skills. Since her father trained her to never speak, she is incredibly gifted at reading people’s body language. However, it’s left her with dyslexia and extreme difficulty when speaking with her teammates.
She would be a unique hero among characters who deal with similar issues, and it would allow Cassandra Cain to stand out from a lot of different superhero television shows. Barbara Gordon will always be the Batgirl chosen to represent the Gotham females in the movies, Cassandra Cain deserves her own chance to shine. Also, she’s easily become one of the coolest fighters in the DC universe despite being introduced pretty recently.
Photo Credit: Marvel
17. Namor
Namor is one of the key mutants in X-Men history but introducing him would require exploring Atlantis and that entire world. It’s a shame because he’s been consistently called one of the greatest superheroes of all time.
Since FOX doesn’t have the time to explore Namor on the big screen. maybe it’s time to give him his own shot on television. Too powerful to ever be on The Gifted, Namor would need his own series to ever give him the full story he deserves. Atlantis a vibrant world that is full of royal drama which could become the show that Marvel always hoped Inhumans would be.
While the character would join the X-Men, a series about Namor would focus on the politics of Atlantis and his lust for vengeance. He leads his army against “surface-dwellers” who threaten the existence of the population of Atlanteans. Eventually, Namor begins to see the good in people after befriending a police officer, but his story of hatred against another race for the mistakes of a small group of villains is a common theme in our current history.
His storyline would also deal with the ramifications of nuclear warfare, one of the most famous in his background when he discovers Atlantis was destroyed by nuclear testing. With the nuclear threat rising in real life, Namor would make for a good reminder about the who the casualties are in a war rather than focusing on the people who get to strategize where to send the troops.
Photo Credit: The CW
16. Jonah Hex
The cynical Western hero might have failed on the big screen, but Jonah Hex deserves a chance at redemption.
Debuting in a guest appearance on Legends of Tomorrow, Hex gets to play tour guide to the gang of misfits. However, a Wild Western is a welcome change of genres on television nowadays. Superheroes have become a symbol for the disenfranchised such as Luke Cage dealing with gentrification, or The Gifted with discrimination, but Jonah Hex would be the first to deal with the ramifications of parental abuse.
When he was a young boy, Hex suffered at the hands of his alcoholic and abusive father which left him to fend for himself. It’s sadly a narrative which a lot of people will relate to, and it’s a story that needs to be told.
DC Comics has had some difficulty giving Hex his own line of comic books but his history is so rich that there’s no reason he couldn’t work on the small screen. He’s a hardened bounty hunter who loses almost everyone he loves in life. After enlisting in the army, and becoming disillusioned by the system, Hex trades in his duty to become a lone wolf.
While networks have been cautious when it comes to introducing violent vigilantes as their leads, Netflix found great success with The Punisher that it proves they can make for interesting television. The key is that the violence is used as a tool to highlight character development rather than just gratuitous scenes meant to be gruesome for no other reason than to just have fight scenes.
Photo Credit: ABC
15. Ghost Rider
Agents of Shield reintroduced Ghost Rider to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Nicholas Cage hung up his motorcycle jacket and it wasn’t long before fans were clamoring for a spin-off. The Shield budget wasn’t large enough to sustain the character in the long run while also balancing their storyline and he was ultimately sent off after last season.
However, Robbie Reyes made an impact as a flawed hero who tries his best to remain good despite his deal with the devil. All he wants in the world is keeping his neighborhood safe by killing dirty cops or pedophiles, and protecting his paraplegic brother. He’s an anti-hero who is forced to reckon with his choice to be an agent of a demon during a moment of intense anger.
However, a television series about the Ghost Rider doesn’t have to be about Robbie Reyes. Agents of Shield already hinted at Johnny Blaze when a mysterious motorcyclist passed on his powers to a broken down Reyes. If Marvel doesn’t plan on bringing Blaze back into their movie universe, he’s just as complex of a superhero to introduce for a television series.
After being tricked by a Mephisto, a villainous character fans have been aching to see after rumors he’d appear in The Defenders, Blaze is forced into becoming a Spirit of Vengeance. A television series could follow Blaze’s adventures as the Ghost Rider, as well as his long lost younger brother’s unfortunate transformation after witnessing the brutal death of his sister.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
14. Agent 37
One of the gutsiest storylines in The New 52 comic book run for DC, the Grayson run ended up being a great payoff. Dick Grayson will be debuting on the live action Titans show on the DC Comics streaming service, but it’s time for this character to grow up.
He’s long outgrown the boyhood alias of Robin and he deserves to act his age. Dick Grayson has consistently been portrayed as a man in his twenties who has become a superhero in his own right rather than just Batman’s sidekick. While his most notable alias is the masked hero Nightwing, Grayson spends a short time working as a spy once he fakes his own death.
FOX has been trying to find a replacement for their 24 franchise and Agent 37 could be an answer to all of their problems. Dick Grayson has long been a favorite among comic book readers and a leading man in his own right.
Being an Agent of the shady Spyral organization would make an enticing spy drama. Since Dick is technically dead, it allows DC to continue their streak of not having Batman appear in their television shows (not counting young Bruce Wayne on Gotham). While it’s unclear if the comic book company would be okay with two different versions of a character appearing in their television universe, it’s worth noting that Grayson would be better suited for his own series rather than an ensemble anyways.
Unless Titans plans on aging everyone up to form the titular team or aging down to form the Teen Titans then they’re just wasting his potential.
Photo Credit: Marvel
13. The Young Avengers
Hulu has had a lot of success with their first Marvel show, Runaways, that it would make sense for another teenage team of superheroes could thrive on their own series as well. The Young Avengers are a group of young superheroes who are confident in their abilities to fight crime.
Despite initially getting their gear taken away by the real Avengers, they are eventually brought in to get correctly trained. Marvel has long been searching for a show that connects the greater MCU like Agents of Shield was originally meant to do. The Young Avengers is the perfect team to reach a younger fan base while still appealing to those who enjoy the films. It would also give the series an easy way to have an Avenger have a cameo without ever needing them to stick around in a full arc.
While Runaways mainly consists of newer superheroes, The Young Avengers has quite a few children of notable heroes. Twins Billy and Tommy are the sons of Scarlet Witch, with the former having a beautiful LGBTQ storyline. Cassie Lang, the daughter of Ant-Man, is also on the team despite her mother’s desperation to keep her out of the superhero life.
Iron Lad, or Nate Richards, is the distant relative of Reed Richards and the adolescent version of the infamous Marvel villain, Kang the Conqueror. With such a rich history for all of these characters, it would make for a unique Marvel show on television. So far, all of their television shows have remained pretty distant from their movie franchises, but Young Avengers could be the key to finally creating a bridge between the two universes.
Photo Credit: DC Comics/Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau
12. Zatanna
Who doesn’t love magic? The Batman supporting character who was promoted to Justice League member is the kind of character who could do well on her own series. The groundwork to introduce her race has already been laid in Arrow with the villain Damien Darhk confirming they exist in the television universe.
Unlike other heroes who rely on metahuman abilities or are billionaire fighters like Batman, Zatanna is a true magician. She’s already made a lot of appearances in multiple DC Animated television shows and movies, proving her long-term popularity with fans.
While Constantine didn’t get renewed, there’s still a craving for a hero who deals with the mystical. Matt Ryan did a good job as the lead of his series, but Zatanna has a better supporting cast to help her show in the long-term. Her family is made up almost entirely of magicians, and in her introduction, she’s searching for her father.
Neil Gaiman, the mind behind American Gods, also penned a series for DC called The Books of Magic which sees her take on a mentorship role to one of the greatest wizards of all time. Considering his success in the foray of sci-fi and fantasy, he could be the perfect author to adapt the powerful magician to the silver screen. Since John Constantine does continue to exist in the CW Arrowverse, it also leaves the door open for a Justice League Dark adaptation which is a team of supernatural superheroes.
Photo Credi: Marvel
11. Ms. Marvel
Kamala Khan made history in her introduction as the first Muslim character to headline her own comic. It’s actually a bit shocking that the young Ms. Marvel hasn’t joined a big screen ensemble or a television show. Unlike a lot of the darker storylines involving superheroes on television, she’s a ray of sunshine with an unabashed love for her powers.
Khan is more than happy to write her hero fan fiction and share her enthusiasm for her fellow supers during team-ups. It’s rare to see superheroes on television who are actually excited about having powers and it’s one of the reasons that the CW’s The Flash had such a great first season. With a younger lead, the series has the opportunity to appeal to the same audience and maybe more depending on how Ms. Marvel is written.
She would be a perfect fit for the younger brand that Marvel is attempting to create. Freeform or Hulu have already established the first teenage Marvel series, and Kamala Khan could fit in well in either universe. Not to mention, superhero shows have always been about giving people who feel alone a voice, to give power to those without. In this day and age, Ms. Marvel is the hero that many people need during a time where discrimination and racism continue to grow.
With the potential to be an icon to many and reach more people than just comic book readers, Ms. Marvel could be one of the most important comic book created in the modern age.
Photo Credit: The CW
10. Black Canary
Arrow was never able to find a place for Black Canary on the show because she was always portrayed as a love interest to Oliver Queen rather than the amazing superhero she had the potential to be.
Renamed Laurel Lance on the television show, she was a Star City prosecutor before eventually joining Team Arrow in the later seasons. In the comics, Dinah Lance is a tough-as-nails hero who moonlights as a rockstar. Most of her storylines involve Black Canary attempting to handle her music career alongside her vigilante one as well as her responsibilities to her team: The Birds of Prey.
Everything about Dinah Lance sounds unequivocally cool compared to poor representation she got on Arrow. With the rise of musical television shows like Empire, Rise, Riverdale, and Star, there’s no reason to think that Black Canary couldn’t thrive during this age. She could even headline a Birds of Prey series considering there have been a plethora of talented female characters already in the live action series.
Huntress and Hawkgirl have both debuted in the CW Arrowverse, and Selina Kyle has long been a staple of Gotham that could join a potential Birds of Prey series. Since the CW has had so much difficulty writing supporting female characters (with the exception of Supergirl) it would be nice to see the network take another swing at a team full of impressive women. It would certainly go a long way to redeem some of the writers who butchered Black Canary in the first place and give Katie Cassidy the leading role she deserves.
Photo Credit: Marvel
9. Spider-Gwen
Gwen Stacy has become a hero in her own right despite being one of the most memorable deaths in Marvel history. Now the head of her own comic book line, Stacy has taken up her own superhero mantle in an alternate reality.
Instead of Peter Parker become Spider-Man, she is the one who gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the beloved hero. Her universe is occupied by all of the familiar faces: Mary-Jane Watson or the popular leader of their rock band The Mary-Janes, Harry Osborn, and George Stacy. The pint-sized blonde has a vibrant universe filled with plenty of angst and teen fun that made her comic books such a success.
Her character has become so popular that fans have been rallying for a Gwen Stacy movie. Yet, in the regular continuity, she is destined to die traumatically in Peter Parker’s arms which makes her introduction a bit tricky.
However, giving her a television show set in its own universe would be a perfect way to let Spider-Gwen get her live-action debut. Since Peter dies in her world, it would also eliminate any reason that Marvel would need to come up with to not have Tom Holland make an appearance.
She’s the perfect protagonist to introduce a “Spider-Verse” television series and it would be one of the most anticipated shows to date. Considering people have been fan-casting the role before Emma Stone portrayed her in the movies, Marvel could rest easy knowing there’s a built-in and engaged audience.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
8. Deathstroke Family
One of the most popular Batman villains, Deathstroke has made appearances on Arrow and debuted in a post credit scene in Justice League. However, the Wilson family is a lot larger and more complex than just Slade.
On Arrow, he has already transformed into the perfect leading man and complicated villain. He isn’t just evil, he’s been destroyed by witnessing acts of brutality during his time in the military and a serum meant to create super soldiers. Over time, he’s become mercenary who plays by his own set of rules, making him either a villain or anti-hero depending on the instance.
However, his relationship with his family has only recently been fleshed out and all of his children make for compelling characters. His oldest son, Grant, was plagued by a poor relationship with his father until he ran away. Unfortunately, he runs straight into the arms of H.I.V.E, the villainous organization that ultimately leads to his downfall.
It’s Slade’s greatest disappointment, and his quest to revive his eldest son is something that has emerged as one of the villain’s largest storylines in the Rebirth comics. His two youngest kids are by the far the more interesting, as both are enemies and members of the Teen Titans. Torn between the good and evil in the world, seeing the Deathstroke family try to reckon with the idea of being superheroes or villains would make for a compelling series. Not to mention, Jericho or Joseph Wilson, already made a successful debut in the DC Animated Universe in Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.
Photo Credit: Marvel
7. Sam Alexander
Guardians of the Galaxy introduced the Nova Corps, but no one who actually wore the Nova suit. While Richard Rider is the obvious choice to join the movies because he’s the better known Nova, Sam Alexander has more than proven himself a compelling leading character. Closer to Spider-Man than an Avenger, Sam has to deal with bullies and homework while juggling his job as a cosmic defender.
His origin story is an easy one to adapt, because Sam is the rebellious teenage boy who looks down on his alcoholic father who rambles about his space adventures. However, when his dad disappears, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora show up to tell Sam the truth about his father. Inspired to follow in his footsteps as a member of the Nova Corp, Sam eagerly accepts training from the Guardians.
While it seems unlikely that Marvel could get the A-List actors from the movie to show up, there’s no reason why Sam couldn’t come to life on the television screen. Agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. could be the ones to relay the information about Nova to him especially since they’ll be returning from space soon.
However, what makes Sam one of the more compelling superheroes to introduce is the heart that went into creating him. Jeph Loeb lost his seventeen-year-old son Sam to bone cancer, and he was the inspiration behind the new Nova. It’s backstories like that which ensure that a television series centering around Sam Alexander would work: because the people involved would make sure fans would fall in love with him as much as they did.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
6. Spoiler
Stephanie Brown has had some difficulty fitting into the Bat Family through the years with fans who preferred the infamous Barbara Gordon or the complex Cassandra Cain. However, Brown has some of the best potential to grow as a character. The daughter of Gotham villain, Cluemaster, Stephanie decides to don a purple hood and nickname “Spoiler,” so that can spoil her father’s plans.
She has to balance her crime-fighting with her portrayal as the perfect daughter and the love she feels for her family despite knowing their wrongdoings. A girl torn in three different directions, Stephanie is one of the few complex female superheroes that deserves more attention.
Rising to notoriety in 1990’s due to her teen pregnancy storyline, DC Comics set her up with Tim Drake, the current Robin. Since then she’s also become Batgirl and Robin before she settled back into the role of Spoiler in the DC Comics Rebirth. The comic books seem unsure of what to do with Drake now that Damian has been introduced, and the two could easily translate to the silver screen.
Spoiler has always been on the side of justice even though she’s against Batman, and Tim has always fought for justice alongside his family. However, it’s time for them to write their own story and Stephanie is the perfectly flawed protagonist to follow on an adventure. With the lack of female-led superhero shows on television, it’s time to let Spoiler have her shot as a vigilante forced to turn against her own family.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
5. Blue Beetle
For some reason, Geoff Johns had an unreleased screen test (which hit the internet pretty quickly) for a Blue Beetle television show that was never made. It’s weird considering the footage was actually pretty cool and made for a pretty good reason as to why Blue Beetle deserved his own series.
There are two versions of the character that have remained widespread popularity, which has allowed both to exist in the current comic book line. Ted Kord, the original Blue Beetle, is the veteran superhero who takes teenager Jaime Reyes under his wing. Together, they form a pair of superheroes that work perfectly together. In fact, they would form a great television show that would follow an older more experienced hero pass the baton on to an apprentice.
Arrow has done a similar storyline at the beginning of the series that was incredibly successful when Oliver took Roy Harper under his wing. Since that series quickly spiraled out of control with too many characters, a Blue Beetle show would just focus on the relationship between teacher and student. With shows like Black Lightning proving it’s okay to have a middle-aged lead as well as a teenage support character, Blue Beetle could thrive during this day and age.
If the DC Streaming service wanted to, they could even have crossovers between this series and their Titans show because Reyes is expected to join theTeen Titans later in the Rebirth comics. Either way, fans of the run can expect a more serious and action-packed version of Amazon‘s The Tick if DC Comics would make a Blue Beetle series.
Photo Credit: Marvel
4. The Original X-Men
The Gifted has emerged as one of the best comic book shows on television but it still makes fans who grew up in the 90’s nostalgic for the animated X-Men show. While series like The Gifted and Legion are definitely well-crafted stories about mutants, it’s still a bit sad to be missing the original heroes that made people fall in love with the team.
Yes, they are the stars of every movie that FOX makes but a lot of the superheroes still don’t get enough screen time. For example, Angel just recently made his debut in X-Men Age of Apocalypse but was nothing more than a minor character despite being from the original roster since the 1960’s.
The X-Men have always worked the best when on television because their history is so long and complex that two hours isn’t enough time to fully explore each storyline to the fullest. Viewers want to see Jean Grey’s and Cyclops’ innocent first love blossom while they try to navigate their growing powers.
To see Iceman’s and Cyclops’ friendship form and see Jean grapple with the overwhelming power of the Phoenix Force as she comes of age. Doing a live-action version of the X-Men allows fans to be immersed in the universe and allow for creators to bring in characters who are often overlooked by the movies such as Emma Frost and Psylocke. A series about hopefulness and inclusion, now is definitely the time to let the X-Men return to the silver screen to tell a story that anyone could relate to.
Photo Credit: Marvel
3. X-Factor Investigations
Occupied by B-List and C-List X-Men characters, X-Factor Investigations never quite got the recognition it deserved despite having plenty of interesting superheroes. Extremely popular in the comic book world but not so much to the casual movie-goer, there’s no surprise that FOX chose to skip over this group when developing films. However, after The Gifted proved that fans will tune into shows simply about mutants, it’s time to consider giving XF Investigations what it deserves.
With a whole roster of interesting mutants at their disposal, XF would have no shortage of interesting character arcs to explore. But the most intriguing of them all would be exploring where the agency is set. District X or Mutant Town, is literally a section of New York City populated by mutants looking to live peacefully without the constant backlash from human neighbors.
However, the neighborhood became over-populated and destroyed by crime that it was regarded as a “ghetto” by many people that lived there. Yet, District X was still a colorful and exciting place to live despite the high risk from crime.
While an X-Factor Investigations television show would explore the daily crimes they dealt with, it would also expand the world and culture of mutants. Never done before, this show would have the potential to highlight a lot of the social issues that people in lower income neighborhoods deal with while also demonstrating how important it is to protect one’s history. XF Investigations could become the perfect supernatural crime show to rival Lucifer or even Jessica Jones.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
2. Red Hood
The best thing to happen to Jason Todd in the comics was dying at the hands of the Joker so he could be brought back to life as the Red Hood. While he might not believe that, fans were quick to fall in love with the former Robin once he became his own character rather than a follow-up to his older brother, Dick Grayson.
Angry at the world, he becomes a violent vigilante who believes in killing criminals rather than handing them over to a corrupt police agency. His inner struggle between finding the balance between light and dark while trying to control some of his unsavory impulses (a side-effect of being brought back to life), Jason is the perfect protagonist of an anti-hero story.
Yet, he doesn’t have to be a solo act on a television show, because he’s actually in charge of his own superhero team: The Red Hood and the Outlaws. While one of the members, Starfire, will be off on her own show Titans, another character could join the team for her own redemption arc. Arrow fans will know the name Artemis as the young hero who betrayed the team and whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
Other members of the Outlaws include Arsenal and Bizarro, both who have already been introduced in the Arrowverse. Roy Harper warrants his own show, but Bizarro could be a fun way to see Superman back on screen without actually having the hero. A story about redemption and vengeance, the Red Hood could easily fit into the noir comic book world that Netflix has already built.
Photo Credit: DC Comics
1. Damian Wayne and Jon Kent
Super Sons has become one of the most beloved titles among DC Comics Rebirth comic line due to its critical acclaim and pint-sized protagonists. While Damian Wayne is one of the most contentious characters in the DC Universe since his introduction as Robin, there’s no denying that he’s emerged as one of the more complex heroes in recent years.
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Paired up with bright-eyed Jon Kent, the two are the perfect odd couple that somehow work together despite their disdain for the other.
However, it seems unlikely the two superheroes would ever debut on screen in one of the Justice League films because there isn’t any room for them. Jon is a relatively new character and his characterization is directly tied to his parents and Damian.
While the son of Batman has almost too much backstory to work with, and truthfully, there just wouldn’t be enough time to completely flesh out his character. Yes, the animated DC Comics films have introduced the youngest member of the Wayne family but he’s been portrayed only as a spoiled genius who also happens to be an assassin. Peter Tomasi fleshed out Damian by showing just how broken the poor boy is as he tries to reckon with the villainous assassin he was destined to become and the pursuit of heroism inspired by his father.
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In Jon Kent he finds his first friend outside of the Bat Family, and someone that he’s willing to risk it all for. Their friendship isn’t without its ups and downs, but the pair would make for an excellent television show full of excitement.