5 Essential Comic Book Adaptations On Netflix

5 Essential Comic Book Adaptations On Netflix

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From comic books, literary films to graphic novels, Netflix has become a haven for various adaptations. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast or comic book lover, here are five comic book adaptations you need to watch on Netflix.

Warrior Nun

Adapted from the comic book manga by Benn Dunn, Warrior Nun tells the story of Ava Silva, a quadriplegic orphan with supernatural powers, leading a secret group of warrior nuns tasked to protect the world from evil forces and demonic elements. This fantasy drama series, filmed in multiple locations in Spain, has garnered positive reviews. The program was renewed for a second season, which was released in November 2022. With an engaging storyline and epic fight scenes, Warrior Nun reportedly received the highest audience rating of a Netflix original.

The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy is another well-received fantasy show based on a comic book series written by Gerard Way and illustrated by award-winner Gabriel Bá. This superhero series focuses on the Hargreeves family, a dysfunctional group of seven super-powered children adopted by an interdimensional being and an eccentric entrepreneur, Sir Reginald Hargreeves. While the storyline revolves around the siblings trying to deal with their superpowers and past traumas, it also centers on various family dynamics and the development of each individual character.

Trese

Trese is another popular and must-watch original based on a comic book series. A passion project by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, this fantasy horror is the first Filipino comic book adapted by Netflix. This fantasy adventure series tells the story of Alexandra Trese, a mysterious and private detective with a shaman-warrior lineage, as she protects humanity from the evil forces of the underworld. Trese premiered on Netflix in June 2021 and was part of the streaming service’s top 10 list in 19 countries. The program developed a huge fan base and received overwhelming support from multiple Filipino communities worldwide.

Locke & Key

Adapted from a series of comic books written by Joe Hill and illustrations by Gabriel Rodriguez, Lock & Key revolves around the Locke family moving to their ancestral house after the death of their patriarch, Rendell Locke. This fantasy horror series tells the lives of the Locke children as they find mysterious keys and magical doors in their family home while trying to make sense of their father’s demise. While the show followed some aspects of the original material, there were various significant differences in the storyline, making the Netflix adaptation notably lighter and more family-friendly.

Sweet Tooth

 Based on a limited comic book series by Jeff Lemire, Sweet Tooth follows the story of Gus, a young human-deer boy, as he tries to learn the truth about himself while living in a post-apocalyptic world. The program centered on the little hybrid’s journey to find his mother and the challenges he has to overcome along the way. This engaging and entertaining series was well-received by viewers of all ages and was renewed for a second season.

Over the years, Netflix has successfully produced high-quality programs that can rival famed originals produced by blockbuster franchises such as Marvel and DC.