2019 was packed with live-action comic book shows, each vying to capture the essence of its source material. Some embraced the comics wholeheartedly, staying true to characters, themes, and tone, while others deviated, prioritizing spectacle or accessibility over fidelity. In this post, we’ll rank six standout 2019 shows from worst to best, focusing on how well they adapted their comic origins.
6. Batwoman Season 1 (The CW)
Batwoman promised to expand the Arrowverse with Gotham’s fierce vigilante, Kate Kane. Yet, the series struggled to capture the depth and nuance of the comics. While Ruby Rose’s portrayal carried the charisma of the character, the show often reduced Batwoman to melodrama and procedural clichés. Key comic arcs and relationships were oversimplified, and the villainous threats rarely mirrored the layered complexity of Batman-related comics. Fans of the source material were left wanting more fidelity, earning Batwoman the lowest rank in our comic-focused list.
5. The Punisher Season 2 (Netflix)
Frank Castle’s journey in The Punisher S2 leaned heavily on grittiness and vigilante action, but the show streamlined many of his comic book nuances. Castle’s moral ambiguity and tactical brilliance remained, but the series ignored some of his rich backstory and connections to the broader Marvel universe. The narrative occasionally focused more on dramatized personal loss than the thematic exploration of vengeance and justice that defined the comics, making it a middling adaptation for hardcore fans.
4. The Tick Season 2 (Prime Video)
The Tick maintained the satirical, absurdist humor from the comics, which worked in its favor. Yet, the second season slightly diluted the original’s sharp wit and meta-commentary, opting for filler episodes that didn’t advance character arcs in meaningful comic-based ways. While Peter Serafinowicz and Griffin Newman embodied the characters faithfully, the show’s fidelity to plot and comic tone was uneven.
3. The Boys Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video)
The Boys excelled at translating the dark, irreverent satire of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s comics to the screen. The core themes — corporate corruption, the dangers of unchecked power, and the antihero morality of the titular boys — were largely preserved. Some plot details were modified for pacing and clarity, but the comic’s spirit, tone, and biting social commentary came through, making it a highly faithful adaptation.
2. Jessica Jones Season 3 (Netflix)
Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones maintained the comic’s noirish, psychological depth. Season 3’s narrative focused on trauma, moral complexity, and flawed heroism, core aspects of Brian Michael Bendis’ source material. While certain plotlines diverged for cinematic pacing, the series consistently honored the essence of Jessica as a private investigator navigating a morally ambiguous world, cementing its high ranking.
1. Kingdom Season 1 (Netflix)
Though a less conventional comic adaptation, Kingdom draws heavily from Korean graphic storytelling. The show’s focus on political intrigue, layered characters, and stylized violence mirrors the thematic richness and intensity found in its source material. Its fidelity to the spirit of the comic — suspense, complex hierarchy, and moral ambiguity — places it at the top of the comic-focused list.
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