Of course we all love Marvel and DC but some people may be surprised to learn that there are other comic book companies out there! There is no end to the number of concepts or characters from Independent Publishers that would be fantastic to see on screen and I just so happen to have five of them in mind!

Without further ado I present to you the Top 5 Non Marvel or DC comic books that should be a TV show:


Groo the Wanderer

Yes, I know that Groo was published by Marvel for several years. What, do you think I'm slow of mind? But Groo started at Pacific and is now published by Dark Horse and when it was with Marvel it was part of the Epic imprint so there! I actually have heard that Groo is "in development" which means nothing really. Hopefully we will see this cheese dip eating, ship sinking, fray-ing mendicant on screen soon. What a supporting cast! The Sage! The Minstrel! Pal and Drumm! Rufferto! Grooella! Chakaall! Arba and Dakarba! So, so many characters! Wait a second, did someone call Howie "slow of mind"?


Nexus

I think this would be fantastic! If you are unfamiliar with Nexus here's the deal. Set hundreds of years in the future, Horatio Hellpop is an executioner of mass murderers. He is "controlled" somewhat by a mysterious being known as The Merk who directs him towards his target through disturbing, painful dreams that don't go away until his mission is accomplished. Very cool concept that has received some attention from studio execs but has never gotten off the ground.


Miracleman

This character has a long history and again, I know that it is a Marvel property now which is ironic since he was originally called Marvelman but had to change due to Marvel suing despite the fact that his first appearance came when Marvel Comics was still known as Atlas. Anyway, Miracleman is an incredible series that mimics the Marvel Family (Shazam et. al) with nods towards Superman and also may have inspired the Sentry character from Marvel in a bit of retro retribution.


Grendel

I absolutely love Grendel. Such a fantastic concept! Started out as kind of an Anti-Batman. Hunter Rose - Rich guy, gadgets, dresses up and fights crime at night ... except that he was the crime. His arch nemesis was Argent, the Wolf who was the "ugly" good guy versus the "pretty" bad guy. This, I think, would be best as an anthology type series. Think American Horror Story where every season has a different theme, different actors, etc. Grendel is not so much a character but a Force that inhabits you so I think that it would make compelling viewing.


Badger

I freaking love The Badger! Norbert Sykes, a war veteran with Multiple Personality Disorder becomes a superhero. The series is funny, clever, pointed and tragic. Badger is an animal activist who severely punishes people who abuse animals, a martial arts expert and a little bit whacko. His multiple personalities include a 9 year old girl, a French psychopath, a dog, an effeminate architect and a black dude from the projects. Supporting characters rock as well! Ham, a thousand year old Druid, Lord Weterlackus who is a demon, his wife Mavis who is a Vietnamese martial arts expert and his mental health caseworker Daisy among others. This is one of those shows that could make you laugh and cry in the same episode.

So that's it! I got more that I could suggest but why should I do all the work? Is there a comic concept that you think would be great on TV and has been overlooked? Then please tell us!


Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 1 - Comic Book Characters
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 2 - Stan Lee Cameos
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 3 - Horror Comics
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 4 - Thanksgiving Sides/Desserts
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 5 - Sword Wielding Comic Characters
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 6 - Marvel/DC Crossovers You Want To See
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 7 - Superman Day Special!
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 8 - Star Wars Episode I: Droids
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 9 - Best Peter David Stories RIP
Howie's "What's Your Top 5?" Part 10 - Superman Villains not named Luthor

Willy Wonka candy characters.

All Willy Wonka candies depict their products as characters on the packaging. Nerds, Gobstoppers, Runts. Tart n' Tinys used to (not even sure they make those anymore). I always thought it would be cool if someone concocted a back story for them with their own universe. If they can make a Lego movie, then why not?

EDIT: Ok, I just realized you were specifically asking for other comic book properties. I thought you meant other properties not yet developed in general. But I still stand by my post.

EDIT, Part 2: Hey, where is the Part 9 of the Top Ten Lists? Link to that one doesn't work.

Fixed it!

I would love to see a live-action, action comedy starring Savage Dragon. Kinda like the Amazon prime series "Reacher" only slightly more funny and dude is green with a fin on his head.

Oh, heck ya! Savage Dragon is on my Top 10 list! Kind of an underrated character in my mind. Love Larsen's art. The series was a great mix of action, humor and also some pathos.

Good one!

Bone - how has this not gotten some sort of adaptation yet?

I'd love to see Fables, but that would never happen. The rights are too messy after Willingham claimed to turn his over to the public domain. Also, the basic concept is generic enough that anyone can rip it off. But I really would love to specifically see an adaptation of the concepts and situations that Willingham made.

There actually was supposed to be a Grendel series on Netflix, but it got canceled. They even filmed the whole season, but it never got released.

The Sixth Gun had a pilot episode that you can watch on YouTube. I would have liked to see this series get made.

I could go on and on about comics that would make for great TV.....Lazarus, Strangers in Paradise, Authority, Planetary, Queen & Country, Stray Bullets, 100 Bullets, Transmetropolitan.......