Recently, it was announced that Image Comics/Skybound’s Energon Universe would be getting an adult animated project. It’s not shocking since Transformers, Void Rivals, G.I. Joe, and the other titles have all rocked. That said, they’re far from the only Image comic books that deserve an animated feature.
With that in mind, here are another 10 titles that would be hit adult cartoons, and why we would love to see them.
Honorable mention: Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan. It's not on the list because it recently had a live-action project. Nevertheless, it would have succeeded with the same cast, but animated instead.
Saga
- Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
- Artist: Fiona Staples
You can’t make a list featuring the best of Image Comics without starting with Saga. For years, Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have created a series of events that have made readers laugh and cry, and question things in their personal lives. It’s that deep of a series, and no way it's not something people wouldn’t gravitate to. With that in mind, we'd love to see it get the animated treatment.
Assorted Crisis Events
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Eric Zawadzki
- Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
I’ve spoken about this comic book before, but it’s so good that it should be mentioned again. Writer Deniz Camp has taken science fiction and used it to talk about important topics like mental health, racism, and so much more. An anthology series about these stories would be legendary - and it would certainly continue to raise awareness about these important conversations.
I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer
- Writer: Doug Wagner
- Artist: Daniel Hillyard
- Colorist: Michelle Madsen
The title only tells part of the story. Yes, Rennie (the main character) is a serial killer. Yes, the cover art is bloody and brutal. However, there is so much more to this tale.
This mini-series gets into how friendship can dramatically change a person for the better and the lengths people will go when someone they love is hurt. This would make for a powerful, gripping, and unsettling animated series.
The Deviant
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Joshua Hixson
James Tynion IV's move away from superhero stories was a great move for comic book fans. It helps show that there’s more to comics than superpowered beings. In this case, there’s the murder mystery The Deviant. A tale that will leave you guessing about the killer until the very end.
Over the years, audiences have gravitated towards TV shows with mysteries at the center of them. Therefore, The Deviant would be a sure-fire hit.
Curse Words
- Writer: Charles Soule
- Artist: Ryan Browne
Curse Words has some deep moments, but the shenanigans that Wizord gets into with his magic will keep people coming back for more. He’s vile, ruthless, and creative. For example, at one point, he turns someone into a chair and sits on them. It’s a wild series that fans would undoubtedly tune into an animated adaptation for comfort and entertainment.
Sex Criminals
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Chip Zdarsky
The title of Sex Criminals doesn't say it all. The lead characters do have sex and use their time freezing powers to commit crimes. Nevertheless, that’s not the best part of the series. That right belongs to the depth shown throughout.
As there are so many layers to the comic book itself, the same could be said for any kind of adaptation of it too.
The Wicked + The Divine
- Writer: Kieron Gillen
- Artist: Jamie McKelvie
The story follows the idea that every 90 years, 12 gods return in mortal bodies. The humans get the deities' powers for two years, and then they die. That sounds tragic in itself, but there’s so much more going on that the idea of death becomes secondary.
If I had to recommend one comic book to someone, this would be it. If this project were to get greenlit for an animated adaptation, it would genuinely stand a chance of becoming the greatest comic book program ever. Everything from the storyline to the representation of race, creed, and sexual orientation is on display. In fact, I think it would be the perfect show for people to see and learn more about the world we live in.
Home Sick Pilots
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
I jumped into this series years after it ended and couldn’t put it down. Writer Dan Watters and artist Caspar Wijngaard bring, as Image Comics perfectly described it, “Power Rangers meets The Shining.” And while that’s a wild comparison, it’s accurate.
An animated adaptation of this one would be a show full of horror, but also something sweet and unforgettable.
Universal Monsters
Skybound's Universal Monsters series includes looks at classic horror monsters like the Creature From The Black Lagoon, Dracula, the Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Invisible Man.
These are classics, but animating them could breathe new life into the franchise, and they don’t need to be put in the present for people to love the characters (looking at you, Dark Universe!).
The Power Fantasy
Writer: Keiron Gillen
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Lastly, we have what I deem is the best comic book in years. It’s miles above a plethora of unbelievably good comics, thanks to brilliant writing and diverse characters with amazing abilities. And the unpredictability of the series puts it over the top. Just when you think you know what’s up, you realize it’s down.
The Power Fantasy is only 12 issues in, but it already deserves to be put on a list for an animated feature. It may seem premature, but if you've read the series, you'll understand why it's on the list.
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