9 Storylines That Defined Popular Comic Book Characters

The characters are iconic by themselves, and these stories are the reason why.

Batman Horseback Dark Knight Returns
DC Comics

Although comic books have been something of a niche hobby throughout their history, the appeal of their characters is undeniable. Most people who have never picked up a comic can rattle off members of the Justice League or the Avengers, likely because their names are more easily digestible than the actual literature.

It's much more enjoyable to watch your favorite characters on the screen, without having to peruse thousands of pages for a similar experience. That's why the shows and movies surrounding these complex and interesting characters have become so popular; they satisfy the need to see them without being dragged down the rabbit-hole of clashing continuity, often questionable quality, and confusing ideas.

Still, the comic books provide something that cannot be given in the cinematic format; they showcase the purest forms of the characters. Of course, many of these roles are as iconic in film as they are on the page, but there is always something lost when literature is adapted for the visual format. They fare best as intended - through ink and paper.

Certain comic books don't simply display the characters as they were intended - they conclusively define them

9. Daredevil - Born Again

Batman Horseback Dark Knight Returns
Marvel Comics

Frank Miller's seminal work on the character is what truly revived Daredevil comics, bringing the dark and conflicted character to the popularity he now enjoys today. Matt Murdock is thrown to his lowest point, having lost everything from the Kingpin's persecution, and the reader can grasp the perspective of the Man Without Fear. By having Murdock hit rock-bottom, he thrives.

Driven half-mad, Daredevil is brought back to form by saving or confronting those who have betrayed him in their own ways. His best friend Foggy has started a romance with Matt's ex-girlfriend, his ex Karen has sold his secret identity for drugs, and his mother who abandoned him must care for him. He has to wrestle with himself before he can take on the Kingpin.

It's an exciting prospect that the work is going to be loosely adapted for Daredevil season three. This is the chance for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of the character to truly come into his own as he did in the comics, and as the show is at its best when Vincent D'Onofrio is stealing it, it's sure to be excellent.

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I wrote two books and a few articles. They're probably okay.