8 Superheroes That Deserve A Live Action Adaptation
4. Runaways
Type of Adaptation: Stand Alone TV Series Written by Brian K. Vaughn the Runaways comic seems like it was written to be adapted for the small screen. If you havent read it then what are you doing reading this? Go and read it now. Each issue has the structure of single TV episode and each arch has the structure of an entire series, which is not surprising considering Vaughn is an extremely talented screenwriter. Runaways is the story of the offspring of twelve super villains who, after discovering their parents secret, steal their technology, magical artifacts and genetically engineered velociraptor and reluctantly form the west coasts only superhero team. The team doesnt don the obligatory superhero costumes, take code names or have secret identities. They are very much grounded in reality (or at least comic book reality) and are finding their feet as heroes, making mistakes as often as they save the day. Although Runaways is based in the Marvel Comic Book Universe it feels as a separate entity and therefore doesnt necessarily need to be part of the MCU. The setting of LA is constantly referenced through the series a place devoid of superheroes and the complete opposite of the home of superheroes, New York City. The young heroes of the series also have the same melodramatic problems and insecurities of actual teenagers, such as sexuality, self-harm and body issues. This gives the fantastical storylines a personal connection for the reader that would be possible to translate to the small screen. These are flawed individuals that viewers will want to root for. The comic book is very much a product of its time and as such some of the personal struggles feel a little like ground treaded by other TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Nevertheless, an entertaining and melodramatic teen drama centered round reluctant superheroes sounds good to me.
