43 New And Upcoming Comic-Book TV Shows: Which Will Triumph?

38. George Romero's Empire of the Dead

Pitch: A quarantined Manhattan is walled off against attacks from vampires and zombies, but not enough, and is overrun first by the former, who set up some semblance of a society within the gates, but then by the latter. Latest News: Written by Romero and produced by Demarest Films (Tusk, A Most Wanted Man), this series has no network attached yet. Odds Of Success: Mediocre. George Romero is a legendary name to devoted horror fans, but this comic is certainly not one of Marvel's publishing successes, with sales barely clearing 8,000. Though the vampire twist is interesting, New York hardly qualifies as a novel setting and a lot of other details - the slow breakdown of society, the problems with security - have shown up in one or both Walking Dead TV series this year.

37. #4Hero

Pitch: Nellie Tribble finds a smartphone app that turns her into a superhero for limited periods of time, with powers based on whatever is trending on social media. An effects-heavy action comedy. Latest News: Currently in development by DC and Machinma for digital release. No word since May 2015. Odds Of Success: Mediocre. The use of apps and social media feels a little desperate, but it may not be fair to criticize the pitch for seeming gimmicky, since the original concept of Dial H for Hero was as gimmicky as they came, just using older technology. You want to like a superhero comedy with satirical targets other than superheroes themselves. Still, this will stand or fall on its execution.

36. Lazarus

Pitch: An oligarchy of sixteen wealthy families rule the future. Each has a Lazarus, an unkillable, genetically engineered family bodyguard. One of these protectors, Forever Carlyle, uses force, manipulation and deception to safeguard her family and their goals. Latest News: This series is in development by Legendary TV with producer Matt Tolmach. News broke in March. Odds Of Success: Somewhat iffy. Writer Greg Rucka knows his stuff, but Lazarus is neither a huge award-winner nor a commercial smash in comics, and Tolmach also produced the last two Amazing Spider-Man movies, AKA "the reasons Sony shared Spidey with Marvel." So there's that.

35. Clone

Pitch: Dr. Luke Taylor's life goes awry when he finds a bloodied doppelgänger on his doorstep, who announces he is only one of many clones, all coming for Taylor's pregnant wife. Latest News: This series is in development for SyFy with a pilot order, at last report, which was early May 2014. Odds Of Success: Fair if actually developed. Clone hasn't had time to become a name brand, but it's a fun, well-produced series under Robert Kirkman's Skybound publishing banner. That Kirkman connection opens some doors: Robert Kirkman is the creator of The Walking Dead.