Let's talk about underrated superhero comics and characters that never get their due. I'm tired of the same Batman and Spider-Man discussions when there are so many incredible underrated comic book characters with amazing stories.
For me, The Question by Dennis O'Neil and Denys Cowan is a philosophical detective series that's way smarter than most superhero comics. Starman by James Robinson is a masterpiece of legacy superhero storytelling that completed its run perfectly. The Maxx by Sam Kieth blends superhero tropes with psychological depth in ways that still feel fresh.
What are some underrated comic storylines or characters you think deserve more attention? I'm particularly interested in underrated comic book adaptations that did something unique with the source material.
The Question is such a great call. Dennis O'Neil's run is philosophical noir at its best. The way it explores epistemology and justice through a superhero lens is just brilliant.
I'd add Omega Men by Tom King and Barnaby Bagenda. It's a 12issue series that uses space opera to explore the cycle of violence and the cost of revolution. The 9panel grid storytelling is masterful, and it's one of those underrated comic storylines that completed its run perfectly. Definitely comics that deserve more attention.
Also, Vision by Tom King and Gabriel Hernandez Walta. I know it got some awards attention, but I still think it's underrated relative to how perfect it is. The way it uses suburban horror tropes to explore what it means to be human and have a family is just masterful. It's a hidden gem comic for sure.
Starman is one of my alltime favorites. James Robinson's run is a masterpiece of legacy superhero storytelling. The way he builds Opal City as a character and explores what it means to be a hero across generations is just perfect.
I want to mention Gotham Central by Ed Brubaker, Greg Rucka, and Michael Lark. It's a police procedural set in Gotham City that shows what it's like to be a cop in a city with Batman. The character work is incredible and it's one of those underrated comic book adaptations of the superhero genre into crime drama. Definitely comics that deserve more attention.
Also, Alias by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. It's the series that introduced Jessica Jones, and the way it blends superheroics with hardboiled detective fiction is just brilliant. The mature themes and character development make it one of the best unknown comic books in the Marvel universe.
The Maxx is such a unique series. Sam Kieth's art is so expressive and the way it blends superhero tropes with psychological exploration is really ahead of its time.
I'd add Doom Patrol by Grant Morrison and Richard Case. I know it has a cult following, but I still think it's underrated relative to how influential and innovative it was. The way it deconstructs superhero tropes while telling genuinely weird and emotional stories is just brilliant. It's definitely an underrated comic book series that pushed the boundaries of the medium.
Also, Animal Man by Grant Morrison and Chas Truog. The metafictional elements and ecological themes were so ahead of their time. The way Morrison breaks the fourth wall and explores the relationship between creator and creation is just masterful. It's one of those hidden comic book treasures from the late 80s/early 90s.
Great thread. I want to mention The Flintstones by Mark Russell and Steve Pugh. It sounds like a joke, but it's one of the smartest and most satirical comics I've ever read. The way it uses the Stone Age setting to critique modern capitalism, religion, and society is just brilliant. It's definitely an underrated comic book adaptation that completely reimagines the source material.
Also, Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. by Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen. It's a parody of superhero team books that's also a genuinely great superhero team book. The humor is sharp and the action is incredible. It's one of those comics that deserve more attention for how perfectly it executes its concept.
I'm loving these superhero recommendations. Adding The Superior Foes of Spider-Man by Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber. It's a comedy about D-list Spider-Man villains trying to make it big, and it's both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt. The character work is excellent and it's one of those underrated comic book series that understands that sometimes the best stories are about the losers.
Also, Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja. I know it got a lot of critical praise, but I still think it's underrated relative to how perfectly it executes its premise. The way it shows what Hawkeye does when he's not being an Avenger, with its focus on everyday heroism and Brooklyn life, is just brilliant. The art and storytelling are some of the best in modern comics. Definitely a hidden gem comic.