Award Winning Comics That Deserve Screen Time
Comic books have long been the source of beloved superheroes, villains, and stories that have beguiled and inspired generations. From Superman to Wolverine, Spider-Man to Batman, these iconic characters have earned their places as part of popular culture.
But over the years, some of the most beloved works of comic book art have come in the form of award-winning graphic novels and comic books. From inspiring stories to captivating artwork, these works have earned the admiration and respect of critics, peers, and fans alike.
With the surge in popularity of the comic book movie genre, there’s no better time than now to give some of these award winning comic books the film treatment that they deserve. Here’s a look at some of the best award-winning comics that deserve their own big-screen adaptations.
Maus
Maus is a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel by American cartoonist Art Spiegelman. Set in Auschwitz during the Holocaust, the book follows Spiegelman’s Polish-Jewish father’s story and his struggle to survive the Nazi occupation. The book is told through the first-person narrative of Vladek Spiegelman and is a highly personal look into the Holocaust experience. The art of Maus is also highly regarded, with its use of anthropomorphic animals to depict Holocaust victims. Maus remains one of the most acclaimed comics of all time and its adaptation to film would be a poignant and poignant experience.
Watchmen
Alan Moore’s Watchmen is a critically acclaimed comic book series that was first published by DC Comics in 1986. The series is set in an alternate reality in which superheroes exist but are viewed as outlaws. The story follows a group of heroes as they investigate a complex conspiracy that threatens to upend their world. Watchmen has also been praised for its complex characters and its commentary on the human condition. It is an iconic work of comic book art and would make a fascinating film.
The Sandman
The Sandman is an ongoing series of graphic novels written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics. It follows Dream, the Lord of the Dreaming, as he struggles to control his realm. The books have earned a cult following and have been lauded for their intricate storylines, compelling characters, and gorgeous artwork. The Sandman is one of the greatest works of comic book literature and would make a fantastic film.
Akira
Akira is a cult classic manga series created by Katsuhiro Otomo. It tells the story of a cyberpunk world in post-apocalyptic Tokyo and follows a group of teenagers caught in a power struggle between the government and a secret military group. The artwork of Akira is legendary and its story is thrilling, making it a perfect candidate for an adaptation to film.
Saga
Saga is an epic space opera comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. It follows a couple from two warring planets, who are on the run from both sides, striving to build a life together despite the odds being stacked against them. The series has earned several awards, including the prestigious Hugo Award, and its combination of compelling characters, beautiful artwork, and ambitious story make it a strong contender for a film adaptation.
Y: The Last Man
Y: The Last Man is an ongoing comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Pia Guerra. It follows the last living man on Earth, who embarks on a journey to the United States in order to find a way to repopulate humanity. The series has earned numerous awards, including an Eisner and a Hugo Award, and its combination of a gripping story, compelling characters, and captivating artwork make it an excellent candidate for a film adaptation.
There are countless comic books and graphic novels that deserve their own big-screen adaptations. From Maus to Watchmen, Saga to Akirato Y: The Last Man, these award-winning comics have been praised for their captivating stories, iconic artwork, and moving character arcs. With the increasing popularity of comic book movies, it’s only a matter of time before some, or all, of these great works of comic book art get their moment on the big screen.
