Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: 7 must-watch graphic novel adaptations

In 2010, comic book and graphic novel fans were delighted to receive Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley’s graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim. The film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was a visual treat and was praised for bringing the comics to life in the most honourable and authentic manner. Directors Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino and Jason Reitman were among the many who responded positively to the film’s transmedia format and engaging music scene. Since then, the film has acquired a cult status among a subculture of comic/graphic novel fans prompting the latest Netflix animated series developed by Bryan Lee O'Malley and BenDavid Grabinski. The show titled Scott Pilgrim Takes Off which released on November 17th 2023 on Netflix features the original cast of the movie reprising their roles. The anticipated success of the animated spinoff has gotten fans wondering about similar films that draw inspiration from the comic and graphic novels.So today’s List Hai Toh Hit Hai features a set of films that are inspired by comics and graphic novels, for both the new and the novice fans of Scott Pilgrim to add to their watchlist.

Watchmen - JioCinema

This HBO limited series created by Lost frontrunner Damon Lindelof, is based on the 1986 DC Comics superhero series of the same name created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Unlike the 2009 film adaptation by Zack Snyder, Lindelof placed some of the original characters from the show in a racially tense present-day Tulsa, Oklahoma, 34 years after the events of the graphic novel. The show also introduced new conflicts and characters against a political backdrop, alongside stunning performances, writing, visuals, score, and a critically-acclaimed expansion of the source material that revolves around the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. The show won an astounding 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, and stars Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Andrew Howard in lead roles.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 - Amazon Prime VOD

This two-part adult animated film featuring DC’s most loved superhero is an adaptation of the 1986 comic book The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Set in the same timeline as Batman: Year One with the Cold War as a political backdrop, the film showcases Batman taking on his nemesis Joker after being absent from Gotham for 10 years. His vigilantism is seen as a threat by national authorities who task Superman to put an end to Batman’s reign. The film is directed by Jay Oliva, a storyboard artist for Year One and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The film was helmed by various other Batman veterans and is said to be one of the best Batman films ever made. So it’s hardly surprising that it also served as an inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises and Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

V for Vendetta - Amazon Prime, Google Play, Hungama Play VOD

In a futuristic totalitarian Britain governed by an oppressive fascist regime, a masked freedom fighter known as V who engineers elaborate terrorist acts in order to topple the government. Caught up in his anarchist rebellion is a young woman named Evey Hammond who seeks freedom for her people. As it turns out, she ends up assisting the masked man in his endeavours to liberate the masses. V for Vendetta is based on the DC Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore, David Lloyd, and Tony Weare. The film stars Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea and John Hurt in lead roles and was written by The Wachowskis, best known for The Matrix series.

Oldboy - Prime Video

This South Korean action thriller film is a loose adaptation of a Japanese manga series of the same name written by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. The movie follows the gripping and dark tale of vengeance. The film revolves around a man called Oh Dae-su, who is mysteriously kidnapped and trapped in a cell for fifteen years with no explanation. As he grapples with the mystery, struggling to understand the reason for his abduction and who would be behind his imprisonment, the frustration and desperation translates across the screen. Even when he is finally released, Dae-su continues to be caught in a conspiracy that he is unable to unravel. The movie is directed by Park Chan-wook and stars Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae and Kang Hye-jung. The film was remade in Hindi as the John Abraham-Sanjay Dutt starrer Zinda.

The Boys - Prime Video

This American satirical superhero television series is based on a comic book series of the same name written by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, depicting a group of vigilantes dubbed The Boys. The show is set in a world run by powerful but egotistical superheroes managed and monetised by the capitalist corporation known as Vought International. In order to expose the crimes committed by these sadistic false idols, The Boys attempt to take Vought down. The black comedy is a satire on contemporary American society and unregulated capitalism. Helmed by Eric Kripke, the series features Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher, Karen Fukuhara, and Jensen Ackles among others in prominent roles.

The Umbrella Academy - Netflix

This superhero television series is based on the comic book series of the same name written by Gerard Way, and illustrated by Gabriel Bá. Upon receiving the news about the death of their adopted father and eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, his six misfits, and estranged children decide to team up once again and use their special powers to save the world. The series stars an ensemble cast consisting of Aidan Gallagher, Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, and Robert Sheehan as the eponymous superhero team.

The Walking Dead - Netflix

The last one on this list is the post-apocalyptic horror drama television series The Walking Dead adapted from the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. The show is set in a dystopian wasteland where survivors of modern civilisation’s collapse band together in groups and communities to fight off attacks from zombies known as the ‘walkers’. Despite sharing a hostile equation towards each other, those who remain must fight their own demons in order to stay alive, while attempting to ward off the larger threat. The long-running series features Andrew Lincoln as the lead character, along with Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies and Laurie Holden.

Well that's all we got for today's episode, until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Vajra Zayara