The Best Comic Books That Deserve A Video Game Adaptation

Comic books and video games share a common language of action, adventure, and vibrant storytelling. From the epic feats of superheroes to the quirky escapades of dimension-hopping animals, both mediums are packed with creativity and character depth that could make for truly immersive gameplay.

Imagine stepping into the world of a comic book, where you explore its settings, develop its characters, and put yourself at the heart of the action. This collaboration could open doors to innovative gameplay mechanics, fresh characters, and unique stories, offering fans the chance to experience comics in an entirely new way.

9

The Last Phantom

• Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
• First Appearance: 2010
• Created By: Scott Beatty, Eduardo Ferigato

The Phantom is the guardian of the Bangalla Jungle, dedicated to combating evil in all its forms. Over the years, the comics addressed pressing social injustices, including slavery, corruption, and racism. The Phantom is not just a single character, but a mantle passed down through generations of the Walker family.

Kit Walker, the latest in this lineage, finds himself on a tragic journey after his family is assassinated. Barely escaping with his life, Kit embarks on a quest for vengeance against the terrorist organization responsible for his family’s deaths, which threatens the fragile peace in Bangalla.

A Last Phantom video game adaptation could seamlessly blend fighting and stealth mechanics as players take on the role of Kit Walker. As he seeks out the terrorists and unravels the larger conspiracy behind their actions, players could engage in intense combat, strategic stealth missions, and environmental exploration.

8

Dial H For Hero

• Publisher: DC Comics
• First Appearance: 1966
• Created By: Jim Mooney, Dave Wood

Dial H for Hero follows the adventures of people who use a magical dial (similar to a rotary phone) to become a superhero. Each time the user dials H-E-R-O, they turn into a different hero with a unique costume, instantly knowing their new name, powers, and weaknesses. Dialing O-R-E-H will return the user to their human form.

Robby Reed, the original H-Dial hero, turned into a villain when his H-Dial rusted. He was incorporated into Plastic Man (debuted in issue number 13), where he turned into an evil version of Plastic Man.

In the original series, each of the heroes was based on fan drawings submitted by readers. However, in a video game adaptation, the mechanic could be tweaked, allowing the player to unlock different hero forms throughout their adventures. Completing side quests and optional levels could reward the player with strong and unique hero forms that could aid them in the main story.

7

Nightmask (1986)

• Publisher: Marvel Comics
• First Appearance: 1986
• Created By: Archie Goodwin

Keith Remsen was a normal teenager until he was at the heart of an explosion during his summer internship at Kleinmann Institute. The accident put his sister in a wheelchair and sent Keith into a coma. When he finally recovered, he discovered that a piece of shrapnel lodged in his brain gave him the power to enter people’s dreams. Keith uses his powers as Nightmask, helping people fight their inner demons while uncovering the conspiracy about his parents’ death.

Keith Remsen is the original Nightmask. In 2006, Adam Blackveil, an artificial human created by Ex Nihilo, took on the Nightmask mantle.

Nightmask offers a compelling premise for a video game that weaves together psychological depth and action-packed gameplay. Taking on the role of Keith, you would navigate two distinct realms: the grounded reality of Keith’s day-to-day life and the surreal, ever-shifting dream world, not unlike the Persona series.

In the real world, you would investigate mysteries, interact with NPCs, and gather clues to understand each character’s unique psychological struggles. Entering the dream realm as Nightmask, however, would shift the gameplay to a surreal, dynamic experience full of abstract landscapes, unpredictable enemies, and puzzles that mirror the host’s fears and desires.

6

Magnus, Robot Fighter

• Publisher: Gold Key Comics, Valiant Comics, Dark Horse Comics
• First Appearance: 1963
• Created By: Russ Manning

Set in the year 4000, humanity has become completely dependent on robots… until H8, the ruthless Robot Police Chief, seeks to seize total control. To oppose H8’s totalitarian vision, Magnus, a human raised by the loyal robot 1A, trains to fight rogue robots and protect humanity. With 1A’s guidance, Magnus becomes a powerful fighter who can harness both human resilience and robotic combat techniques.

1A holds to the Three Laws of Robotics, rules for artificial intelligence created by sci-fi author Isaac Asimov in the Handbook of Robotics, 56th Edition, 2058 A.D. The rules are…

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Imagine an RPG where you take on the role of Magnus, journeying across the robotic landscapes of North Am. Along the way, you’ll recruit both humans and robots to your cause, uncover conspiracies, and gain new combat abilities tailored for epic battles. The game could feature a multitude of interesting side quests, character development, and multiple endings based on your decisions.

5

Amelia Cole And The Unknown World

• Publisher: IDW
• First Appearance: 2015
• Created By: Adam P. Knave, D.J. Kirkbride

Amelia Cole is a wizard who lives in two worlds, one that runs on magic and the other on technology. However, when the barriers between the worlds begin to disintegrate, Amelia and her Aunt Dani take extreme measures to ensure the seals, thrusting Amelia into a third, unknown world that melds magic and technology.

A video game starring Amelia Cole is the perfect fish-out-of-water experience. The main story would investigate the disruption in the magical portals as Amelia searches for a way home. Along the way, Amelia could perfect her magic, build her party, and explore this new world.

4

Blackest Night

• Publisher: DC Comics
• First Appearance: 2009
• Created By: Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis

Superheroes are known for their ability to not stay dead. Time and time again, heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice have found ways to return to the land of the living. Sometimes, their friends may brave the underworld to retrieve their soul, or perhaps an alternate version of the hero comes in from another dimension. Blackest Night takes this concept and then asks: what happens to these heroes when the time comes to pay the piper?

Black Hand raises the dead superheroes using Black Lantern rings, created by Bruce Wayne’s skull, which is connected to all the superheroes.

Blackest Night would make a dark and gritty video game, where you play as a member of the Lantern Corps, facing off against zombified heroes like Mr. Incredible, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter, until you’re able to reach the Black Hand and Nekron in an attempt to bring about the Brightest Day. This spin on the typical superhero tropes would translate into a unique fighting game or survival horror game.

3

Inkblot

• Publisher: Image Comics
• First Appearance: 2020
• Created By: Emma Kubert, Rusty Gladd

Inkblot could translate into a fantastic video game full of exploration, magic, and cosmic mischief! The Seeker is an accomplished sorcerer who accidentally summons Inkblot, a reality-warping black cat. Like a true cat, Inkblot forces The Seeker to chase him from dimension to dimension to save the fragile fabric of the universe.

Each game level could take you to a unique realm, some enchanted, some futuristic, others darkly mysterious, offering new spells to master, ancient relics to uncover, and diverse environments to explore. The gameplay could combine spellcasting mechanics, puzzle-solving, and combat encounters, with Inkblot appearing in key moments to cause delightful chaos.

Whether it’s warding off pirate raiders, solving riddles in mystical ruins, or outwitting ancient beasts, each realm would test The Seeker’s skills and push her to the limits of her magical abilities.

2

White Sand

• Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
• First Appearance: 2016
• Created By: Brandon Sanderson, Rik Hoskin

White Sand, a trilogy by acclaimed author Brandon Sanderson and Rik Hoskin, takes place in Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe. The story follows Kenton, an aspiring Sand Master, a rare magic user who wields control over sand. Just before completing his training, Kenton’s tribe is ambushed, forcing him to uncover the traitor among them and protect his people.

A White Sand open-world RPG would offer incredible exploration across the deserts of Taldain. Players could uncover hidden lore, complete world-building side quests, and gradually master sand-based abilities. As players grow in power, they could unlock new areas and secrets, making the journey to Sand Mastery both challenging and rewarding.

1

Rook: Exodus

• Publisher: Image Comics, Ghost Machine
• First Appearance: 2024
• Created By: Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok

Exodus is a world on the brink, a once-thriving planet now left in the care of the Wardens, the remnants of an advanced society wielding powerful helmets that control nature. With the world engine broken and Exodus spiraling into chaos, most flee, leaving the Wardens behind to decide their fate: attempt to escape or stay and fight for control of Exodus.

Rook, a Warden who can control crows, could offer players a rich, open-world experience in a post-apocalyptic setting. As Rook, you’d explore ruined cities and dangerous forests, navigating the dangers of Exodus while mastering animal control abilities. This mechanic would open up unique gameplay experiences, from using the crows as scouts to solving puzzles to calling them as allies in battle, making every encounter in Rook: Exodus a test of both skill and creativity.