TV Episodes Inspired by Issues of Comic Books
by got519 | created - 31 Mar 2013 | updated - 28 Dec 2020 | PublicComic Book TV Episodes That Were Based on Actual Issues of the Comics!
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1.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Superman in Exile
(1953)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Superman narrowly prevents disaster at an atomic facility. In doing so, he has become totally irradiated and will kill living things just by being close to them. This forces Superman into ... See full summary »
Director: Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 174
This episode is based on the story, "A Superman of Doom" from Action Comics #124 (September 1948). With elements from this TV episode, it was remade as "The Spectral Superman", Action Comics #188 (January 1954).
2.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
The Dog Who Knew Superman
(1953)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Superman saves a dog, Corky, from a well. The dog belongs to the wife of Hank, who runs a numbers syndicate in Metropolis. Corky finds Clark Kent, knowing the reporter is Superman. ... See full summary »
Director: Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 183
This episode is based on a subplot in the comics story "Super Manor!", Action Comics #179 (April 1953), which together with this television episode later formed the basis of the comics story, "The Dog Who Loved Superman!" in Superman #88 (March 1954).
3.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Panic in the Sky
(1953)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Superman rams a giant asteroid on a collision course with Earth. The impact causes the asteroid to now orbit the planet. However, Superman is staggered as he returns to Earth. He manages to... See full summary »
Director: Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 240
This episode was adapted into the comics story "The Menace from the Stars!", World's Finest No. 68 (January-February 1954). Many of the episode's plot elements derive from the earlier comics story "When Stars Collide!" from Action Comics #63 (August 1943).
4.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Jimmy Olsen, Boy Editor
(1954)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Jimmy Olsen becomes editor of the Daily Planet for a day. It's part of a program where young people assume important offices, including mayor and police chief, for 24 hours. Jimmy, however,... See full summary »
Director: Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 153
This is based on the comics story "Jimmy Olsen . . . Editor!" from Superman #86 (January 1954.
5.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Through the Time Barrier
(1955)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
A nutty professor uses his time machine to send Clark, Lois, Jimmy, Perry and himself back to 50,000 B.C., along with a notorious gangster who decides he likes prehistoric times.
Director: Harry Gerstad | Stars: George Reeves, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, John Hamilton
Votes: 197
This is based on the comics story "The Challenge of Stoneman!" in Action Comics #201 (February 1955) -- accounting for the curious scene here where Turk draws an "S" on his fur caveman outfit and proclaims himself "Stoneman"!
6.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Great Caesar's Ghost
(1955)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Everybody knows that the favorite expletive of "Daily Planet" reporter Perry White is "Great Caesar's Ghost!" With this in mind, imagine White's shock and dismay when he is confronted with ... See full summary »
Director: Harry Gerstad | Stars: George Reeves, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, John Hamilton
Votes: 184
This episode is loosely based on the comics story "Great Caesar's Ghost!", Superman #91 (August 1954). There, though, the scheme was not criminal but Clark Kent arranging the hoax to bolster the confidence of the Daily Planet's drama critic (who by impersonating Caesar's ghost got to intimidate Perry White for a change) and to save Perry from forced retirement (by having the supposed Caesar demand he get some news scoops worthy of taking Great Caesar's name in vain.)
7.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Clark Kent, Outlaw
(1955)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Fired by editor Perry White (John Hamilton), disgraced reporter Clark Kent (George Reeves) joins a gang of diamond thieves. Unbeknownst to fellow reporters Lois (Noel Neill) and Jimmy (Jack... See full summary »
Director: George Blair | Stars: George Reeves, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, John Hamilton
Votes: 162
This is based on the comic book story "Clark Kent -- Outlaw!", Superman #98 (July 1955).
8.
Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
Episode:
Jimmy the Kid
(1956)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Gangsters break into Clark's office searching for money and important papers, but can't find anything. The boss comes up with a new plan--he has found someone called "Kid Collins" who looks... See full summary »
Director: Philip Ford | Stars: George Reeves, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, John Hamilton
Votes: 176
This is based on the comics story "Jimmy Olsen's Double" in Superman #93 (November 1954).
9.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
Appointment in Crime Alley
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Batman's friend Dr. Leslie Thompkins is taken prisoner by a land developer after she uncovers his devious plans.
Director: Boyd Kirkland | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Edward Asner, Mari Devon
Votes: 2,230
This is based on the comics story "There is No Hope in Crime Alley!" in Detective Comics #457 (March, 1976).
10.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Batman investigates a theft of bearer bonds intended for the starving people of a poor country.
Director: Frank Paur | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Bob Hastings, Bud Cort, John Rhys-Davies
Votes: 1,957
The episode is based on the comics story "The Cape and Cowl Death Trap!" (Detective Comics #450, August 1975), also by Elliot S. Maggin.
11.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
The Laughing Fish
(1993)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The Joker becomes enraged when the Gotham copyright office rejects his demand for a copyright for his grinning Joker fish.
Director: Bruce Timm | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Bob Hastings, Robert Costanzo, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Votes: 2,012
This episode was based on three Batman comics, blended together; "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" from Batman #251 (September 1973) and "The Laughing Fish" and "Sign of the Joker!" from Detective Comics #475 and #476, of February/March 1978.
12.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Dr. Hugo Strange's invention, a machine that reads people's thoughts, leads him to discover that Bruce is Batman.
Director: Frank Paur | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Bob Hastings, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Ray Buktenica
Votes: 1,995
This episode was based on the comic stories "The Dead Yet Live" and "I Am the Batman!" from Detective Comics #471 and #472 (August/September 1977).
13.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
When Edward Nygma's greedy boss unjustly fires genius him, Nygma seeks revenge in a new guise - as the Riddler.
Director: Eric Radomski | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Brock Peters
Votes: 1,950
This episode is a loose adaptation of "The Riddler!" from Detective Comics #140 (October 1948).
14.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
Moon of the Wolf
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Milo tries to use an old friend of Bruce Wayne's, Romulus, to destroy him after Milo injects Romulus with a serum that changes him into a wolf.
Director: Dick Sebast | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Bob Hastings, Robert Costanzo, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Votes: 1,689
This is based on the comics story "Moon of the Wolf" in Batman #255 (April, 1974).
15.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
Off Balance
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Batman investigates a notorious global crime cartel, the Society of Shadows, which has begun to operate in Gotham City.
Director: Kevin Altieri | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Bob Hastings, Robert Costanzo, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Votes: 1,630
This episode is a direct adaptation of "Into the Den of the Death-Dealers" from Detective Comics #411 (May 1971), famous for the first appearance of character Talia Al Ghul.
16.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
The Man Who Killed Batman
(1993)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Sidney Debris, a small-time mobster, earns the hatred of all of Batman's enemies when he claims to have accidentally killed Batman during a brawl.
Director: Bruce Timm | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Robert Costanzo, Matt Frewer, Mark Hamill
Votes: 2,025
The plot for this episode is loosely based upon a story from Detective Comics #524 called "Deathgrip".
17.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
The Demon's Quest: Part I
(1993)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
When Robin is mysteriously abducted, Batman's search leads him to Ra's Al Ghul, leader of the Society of Shadows.
Director: Kevin Altieri | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Loren Lester, Helen Slater
Votes: 1,694
This episode is based on the story, "Daughter of the Demon" from Batman #232 (June, 1971). It is the first comic appearance of Ra's Al Ghul.
18.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
The Demon's Quest: Part II
(1993)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Batman discovers Ra's Al Ghul's plan to flood Earth with chemicals and return it to a lush, green planet.
Director: Kevin Altieri | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, David Warner, Helen Slater
Votes: 1,661
This episode is based on the story, "The Demon Lives Again!" from Batman #244 (September 1972).
19.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
Sideshow
(1994)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Killer Croc escapes a prison train and finds refuge with a group of former circus freaks living in the mountains, who take pity on him.
Director: Boyd Kirkland | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Aron Kincaid, Kenneth Mars, Brad Garrett
Votes: 1,486
This episode is loosely based on "A Vow From the Grave" from Detective Comics #410 (April 1971).
20.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
A Bullet for Bullock
(1995)
Unrated | 21 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Det. Bullock reluctantly asks for Batman's assistance when he is convinced someone is trying to kill him.
Director: Frank Paur | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Robert Costanzo, Liane Schirmer
Votes: 1,520
This is based on the comics story "A Bullet for Bullock" from Detective Comics #651 (October 1992).
21.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Episode:
Terror in the Sky
(1992)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
When a man-sized bat ransacks Gotham's harbor, Batman suspects that Dr. Kirk Langstrom is drinking his Man-Bat formula again.
Director: Boyd Kirkland | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings, Marc Singer
Votes: 1,695
This episode is based on Detective Comics #429, "Man-Bat over Vegas", and the last line is a direct reference to one of last lines in the story, "Now Francine's vampire nightmare is about over!".
22.
The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999)
Episode:
Legends of the Dark Knight
(1998)
TV-PG | 20 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Several children give their widely varying opinions of who they think Batman is.
Director: Dan Riba | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Gary Owens, Michael Ironside, Michael McKean
Votes: 954
Carrie's tale is a homage to the Frank Miller Graphic Novel Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
23.
The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999)
Episode:
Mad Love
(1999)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Harley Quinn tries to impress her love while the origin of her career as The Joker's sidekick is revealed.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Arleen Sorkin, Bob Hastings
Votes: 1,212
The comic book that this episode was adapted from, Batman Adventures - Mad Love, was originally released in 1994 as a special issue of The Batman Adventures. It won the Eisner Award for "Best Single Story."
24.
Spider-Man (1967–1970)
Episode:
The Menace of Mysterio
(1967)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After framing Spider-Man, Mysterio offers to kill the superhero for J. Jonah Jameson for a fee.
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Sid Marcus, Grant Simmons, Ray Patterson | Stars: Bernard Cowan, Paul Kligman, Paul Soles, Peg Dixon
Votes: 132
This story is based on the Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 #13 (June 1964).
25.
Spider-Man (1967–1970)
Episode:
Never Step on a Scorpion/Sands of Crime
(1967)
TV-Y7 | 15 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The Scorpion, a super-human creation designed to vanquish Spider-Man, has a lethal sting in his tail and he's ready to sting J. Jonah Jameson. The Sandman heists the priceless Goliath Diamond and Spider-Man is the fall guy for the crime.
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Sid Marcus, Grant Simmons, Ray Patterson | Stars: Bernard Cowan, Paul Kligman, Paul Soles, Peg Dixon
Votes: 110
"Never Step on a Scorpion" is based on the comic book story, "The Coming of the Scorpion!" from the Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 #20 (January 1965).
26.
Spider-Man (1967–1970)
Episode:
The Origin of Spiderman
(1968)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Meek Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and acquires super-powers. He decides to use his new powers to get rich, but when tragedy strikes close to home, he learns a valuable lesson and vows to fight crime instead.
Director: Ralph Bakshi | Stars: Paul Kligman, Paul Soles, Peg Dixon, Bernard Cowan
Votes: 136
This episode is based on the comic book, Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962), which marked Spider-Man's debut.
27.
Super Friends (1973–1985)
Episode:
The Rise and Fall of the Super Friends/History of Doom
(1978)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Three aliens arrive on Earth after it has been destroyed and learn the origins of the SuperFriends and the Legion of Doom.
Directors: Ray Patterson, Carl Urbano | Stars: Jack Angel, Marlene Aragon, Lewis Bailey, Michael Bell
Votes: 83
Parts of this episode are lifted straight from the story, "How Luthor Met Superboy" from Adventure Comics #271 (April 1960).
28.
Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000)
Episode:
Speed Demons
(1997)
Unrated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Superman and The Flash compete in a charity running race around the world, but have to stop to deal with the Weather Wizard.
Director: Toshihiko Masuda | Stars: Tim Daly, Dana Delany, Charlie Schlatter, David Kaufman
Votes: 530
This story is loosely based on Superman #199 (January 1967), "Superman's Race With the Flash."
29.
Justice League (2001–2004)
Episode:
In Blackest Night
(2001)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Green Lantern is brought up on charges of genocide and is forced to attend an intergalactic trial courtesy of the Manhunters.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Maria Canals-Barrera, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, George Newbern
Votes: 1,024
This story is in part an adaption of Justice League of America #140-141, "No Man Escapes the Manhunter." It also incorporates elements of the 'Cosmic Odyssey' mini-series.
30.
Justice League (2001–2004)
Episode:
In Blackest Night: Part II
(2001)
TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Suspecting a railroad job, the League digs deeper into the charges against the Lantern. When the Guardians of the Universe arrive, the Manhunters' true motivation is revealed.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Maria Canals-Barrera, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, George Newbern
Votes: 995
This story is in part an adaption of Justice League of America #140-141, "No Man Escapes the Manhunter." It also incorporates elements of the 'Cosmic Odyssey' mini-series.
31.
Justice League (2001–2004)
Episode:
War World
(2002)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
While handling an asteroid in space, Superman and J'onn J'onzz are captured and banished to Warworld, a planet where combatants are forced to duel to the death.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Maria Canals-Barrera, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, George Newbern
Votes: 839
The story is an adaptation of the comics storyline "Gladiator" from Adventures of Superman #454 (May 1989) and Superman #28-32, 1989.
32.
Justice League (2001–2004)
Episode:
War World: Part II
(2002)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Fight promoter and new contestant Mongul instructs Superman to throw the fight against him, or he'll destroy the enslaved Draaga's home planet.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Maria Canals-Barrera, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, George Newbern
Votes: 814
The story is an adaptation of the comics storyline "Gladiator" from Adventures of Superman #454 (May 1989) and Superman #28-32, 1989.
33.
Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006)
Episode:
For the Man Who Has Everything
(2004)
TV-Y7-FV | 21 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Batman and Wonder Woman find Superman immobilized in the Fortress of Solitude by a plant sent by the would-be conqueror Mongul.
Director: Dan Riba | Stars: George Newbern, Susan Eisenberg, Kevin Conroy, Eric Roberts
Votes: 1,066
This episode is based on the comic book story, "For the Man Who Has Everything," first published in Superman Annual #11 (1985).
34.
Justice League (2001–2004)
Episode:
Injustice for All
(2002)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Arrested and terminally ill, Lex Luthor breaks out of prison to assemble a team of supervillains to help him destroy the Justice League.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Maria Canals-Barrera, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly
Votes: 917
This episode loosely echoes the Rock of Ages storyline from JLA #10-15.
35.
Justice League (2001–2004)
Episode:
Injustice for All: Part II
(2002)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
His illness treated by Ultra-Humanite, Luthor pressures his cadre of super-villains to combat the League. While captured, Batman exploits the greed of the group to his advantage.
Director: Butch Lukic | Stars: Kevin Conroy, Maria Canals-Barrera, Susan Eisenberg, Phil LaMarr
Votes: 908
This episode loosely echoes the Rock of Ages storyline from JLA #10-15.
36.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
Days Of Future Past Part I
(1993)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A mutant travels back in time to avert a future catastrophe.
Stars: Philip Akin, Brett Halsey, Lawrence Bayne, David Hemblen
Votes: 1,042
This episode is based on two stories from the comics: The Uncanny X-men #287 and X-Men (vol 2) #8.
37.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
Days Of Future Past Part II
(1993)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Gambit sets out to prove his innocence by thwarting an assassination he supposedly caused. Can he succeed?
Stars: Philip Akin, Brett Halsey, Lawrence Bayne, David Hemblen
Votes: 1,006
This episode is based on two stories from the comics: The Uncanny X-men #287 and X-Men (vol 2) #8.
38.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
A Rogue's Tale
(1994)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Mr. Sinister send Mystique to destroy the X-Men while Professor X is lost in the Savage Land. Rogue starts having painful visions of a mysterious woman and they're literally driving her ... See full summary »
Directors: Larry Houston, Richard Bowman | Stars: Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer, Catherine Disher, Lenore Zann
Votes: 754
Parts of this episode are based on The Uncanny X-Men #269 and Avengers Annual #10.
39.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
Proteus Part I
(1995)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Moira MacTaggert is trying to help her son, but when he escapes from Muir Island she calls on the X-Men for help.
Directors: Larry Houston, Fred Miller | Stars: Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer, Catherine Disher, Lenore Zann
Votes: 530
This episode is loosely based on The Uncanny X-Men #126-127 (Oct/Nov 1979).
40.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
Proteus Part II
(1995)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Angered at his father's reaction, Proteus creates havoc, but Professor X later calms him down, and he stops the rampage.
Directors: Larry Houston, Fred Miller | Stars: Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer, Catherine Disher, Alison Sealy-Smith
Votes: 530
This episode is loosely based on The Uncanny X-Men #128 (Dec 1979).
41.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
Sanctuary Part I
(1995)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Weary of battling for mutant supremacy, Magneto offers to transport all mutants to an orbiting asteroid named Asteroid M where they can live peaceful and human-free lives.
Directors: Larry Houston, Fred Miller | Stars: Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer, Catherine Disher, Lenore Zann
Votes: 550
This episode is loosely based on X-Men (vol 2) #1-2 (1991).
42.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Episode:
Sanctuary Part II
(1995)
TV-Y7-FV | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
As Magneto plummets helplessly to Earth, Fabian Cortez assumes control of Asteroid M and sends hundreds of missiles towards Earth.
Directors: Larry Houston, Fred Miller | Stars: Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer, Catherine Disher, Lenore Zann
Votes: 543
This episode is loosely based on X-Men (vol 2) #3 (1991).
43.
Batman (1966–1968)
Episode:
Death in Slow Motion
(1966)
TV-G | 25 min | Action, Crime, Fantasy
The Riddler is back, and is pursuing a silent movie theme with his latest scheme.
Director: Charles R. Rondeau | Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton
Votes: 452
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