TV Episodes Inspired by Issues of Comic Books
Comic Book TV Episodes That Were Based on Actual Issues of the Comics!
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- DirectorThomas CarrStarsGeorge ReevesNoel NeillJack LarsonSuperman 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 exile while the atomic scientists try to figure out what to do. Meanwhile, criminals kidnap Lois Lane, figuring Superman wouldn't dare try to apprehend them because of his condition.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).
- 1952–195830mTV-G7.5 (184)TV EpisodeDirectorThomas CarrStarsGeorge ReevesNoel NeillJack LarsonSuperman 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. Eventually, Hank realizes Corky knows Superman's civilian identity and intends to use the dog to find it out.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).
- DirectorThomas CarrStarsGeorge ReevesNoel NeillJack LarsonSuperman 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 change back to Clark Kent (apparently a reflex action) but doesn't remember who he is. Meanwhile, the orbiting asteroid still presents hazards for Earth. Only Superman can place an explosive device that will demolish the asteroid -- and no one, including Clark, knows where Superman is.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).
- DirectorThomas CarrStarsGeorge ReevesNoel NeillJack LarsonJimmy 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, wants to be more than a figurehead. He publishes a story in the newspaper claiming the boy editor has important information that will convict Legs Lemmy of a robbery. That robbery occurred nearly seven years ago and the statute of limitations is about to run out. Clark Kent and Perry White, both in Clark's office, try to keep track of what Jimmy is doing. Then, Legs and his gang enter, wanting to find out what "evidence" Jimmy has. The problem is, Jimmy has noneThis is based on the comics story "Jimmy Olsen . . . Editor!" from Superman #86 (January 1954.
- DirectorHarry GerstadStarsGeorge ReevesJack LarsonNoel NeillA 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.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"!
- DirectorHarry GerstadStarsGeorge ReevesJack LarsonNoel NeillEverybody 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 the ghost of Julius Caesar. Before long, all of Metropolis is seriously questioning White's sanity--which is precisely the intention of a gang of crooks who hope to discredit Perry's testimony at a criminal trial. Looks like Superman is going to have to do some ghostbusting in this one.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.)
- DirectorGeorge BlairStarsGeorge ReevesJack LarsonNoel NeillFired 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 Larson), Clark's criminal career is but a sham, a scheme cooked up between Kent and White to trap the real crooks and turn them over to the law. Even so, Clark is forced to prove his loyalty to the gang by "eliminating" Lois and Jimmy, binding the hapless duo to a chair which is then set afire! Isn't it about time for Clark to sneak into that closet and change into Superman?This is based on the comic book story "Clark Kent -- Outlaw!", Superman #98 (July 1955).
- DirectorPhilip FordStarsGeorge ReevesJack LarsonNoel NeillGangsters 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 exactly like Jimmy Olsen. He kidnaps the real Jimmy and replaces him with the fake Jimmy. who has orders to get Clark to reveal where the money and documents are.This is based on the comics story "Jimmy Olsen's Double" in Superman #93 (November 1954).
- 1992–199522mUnrated7.6 (2.2K)TV EpisodeDirectorBoyd KirklandStarsKevin ConroyEfrem Zimbalist Jr.Edward AsnerBatman's friend Dr. Leslie Thompkins is taken prisoner by a land developer after she uncovers his devious plans.This is based on the comics story "There is No Hope in Crime Alley!" in Detective Comics #457 (March, 1976).
- 1992–199522mUnrated7.6 (2K)TV EpisodeDirectorFrank PaurStarsKevin ConroyBob HastingsBud CortBatman investigates a theft of bearer bonds intended for the starving people of a poor country.The episode is based on the comics story "The Cape and Cowl Death Trap!" (Detective Comics #450, August 1975), also by Elliot S. Maggin.
- 1992–199522mUnrated8.6 (2K)TV EpisodeDirectorBruce TimmStarsKevin ConroyBob HastingsRobert CostanzoThe Joker becomes enraged when the Gotham copyright office rejects his demand for a copyright for his grinning Joker fish.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.
- 1992–199522mUnrated8.2 (2K)TV EpisodeDirectorFrank PaurStarsKevin ConroyBob HastingsEfrem Zimbalist Jr.Dr. Hugo Strange's invention, a machine that reads people's thoughts, leads him to discover that Bruce is Batman.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).
- 1992–199522mUnrated8.3 (2K)TV EpisodeDirectorEric RadomskiStarsKevin ConroyLoren LesterEfrem Zimbalist Jr.When Edward Nygma's greedy boss unjustly fires genius him, Nygma seeks revenge in a new guise - as the Riddler.This episode is a loose adaptation of "The Riddler!" from Detective Comics #140 (October 1948).
- 1992–199522mUnrated6.7 (1.7K)TV EpisodeDirectorDick SebastStarsKevin ConroyBob HastingsRobert CostanzoMilo 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.This is based on the comics story "Moon of the Wolf" in Batman #255 (April, 1974).
- DirectorKevin AltieriStarsKevin ConroyBob HastingsRobert CostanzoBatman investigates a notorious global crime cartel, the Society of Shadows, which has begun to operate in Gotham City.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.
- 1992–199522mUnrated8.8 (2K)TV EpisodeDirectorBruce TimmStarsKevin ConroyRobert CostanzoMatt FrewerSidney 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.The plot for this episode is loosely based upon a story from Detective Comics #524 called "Deathgrip".
- 1992–199522mUnrated8.4 (1.7K)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin AltieriStarsKevin ConroyEfrem Zimbalist Jr.Loren LesterWhen Robin is mysteriously abducted, Batman's search leads him to Ra's Al Ghul, leader of the Society of Shadows.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.
- 1992–199522mUnrated8.3 (1.7K)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin AltieriStarsKevin ConroyLoren LesterDavid WarnerBatman discovers Ra's Al Ghul's plan to flood Earth with chemicals and return it to a lush, green planet.This episode is based on the story, "The Demon Lives Again!" from Batman #244 (September 1972).
- DirectorBoyd KirklandStarsKevin ConroyAron KincaidKenneth MarsKiller Croc escapes a prison train and finds refuge with a group of former circus freaks living in the mountains, who take pity on him.This episode is loosely based on "A Vow From the Grave" from Detective Comics #410 (April 1971).
- 1992–199521mUnrated8.1 (1.5K)TV EpisodeDirectorFrank PaurStarsKevin ConroyEfrem Zimbalist Jr.Robert CostanzoDet. Bullock reluctantly asks for Batman's assistance when he is convinced someone is trying to kill him.This is based on the comics story "A Bullet for Bullock" from Detective Comics #651 (October 1992).
- 1992–199522mUnrated7.3 (1.7K)TV EpisodeDirectorBoyd KirklandStarsKevin ConroyEfrem Zimbalist Jr.Bob HastingsWhen a man-sized bat ransacks Gotham's harbor, Batman suspects that Dr. Kirk Langstrom is drinking his Man-Bat formula again.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!".
- 1997–199920mTV-PG8.5 (959)TV EpisodeDirectorDan RibaStarsKevin ConroyGary OwensMichael IronsideSeveral children give their widely varying opinions of who they think Batman is.Carrie's tale is a homage to the Frank Miller Graphic Novel Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
- DirectorButch LukicStarsKevin ConroyMark HamillArleen SorkinHarley Quinn tries to impress her love while the origin of her career as The Joker's sidekick is revealed.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."
- DirectorClyde GeronimiSid MarcusGrant SimmonsStarsBernard CowanPaul KligmanPaul SolesAfter framing Spider-Man, Mysterio offers to kill the superhero for J. Jonah Jameson for a fee.This story is based on the Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 #13 (June 1964).
- 1967–197015mTV-Y76.8 (110)TV EpisodeDirectorClyde GeronimiSid MarcusGrant SimmonsStarsBernard CowanPaul KligmanPaul SolesThe 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."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).
- DirectorRalph BakshiStarsPaul KligmanPaul SolesPeg DixonMeek 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.This episode is based on the comic book, Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962), which marked Spider-Man's debut.
- 1973–198530mTV-Y7-FV8.3 (83)TV EpisodeDirectorRay PattersonCarl UrbanoStarsJack AngelMarlene AragonLewis BaileyThree aliens arrive on Earth after it has been destroyed and learn the origins of the SuperFriends and the Legion of Doom.Parts of this episode are lifted straight from the story, "How Luthor Met Superboy" from Adventure Comics #271 (April 1960).
- DirectorToshihiko MasudaStarsTim DalyDana DelanyCharlie SchlatterSuperman and The Flash compete in a charity running race around the world, but have to stop to deal with the Weather Wizard.This story is loosely based on Superman #199 (January 1967), "Superman's Race With the Flash."
- DirectorButch LukicStarsMaria Canals-BarreraPhil LaMarrCarl LumblyGreen Lantern is brought up on charges of genocide and is forced to attend an intergalactic trial courtesy of the Manhunters.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.
- DirectorButch LukicStarsMaria Canals-BarreraPhil LaMarrCarl LumblySuspecting 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.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.
- DirectorButch LukicStarsMaria Canals-BarreraPhil LaMarrCarl LumblyWhile 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.The story is an adaptation of the comics storyline "Gladiator" from Adventures of Superman #454 (May 1989) and Superman #28-32, 1989.
- DirectorButch LukicStarsMaria Canals-BarreraPhil LaMarrCarl LumblyFight promoter and new contestant Mongul instructs Superman to throw the fight against him, or he'll destroy the enslaved Draaga's home planet.The story is an adaptation of the comics storyline "Gladiator" from Adventures of Superman #454 (May 1989) and Superman #28-32, 1989.
- 2004–200621m8.6 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorDan RibaStarsGeorge NewbernSusan EisenbergKevin ConroyBatman and Wonder Woman find Superman immobilized in the Fortress of Solitude by a plant sent by the would-be conqueror Mongul.This episode is based on the comic book story, "For the Man Who Has Everything," first published in Superman Annual #11 (1985).
- DirectorButch LukicStarsKevin ConroyMaria Canals-BarreraPhil LaMarrArrested and terminally ill, Lex Luthor breaks out of prison to assemble a team of supervillains to help him destroy the Justice League.This episode loosely echoes the Rock of Ages storyline from JLA #10-15.
- DirectorButch LukicStarsKevin ConroyMaria Canals-BarreraSusan EisenbergHis 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.This episode loosely echoes the Rock of Ages storyline from JLA #10-15.
- 1992–199722mTV-Y7-FV8.5 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorLarry HoustonStarsPhilip AkinBrett HalseyLawrence BayneA mutant travels back in time to avert a future catastrophe.This episode is based on two stories from the comics: The Uncanny X-men #287 and X-Men (vol 2) #8.
- 1992–199722mTV-Y7-FV8.5 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorLarry HoustonStarsPhilip AkinBrett HalseyLawrence BayneGambit sets out to prove his innocence by thwarting an assassination he supposedly caused. Can he succeed?This episode is based on two stories from the comics: The Uncanny X-men #287 and X-Men (vol 2) #8.
- DirectorLarry HoustonRichard BowmanStarsCedric SmithNorm SpencerCatherine DisherMr. 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 crazy when the mysterious woman possesses Rogue's body. Unknown to the X-men, this mystery woman holds some dark secrets to Rogue's past before she joined the X-Men.Parts of this episode are based on The Uncanny X-Men #269 and Avengers Annual #10.
- DirectorLarry HoustonFred MillerStarsCedric SmithNorm SpencerCatherine DisherMoira MacTaggert is trying to help her son, but when he escapes from Muir Island she calls on the X-Men for help.This episode is loosely based on The Uncanny X-Men #126-127 (Oct/Nov 1979).
- DirectorLarry HoustonFred MillerStarsCedric SmithNorm SpencerCatherine DisherAngered at his father's reaction, Proteus creates havoc, but Professor X later calms him down, and he stops the rampage.This episode is loosely based on The Uncanny X-Men #128 (Dec 1979).
- 1992–199722mTV-Y7-FV7.8 (578)TV EpisodeDirectorLarry HoustonFred MillerStarsCedric SmithNorm SpencerCatherine DisherWeary 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.This episode is loosely based on X-Men (vol 2) #1-2 (1991).
- 1992–199722mTV-Y7-FV7.8 (575)TV EpisodeDirectorLarry HoustonFred MillerStarsCedric SmithNorm SpencerCatherine DisherAs Magneto plummets helplessly to Earth, Fabian Cortez assumes control of Asteroid M and sends hundreds of missiles towards Earth.This episode is loosely based on X-Men (vol 2) #3 (1991).
- DirectorCharles R. RondeauStarsAdam WestBurt WardAlan NapierThe Riddler is back, and is pursuing a silent movie theme with his latest scheme.