Technically Comic Accurate

Be careful what you wish for

Source material accuracy is sacred among fans but comic book adaptations can’t resist subverting expectations - a loophole often used is obscurity. Creators can say they stayed true to the comics but in a sneaky way. Here are five characters who are technically comic accurate.

A dark-haired Supergirl has appeared in DC Comics, so in 2023’s “The Flash,” the studio could say that this particular version of Kara Zor-El is reminiscent of *a* Supergirl. Numerous iterations exist, but it was a conscious deviation - a gamble that helped kill a franchise.

Speaking of the Dreadful Cinematic Excrement Universe (DCEU) - Admittedly, I’m a fanboy of the 90s longhaired, bearded, hook hand Arthur Curry - but this look’s prevalence gave way for Jason Momoa to portray Aquaman. Let’s all be happy he’s latched onto Lobo.

The Flash TV series had a large rogues gallery, though some seasons’ “Big Bad” bugged viewers. If a story arc’s main villain wasn’t exciting, you waited it out and hoped for the next one to be good. Season five’s comic-hatched Cicada felt like a waste of time - and timey wimey hijinks.

1998’s Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. is infuriating because David Hasselhoff bears a strong resemblance to the classic version of the spymaster. The rest is a cheese-fest. It’s a shame since after years of the Ultimates-inspired Nick, it’d be cool to see the OG.

It’s finally happening: fan-favorite Shalla-Bal is coming to the MCU! Or not. Fantastic Four: Worst Steps has yet to be released, but fans will finally see a proper presentation of these icons. Except for the Silver Surfer everyone knows. A male herald can only rise once.

Source material accuracy doesn’t matter - if an adaptation is good, then the “Rule of Cool” trumps all. However, creative risks don’t always work out so it’s typically best to stick to the original concept. Do you agree?

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