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In recent years, Marvel and DC have maintained a hegemony over producing superhero shows and movies. While the comics have a vast store of characters and can therefore afford to create visually stunning and epic sagas, there are also some underrated creators and comic book series that have been made into thought-provoking shows.
From a single mother protecting her son with superhuman abilities, to a group of misfits being endowed with magical powers, here is a look at 10 superhero shows apart from Marvel or DC. They have everything—from magic and action to substance and depth.
The Nevers, Misfits, and other superhero shows that aren't from Marvel or DC
1. The Boys
One of the most popular superhero shows currently is this one by Eric Kripke. While Kripke is the showrunner, the series is actually based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The show is a satirical and black comedy superhero drama that features Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Jack Quaid, and others.
Critically and commercially acclaimed, the series is noted for its performances, especially those by Starr and Urban, its premise, and its direction. The show turns the superhero tropes on their head and presents a world where superheroes are selfish. While the heroes maintain a facade of goodness in front of the public, they actually abuse their powers and work for a powerful company.
To ensure that these “supes” are brought into the light, a group of vigilantes combats them. The show was originally intended to be a movie. It has been nominated multiple times at the Emmy Awards and has spawned spin-offs. The show has plenty of action, stellar visuals, and presents a terrifying version of the world where the protectors are the villains.
2. Extraordinary
Created by Emma Moran and starring Mairead Tyers, Sofia Oxenham, and others, this British superhero comedy series is unique in its premise. The show’s plot revolves around a world where every human gains a superpower once they turn 18. However, the protagonist of the show, Jen (Tyers), is 25 years old and still does not have any powers. Quirky, whimsical, and fun, the show aired for two seasons and received rave reviews.
The show focuses on how Jen struggles to find her superpower while also getting into adventures with her friends. The beauty of the show is that it turns having a superpower into a normal act. Most people don’t know what to do with it, and those who do, don’t have any grand schemes of saving the world. Instead, they use it to make their lives a bit better. From superpowers of flight to lighthearted ones like summoning fish, this is one of the delightful superhero shows.
3. The Umbrella Academy
Based on the comic book series of the same name, which was written by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, this superhero comedy drama was developed by Jeremy Slater. The show is created by Steve Blackman and features Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, Robert Sheehan, and others. The show aired for four seasons and focuses on a dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings.
All the superheroes are quirky and eccentric and have a humorous energy to them. They are adopted by an equally eccentric billionaire, Sir Reginald, and turned into a superhero team. However, when they reunite for their father’s funeral, they also have to deal with the threat of an apocalypse.
The show was critically acclaimed and has tons of wild adventures. It has themes of time-alteration and other mind-bending stuff that will keep the viewers hooked. Further, even though the show is not from Marvel or DC, it has impressive action sequences and is, therefore, one of those superhero shows that one must watch.
4. Raising Dion
Created by Carol Barbee and based on the comic book and 2015 short film of the same name by Dennis Liu, this superhero drama series is full of emotions. The show features Alisha Wainwright, Ja’Siah Young, and others.
The show offers a unique concept as it focuses on a single mother and widow, Nicole (Wainwright), who is raising her young son, Dion (Young). However, her life changes when she notices that Dion is displaying superhuman abilities like telekinesis and teleportation. Clueless about the origin of these powers, she must band together with her husband’s best friend and find out its source.
In the meantime, she must also protect her son from evil people who might exploit his powers and use him for their benefit. The show is essentially about a mother and her son and has lots of heartfelt moments. The show also tells the story entirely from the perspective of the mother.
5. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Developed by ND Stevenson and based on the 1985 series, this animated superhero show is full of magic, mystery, and adventure. The series features the voices of Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, Marcus Scribner, and others. Focusing on an adolescent called Adora, the show revolves around her quest to save her planet, Etheria, from evil forces.
The series is set in a world where magic is everywhere, and Adora finds a magic sword that turns her into a powerful She-Ra. As a She-Ra, she gathers forces with the other magical princesses and creates a rebellion against the evil Lord, Hordak.
The series has the perfect balance of nostalgia, comedy, and adventure. However, the show also deals with some introspective and mature themes as Adora finds herself at odds with the community she is a part of, after getting her powers.
6. Misfits
Starring Iwan Rheon, Robert Sheehan, and others, this British sci-fi comedy drama is one of those superhero shows that is offbeat and a must-watch. While Marvel and DC have recently begun to toy with the idea of preparing movies and TV shows that showcase the powers of social misfits, this show was ahead of its time. The show aired from 2009 to 2013 and was created by Howard Overman.
At its core, the series is about a group of young offenders who work in a community service program. However, their lives change when a strange electrical storm gifts them supernatural powers. Moreover, all the wayward teens get powers connected to their personalities.
The show has five seasons and has plenty of dark comedy, lewd hilarity, and ruckus adventures. While the teenagers grapple with their powers, they also get into trouble as they murder their parole officer and find out that there are more people like them. Now, they must decide whether they will continue to wreak havoc or become good superheroes.
7. Invincible
Based on the comic book series of the same name by Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, this is an adult animated superhero series. Created by Robert Kirkman, who also co-created the characters, the show has received critical and commercial acclaim.
The show is noted for its animation, story, and emotional gravitas. It follows a teenager, Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun), who is groomed to become a superhero by his father, Nolan Grayson, who is the most powerful superhero on Earth. However, the series deals with coming-of-age themes as Mark finds it difficult to balance his personal and superhero life.
Further, like other teenagers, he must also make his parents proud and become a good superhero like his father. The series is therefore extremely relatable for its young viewers and is a must-watch superhero series. The show also focuses on a worldwide conspiracy that could destroy the planet and make Mark question what it means to be a hero.
8. Jupiter’s Legacy
Developed by Steven S. DeKnight, this superhero series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely. The show features Josh Duhamel, Leslie Bibb, and others. While the show ran for just one season and received mixed reviews, it is full of action, poignant themes, and questions about what it means to be a superhero.
The show focuses on two generations of superheroes, one who received powers in the 1930s and their children, the next generation. While the older heroes have a strict code of justice and are run by Sheldon Sampson and his wife, Grace, their children, Brandon and Chloe, find it difficult to continue their parents’ rules.
The show juxtaposes the past and the present and focuses on the generation gap. As the original heroes clash with their children’s modern worldviews, the show becomes extremely relatable. The series also looks into the burdens that come with higher power and responsibility.
9. The Nevers
Created by Joss Whedon, this sci-fi drama series is one of the exciting superhero shows. Starring Laura Donnelly, Ann Skelly, Tom Riley, and others, the show has just one season and is set in Victorian London.
While most superhero shows are based in modern times, this one is set in the 19th century and revolves around a group of women. These women suddenly get abnormal abilities after a mysterious event in 1896. Now known as the “touched,” they must face grave enemies and head on missions to save the world.
The protagonist of the series is Amalia True (Donnelly), who can see into the future but is irresponsible and quick to fight. She teams up with her best friend, Penance Adair, who is a genius inventor. Together, she protects all the women who are “touched” from a hostile government and a mysterious serial killer. The show has a mix of the whimsical and the magical.
10. I Am Not Okay With This
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Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Charles Forsman, this coming-of-age black comedy series stars Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, and others. The show is one of those superhero shows that grounds the supernatural in the normal. It follows a teenage girl, Sydney (Lillis), who navigates adolescent issues like love, family, and relationships. However, she also has psychokinetic powers that get triggered by strong emotions.
As she grows up, Sydney must gain control over her powers and cope with her father’s death, her relationships, and her estranged relationship with her mother. While the show received critical and commercial acclaim for its sensitive plot and performances, it was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With just one season in tow, the series has beautiful moments of magic, powers, and growing up. A must-watch.
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