7 major comic-to-series changes in Netflix's The Eternaut

Netflix is known for bringing forth some of the most intriguing stories. This time, Netflix has done a commendable job in adapting The Eternaut from the comics. With just 6 episodes, this series has created such a buzz among sci-fi enthusiasts all around the world.

The long-time fans of the comics from which this series is actually adapted have noted that the series has some concepts that have been reimagined. Though usually when a series or a movie deviates from the source material, it creates disappointment, however, the Netflix series has been anything but that.

The core premise is the same, but there have been certain changes that have further enhanced the intrigue of the series. So, let’s dive right in.

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7 major comic-to-series changes in Netflix's The Eternaut

1) Names of the creatures

For every live-action adaptation, certain creative liberties are always expected. In The Eternaut, we see certain changes and differences that were different from the comics. The main difference that can be noted between the two is the use of names for the creatures.

In the comics version of The Eternaut, we see that the adversaries have different names given to them. For instance, the creepy beetle-like creatures were named as Cascarudos. Another example can be the alien that uses fingers. Though there can be an expectation that the series might give the name in season 2, yet this difference is clear from the comic.

The show approaches for a more generalized approach. The creatures are undoubtedly distinct, even though naming was not present. The decision to not give specific names to the creatures could be because of the creation of a broader sense of dread and intensity.

The threats might feel even more dangerous. It emphasizes on the unknown nature of the invasion. Along with this, it creates an easily accessible approach for the global audience as well. Though more can be expected in the later seasons of this series, the first season of The Eternaut was enough to pique the interest of the viewers.

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2) Juan’s past

One of the major differences between the comics version and the series version of Juan is his past relations with the military. In the series, we see that Juan is a veteran. There are many incidents in the series when he gets a flashback of his days in the military. He also suffers from PTSD.

His status as a veteran impacts his behaviour towards the alien invasion. In the comics, however, Juan is not a veteran. He is an army reserve with some training. This is a huge difference. As a simple military training is completely different from a veteran. The series, The Eternaut, adds a layer of complexity to his character.

It provides a backdrop for his potential leadership skills and pre-existing experience with violence. Juan’s combat skills and strategic thinking is helpful throughout the series. We see him have no remorse for hurting anyone. He is adamant in protecting himself and his family through any difficult situation no matter what.

Juan’s past is a significant divergence from the source material. It is a prime example of storylines using creative liberty to enhance the already intriguing plotline.

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3) The impact of mind control

Another interesting change in the Netflix adaptation of The Eternaut is how the mind control impacted the people. As we know in the series, the people under the mind control of the aliens were sometimes able to show some level of resistance. This added a layer of complexity to the mind control aspect.

Though the victims were still undeniably under the aliens’ sway, they did not completely forget the past. There were times when they were able to break through the mind control. This can be seen especially in the case of Clara. Even under the mind control, there were times when she was able to remember her past.

This is not the case for the comics. In the comics, the people under mind control were completely subservient to the alien influence. They were more like blank slates. They moved with a chilling and unified purpose. However, the change in the series adds a significant emotional dimension to the narrative.

It is a depiction of the human spirit and a glimmer of hope. The viewers were able to delve deeper into this aspect. This subtle yet crucial difference in the depiction of the mind control injected a fresh perspective into The Eternaut.

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4) Timeline shift

This change from The Eternaut comics has been widely praised by the viewers of the series. If you have read the comics, then you must know that the original comics set the timeline of the series to be around the 1950s and 1960s. This was done to enhance the storyline with the political aspect of Argentina during the time.

Though the timeline of the comics was around the 1950s and 60s, the storyline still had a huge impact. However, Netflix took the liberty to create a more immersive experience with the adaptation. It is evident that in the series, the timeline is somewhat around the present day.

It is not set in the 1950s and 060s but feels to be more in the year 2025 itself. This shift brings a whole new set of contemporary anxieties. It is more relevant, especially considering the environmental issues that the world is facing in recent years.

The modern cinematography and the visual effects of the series add to the overall intrigue. The social dynamics and the communication methods create the core premise of the series to be more deadly and grim.

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5) Sci-fi plus realism

One of the main reasons a show or a movie becomes more intriguing is when they are able to incorporate some level of realism into it. Any form of realism adds another layer of grittiness and complexity to the narrative. For The Eternaut as well, a main difference between the show and the comics is how they interpret the reason behind the snowfall.

In the comics, it is never revealed as to how the aliens were able to create such a toxic environment using the toxic snowfall. It was just assumed that they had some kind of highly advanced technology with which they were able to take over the atmospheric conditions of the planet and wreak havoc.

However, the Netflix adaptation of The Eternaut brings some form of realism to this by explaining the reason behind the toxic snowfall. The scientific explanation of the snowfall gives a realistic approach to the show and makes it even more immersive. The scientific explanation shows that the shifts in the Earth’s poles and the radiation from the Van Allen belts combined together to create the toxic snowfall that overcast the planet.

Though the comic’s ambiguity amplifies a sense of dread, the show’s explanation allows exploration of different thematic layers. It is proof that the core concept can be reinterpreted and end up resonating with the viewers even more.

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6) Mind control devices

Mind control by the aliens is a significant aspect of the Netflix series. However, the series makes a clear distinction on how the mind control works from the comics. In the series, we do not get a proper explanation as to how the aliens are able to control the minds of the people.

However, in the comics, the aliens use a proper device for this purpose. The name of the device is the telecontroller. The telecontroller can control the actions of the people that are under its control with ease. The telecontroller is placed between the spinal cord and the brain, and then it has full control over the person’s activities. This series takes a different approach to this.

There is a more subtle and insidious form of control in the series. The series, The Eternaut, often emphasizes on the psychological impact of mind control. The ambiguity about the process or the instrument that takes control of the mind adds to the overall intrigue and paranoia. Both the approaches serve the theme of the alien invasion in a grim manner, however, the series takes it up a notch. It leaves the viewers pondering and eagerly waiting for what will happen next.

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7) Clara’s role

If you have read the comics, then you must know that the comics do not put much emphasis on the female characters. Furthermore, the female characters do not get proper character development as well. However, this is not the case for the Netflix series. In the series, we see a lot of shifts from the comics with respect to the female characters, especially Clara.

Clara has a much more important role in the series than in the comics. In the series, the development of Clara’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It moves beyond the simple hero narrative. The deliberate choice to make Clara an important character gives the series a fresh perspective.

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