10 Obscure Comics That Were Adapted Into Movies, TV Shows, or Games… and Completely Flopped

Hollywood loves comic books. But not every adaptation can become The Walking Dead or Invincible. For every breakout hit, there are forgotten movies, failed TV shows, and abandoned video games based on comics that should have worked… but didn’t.

Here are 10 obscure or lesser-known comics that were adapted into movies, television series, or video games—and flopped hard, often taking the comic’s momentum down with them.

1. Cowboys & Aliens (2011 – Film)

Originally a cult-favorite graphic novel, Cowboys & Aliens mashed up Westerns and sci-fi in a way that felt fresh on the page. The big-budget film adaptation starred Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig—but still crashed.

Why it flopped: Over-serious tone, weak character development, and a refusal to embrace the fun of the concept.

2. The Spirit (2008 – Film)

Will Eisner’s iconic pulp hero finally got a theatrical release—only to be buried under excessive stylization. Directed by Frank Miller, the movie misunderstood what made The Spirit special.

Why it flopped: Style over story, lifeless performances, and a tone that didn’t match the source material.

3. Tank Girl (1995 – Film)

A punk-rock anarchist icon in comics, Tank Girl was wildly ahead of its time. The movie bombed on release, only becoming a cult classic years later.

Why it flopped: Studio interference and audiences not ready for its chaos.

4. Dylan Dog (2010 – Film: Dead of Night)

One of Europe’s most successful horror comics, Dylan Dog was stripped of its identity for American audiences. The result felt generic and hollow.

Why it flopped: Loss of gothic atmosphere and cultural roots.

5. Jonah Hex (2010 – Film)

A gritty Western antihero with supernatural undertones, Jonah Hex could’ve been something special. Instead, the film became a punchline.

Why it flopped: Short runtime, incoherent plot, and tonal whiplash.

6. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003 – Film)

Alan Moore’s literary crossover comic was dense, clever, and subversive. The movie? None of those things.

Why it flopped: Simplified storytelling and studio meddling—so bad it made Sean Connery quit acting.

 

7. Spawn: Armageddon (2003 – Video Game)

Spawn’s comics thrived, but his jump to gaming never stuck. Spawn: Armageddon launched with hype and quickly disappeared.

Why it flopped: Clunky gameplay and repetitive combat.

8. Æon Flux (2005 – Film)

Based loosely on the avant-garde comic and animated series, the live-action movie sanded off everything that made Æon Flux unique.

Why it flopped: Over-explaining a story that worked best when it didn’t.

9. Priest (2011 – Film)

Based on the Korean manhwa, Priest had incredible visual potential. The film leaned into style but forgot to tell a compelling story.

Why it flopped: Worldbuilding without emotional stakes.

10. Virus (1999 – Video Game)

A Dark Horse sci-fi comic turned PlayStation game that few remember—and fewer finished.

Why it flopped: Poor controls and weak narrative integration.

---

Whether you’re chasing:

• Obscure comics with wild histories

• Failed adaptations that deserve a second look

• Exclusive covers and signed editions

• Or just something different than what’s on the rack everywhere else

You’ll find it at Cowabunga.

👉 Shop online: https://cowabungacomics.com
👉 Follow our blog for comic history, market insights, and deep dives into the strange side of the industry
👉 Catch us live on eBay Live and Whatnot for exclusive drops and auctions

Sometimes the best comics are the ones Hollywood didn’t know what to do with.

Stay weird. Stay reading. 🐢📚