Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
UK EditionUK US EditionUS CA EditionCanada AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Total Film
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsarama
Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Total Film
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsarama
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Trending
  • Pokemon Legends Z-A
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2025
  • New Games for 2025
Don't miss these
Spider-Man 2 PC
Action Games The 10 best superhero games that you should play today
The Super Mario Movie
Movies The 10 best video game movies of all time, ranked
The best NES games: a screenshot of collection of NES games and a Nintendo console.
Games The 10 best NES games of all time
Best video game heroes
Games The 25 best heroes in games of all time
Best Xbox 360 games: a screenshot of an Xbox 360 console next to a controller and a collection of games.
Games 25 Best Xbox 360 games of all time
Best action games - God of War screenshot of Kratos facing off with a giant white dragon, holding a human head in one hand
Action Games 25 Best action games you can play right now
Upcoming video game movies - Five Nights at Freddy's
Movies Every upcoming video game movie you need to know about
Dying Light: The Beast key art showing protagonist Kyle Crane pulling apart the skull of a zombie
Games Dying Light: The Beast has put me in a huge zombie game mood, so here are the 10 games you need to play next after beating it
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Action Games The 10 best Spider-Man games of all time
Marvel's Wolverine mask
Games Upcoming Marvel games, from the new Iron Man game to Marvel's Wolverine
best Xbox One games
Games The best Xbox One games of all time to play now
Marvel's Wolverine
Action Games Wolverine's mature-rated violent bliss is the palette cleanser I need after years playing Spider-Man's wholesome action
Red Dead Redemption 2
Adventure Games 25 best adventure games to get swept up in right now
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond key art featuring Samus in her suit with her hand outstretched using purple psychic powers
Games After smashing through Donkey Kong Bananza I've run out of things to play on my Nintendo Switch 2 – so here are 5 games that better get release dates at Gamescom 2025
The 10 best Game Boy Color games
Games The best Game Boy Color games of all time
  1. Games
  2. Action

The Top 7... Games that deserve comic book spin-offs

Features
By Alex Roth, Henry Gilbert published 9 July 2012

Listen up Marvel and DC, these need to happen now

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

We picked out seven games that have (basically) never had their own comic book series before and detail as best we can for potential publishers just why they'd work in the realm of word balloons. Just in time for San Diego Comic Con, we start our dream list with...

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of 9
7. Fallout

7. Fallout

A stop in Megaton, a visit to Rivet City, a brush with the Brotherhood of Steel, eventually the wanderer could reach the West Coast of the first Fallout and visit the Hub, Necropolis and other locations from the original turn-based outings. While the series should be focused on a single, man without a name type of protagonist, it wouldn't be Fallout if he didn't have some occasional company. A rotating cast of secondary characters would give the reader a chance to meet people from all walks of post-apocalyptic life, and the rate at which they betray and dispatch each other would illustrate why the wanderer prefers to travel alone, or with just a dog.

Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
6. Saints Row

6. Saints Row

There are so many possibilities. A four issue story arc could follow the deadly exploits of a new pro wrestling tag team's adventures at Murderbrawl XXXII, then the very next issue could show the life of a furry that's competing on Professor Genki's TV show. Giant mechs could fight flying pandas as a zombie outbreak is suppressed by hulked out clones of tiger men. Anything can happen in Steelport and the shifting reality and tone would allow for revolving door creative teams of the comic industry's best and brightest. Anything you dream can be a reality in Saints Row, it just won't be Comic Code approved.

Page 3 of 9
Page 3 of 9
5. Skullgirls

5. Skullgirls

The trick with a Skullgirls comic would be balancing the games multiple endings one for every character. Also, since theres likely going to be a sequel, or at least some DLC, the series cant get in the way of wherever the games are going to end up. Thats why the comics should be a limited run, devoting three or four issues to each character. It would follow the fighters' backstories, their time in the tournament, their encounters with the Skull Heart and the aftermath from it. This way, all the different possible endings can remain timelines that could have been, just as the game puts it.

Page 4 of 9
Page 4 of 9
4. Mass Effect

4. Mass Effect

As an ongoing series that jumps around in the Mass Effect universe, it would give writers and artists the freedom to pick any moment in that galaxys history to expand on. The plots could range from world-changing events to slice of life stories. A three issue storyline on the decline of the Krogan empire could be followed by a yarn about three merchants competing for Shepards endorsement on the Citadel. And speaking of the commander, it should probably be an established convention that the character of Shepard may be artfully alluded to, but never shown. After all, everyones Shepard is different, in physical appearance and the choices they make. By avoiding his/her presence, and certain choice-heavy moments of the games plot, the series could maintain the illusion that this is the same world we experienced in the games, just brought into greater focus through the medium of comics. Though that shouldn't limit the creators, as some stories could expand on the multiple possible endings of the game, focusing on one potential outcome for a small, stand-alone story arc, almost like the "what if?" stories that comic authors usually resort to, only this time it's about Geth instead of Captain America.

Page 5 of 9
Page 5 of 9
3. Chrono Trigger

3. Chrono Trigger

Akira Toriyama's character designs and Yuji Hori's narrative are a perfect fit for black and white comic page which would house the continuing adventures of our favorite time travelers. You could see Magus' search for his sister, Crono and Marle's new life together, and other hanging plot threads that would bridge Chrono Trigger to it's somewhat convoluted sequel Chrono Cross. We'd rather have a new game, but since Square doesn't seem into it, at least meet us halfway and give us 500 pages of manga.

Page 6 of 9
Page 6 of 9
2. Red Dead Redemption

2. Red Dead Redemption

As with many Rockstar titles, Red Dead Redemption was such a compelling sandbox experience because it felt like a living, breathing world. It was all so well-drawn - the realistically rendered animals, the expansive outdoors, the run down towns, and the characters, especially Marston himself. He was consistently characterized, well-voiced and had a past that was always rearing its ugly head, making us yearn to know more. Thats why its as deserving as any game to get the fully fleshed-out backstory treatment. Just like its source material, Red Dead Redemption would be a turn of the century period piece, with an ear for turn of the century idioms and an eye for historical detail and brutal frontier violence.

Page 7 of 9
Page 7 of 9
1. Psychonauts

1. Psychonauts

Psychonauts' cliffhanger ending left fans dying to see the continued adventures of Raz, Lili and the rest, so keep the story going in the comic medium that plays to almost all the game's strengths. The clever writing could shine on the page, the characters would look as good (if not better) as line art, and unlike a game, it wouldn't need to be a million-seller to be a success. Yes, there are rumors of a second Psychonauts game happening eventually, but Double Fine's fans would be better served with a comic they could read right now. That's a Kickstarter we'd give at least $20 towards.

Page 8 of 9
Page 8 of 9
The never-ending battle

The never-ending battle

If you want to learn more about comics (or comix), take a look at the best superhero games of all time and the top 7 comic book games that need to be made.

Page 9 of 9
Page 9 of 9
CATEGORIES
Android iPad iPhone PC Gaming Wii-u Nintendo PlayStation Xbox Platforms Mobile Gaming
PRODUCTS
Chrono Trigger Psychonauts Mass Effect Fallout 3 Red Dead Redemption Mass Effect 2 Fallout: New Vegas Mass Effect 3 Saints Row: The Third Skullgirls
Henry Gilbert
Henry Gilbert
Social Links Navigation

Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts. 

See more PC Gaming Features
Read more
Spider-Man 2 PC
The 10 best superhero games that you should play today
 
 
The Super Mario Movie
The 10 best video game movies of all time, ranked
 
 
Best Xbox 360 games: a screenshot of an Xbox 360 console next to a controller and a collection of games.
25 Best Xbox 360 games of all time
 
 
Best video game heroes
The 25 best heroes in games of all time
 
 
The best NES games: a screenshot of collection of NES games and a Nintendo console.
The 10 best NES games of all time
 
 
Best action games - God of War screenshot of Kratos facing off with a giant white dragon, holding a human head in one hand
25 Best action games you can play right now
 
 
Latest in Action
Buster Jam screenshot showing a cursed looking baby clapping at a rattle
This is not a drill: the ghost of WarioWare returns in the form of this bizarre minigame free-for-all on Steam
 
 
Kratos in God of War: Ragnarok
God of War actor Christopher Judge says he hopes a potential sequel will take place in Egypt, but "I have no doubt that no matter what pantheon it is, it will be great"
 
 
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
After 27 years, a new cheat code has been discovered in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's most controversial port, and it might've just created the dumbest speedrun category in Metroidvania history
 
 
Venom and Phoenix fight bugs in Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a brawler that channels the energy of '90s superhero cartoons, and I can't resist a Spider-Man and Rocket Raccoon team-up
 
 
Assassin's Creed 3
Assassin's Creed was supposed to be a "trilogy" and end with Desmond Miles' death in Assassin's Creed 3, but Ubisoft released Brotherhood and Revelations before it released: "The problem with success is it drags it out"
 
 
GTA 6
Take-Two CEO calls generative AI "the future of technology" that "will increase employment," months after saying GTA 6's "creative genius is human"
 
 
Latest in Features
Amazing Spider-Man #39 art
Spider-Man 4 may be drawing directly on one of Marvel's most recent comic events that brings in Daredevil, Luke Cage, She-Hulk, Shang-Chi, Tombstone, and many more
 
 
Halo: Campaign Evolved screenshot
Halo: Campaign Evolved hands-on: Is this Unreal Engine 5 remake a bizzaro world Combat Evolved or an "opportunity to pave the way for the future of Halo"?
 
 
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine miniatures laid out on a wooden table
I'm not an Ultramarines fan, but these new Warhammer 40K models are enough to make even me reconsider
 
 
Chainsaw Man
Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man has convinced me that anime can never return to the bad old days of non-canon movies
 
 
Spooky Express screenshot showing a small skeleton shaped train carrying a vampire passenger past a scared human
Spooky Express is an adorable puzzle game that has me mapping out tracks in Trainsylvania to help undead passengers, and it's perfect for Halloween
 
 
A Pokemon trainer posing for a photo in front of Lumiose City's tower in Pokemon Legends Z-A
Pokemon Legends: Z-A makes the world feel livelier than ever before, but it's not because of Lumiose's design
 
 
  1. Iliad box, tokens, and components laid out on a white surface
    1
    It’s hard to imagine there are many gamers who won’t enjoy this quick but tactical board game for 2 players
  2. 2
    The Outer Worlds 2 review: "The Fallout New Vegas creators have crafted a masterful space age RPG that's willing to play game master to my silliest decisions"
  3. 3
    Once Upon a Katamari review: "Time traveling cowboy adventures, ninja thievery, pirate battles, and more make this the most inventive evolution of the series yet"
  4. 4
    Jurassic World Evolution 3 review: "Far from a fossil, this park builder is one you'll keep coming back to, despite its flaws"
  5. 5
    Ninja Gaiden 4 review: "Thrilling action and deep blood powers make this the series' best and a stunning return to form"
  1. Chainsaw Man
    1
    Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"
  2. 2
    Tron: Ares review: "Misses out by swapping the Grid for the real world"
  3. 3
    One Battle After Another review: "One of the best studio movies in years and an instant classic"
  4. 4
    The Conjuring: Last Rites review: "Not bold or memorable enough for the Warrens' final chapter"
  5. 5
    Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle review: "Roars past Mugen Train as Demon Slayer's best adventure yet"
  1. Some of the young cast of IT: Welcome to Derry, including Phil (Jack Molloy Legault), Lilly (Clara Stack), and Teddy (Mikkal Karim-Fidler).
    1
    IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
  2. 2
    Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"
  3. 3
    Marvel Zombies review: "A fun expansion of the What If episode with delightful MCU Easter eggs and truly gross R-rated kills"
  4. 4
    Gen V season 2 review: "As strong as the first season, if not stronger"
  5. 5
    Wednesday season 2 part 2 review: "Ortega shines, but it's a zombie who steals the entire show"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...