With theaters opening again for movies, and more streaming options than ever before, there are a ton of new movies and TV shows that will be based on comic books and graphic novels. Here are a few of the upcoming movies and shows, along with their expected release dates and some books you can read that were the source material for these new releases! Note: some release dates are subject to change.
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel (2021)
Ms. Marvel is a teen superhero who was exposed to a strange Terrigen mist and gets shapeshifting powers. This popular graphic novel started in 2013, and is expected to be released as a television series later this year. To read more about Ms. Marvel, check out:
Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1 by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona
Issues #1-11
Part of the Ms. Marvel (2014-2015) series
Marvel Comics presents the all-new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine who has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City – until she suddenly gains extraordinary gifts. But who is she now? A teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Kamala explores her newfound powers, but will the weight of the legacy before her be too much? Encounters with the maniacal Inventor and the Inhumans’ Royal Family; team-ups with her favorite hero, Wolverine, and the Inhumans’ dog, Lockjaw – Kamala is living the dream. But as she discovers more about her past, her future is threatened! How long can Ms. Marvel’s life override Kamala’s? Experience the beginning of the fan-favorite, critically acclaimed series!
Sandman
Sandman (2021)
Created by Neil Gaiman, Sandman is a cerebral series of graphic novels about Morpheus, a.k.a. Dream, and his adventures with other odd characters such as Death, Destiny Despair and others (they make up a group called the Endless). This will be released on Netflix later this year with 11 episodes in the first season. For more on Sandman, check out:
Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes, by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Sam Kieth, Malcolm Jones III, Mike Dringenberg
Neil Gaiman’s seminal series, THE SANDMAN, celebrates its 30th anniversary with an all-new edition of THE SANDMAN VOL. 1: PRELUDES & NOCTURNES! New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman’s transcendent series THE SANDMAN is often hailed as the definitive Vertigo title and one of the finest achievements in graphic storytelling. Gaiman created an unforgettable tale of the forces that exist beyond life and death by weaving ancient mythology, folklore and fairy tales with his own distinct narrative vision. In PRELUDES & NOCTURNES, an occultist attempting to capture Death to bargain for eternal life traps her younger brother Dream instead. After his 70 year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey Morpheus encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. This book also includes the story “The Sound of Her Wings,” which introduces us to the pragmatic and perky goth girl Death.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye (2021)
The MCU’s greatest archer returns with his own television series on Disney+ this year. In this series, Clint Barton trains a new Hawkeye, Kate Bishop. For more on Hawkeye, check out:
Hawkeye: All New Hawkeye, by Jeff Lemire and Ramon Perez
It’s a fresh look into the life of everyone’s favorite Avenger! With Kate Bishop back at his side, Team Hawkeye is thrown into a new adventure spanning two generations of avenging archers! Past and present lives collide as Kate and Clint face a threat that will challenge everything they know about what it means to be Hawkeye. The past and present merge as Hawkeyes Barton and Bishop race against time to save a group of innocent kids with devastating powers. What makes a hero? And what breaks a hero? Hawkeye and Hawkeye will experience both. A boy at odds with his big brother. A hero out of sync with his partner. Team Hawkeye is fractured. Things come to a head as Barney, Clint and Kate learn what it means to carry the name Hawkeye.
Y The Last Man
Y The Last Man (2021)
This Vertigo series by Brian K. Vaughn is about a man and his pet monkey, who somehow survive a virus that kills off all other males. The story follows them as they make their way across the country to his girlfriend. This will air on FX later this year. To read more on this, check out:
Y: The Last Man Vol. 1: Unmanned by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Pia Guerra
Issues #1-5
Part 1 of the Y: The Last Man series
Y: The Last Man, one of the most critically acclaimed, best-selling comic books series of the last decade, is that rare example of a page-turner that is at once humorous, socially relevant and endlessly surprising. Written by Brian K. Vaughan (Lost, Pride Of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and with art by Pia Guerra, this is the saga of Yorick Brown-the only human survivor of a planet-wide plague that instantly kills every mammal possessing a Y chromosome. Accompanied by a mysterious government agent, a brilliant young geneticist and his pet monkey, Ampersand, Yorick travels the world in search of his lost love and the answer to why he’s the last man on earth.
She-Hulk
She-Hulk (2022)
Another Disney+ series, this legal comedy series features Jennifer Walters, an attorney who is also Bruce Banner’s (the Hulk) cousin and also a permanently green super strong woman. We don’t know if Walters will be permanently green in this series, however…
To read more about She-Hulk, check out:
She-Hulk Vol. 1: Law And Disorder by Charles Soule, illustrated by Javier Pulido, Ron Wimberley
Issues #1-6
Part 1 of the She-Hulk (2014-2015) series
She-Hulk is taking a stand, and this time in a court of law! Jennifer Walters has been a dedicated member of the Avengers and the FF, but now she’s seeking professional success with an independent, super-powered law firm! Her first client? Kristoff Vernard, the spoiled son of Victor Von Doom!
Shang-Chi
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Shang-Chi is a master of Kung Fu and one of the greatest martial artists in the Marvel universe. This movie is set to be released in September 2021. For more on Shang-Chi, check out:
Shang-Chi By Gene Luen Yang Vol. 1: Brothers & Sisters, by Gene Yang
illustrated by Philip Tan
Issues #1-5
Part 1 of the Shang-Chi by Gene Luen Yang series
The Marvel Universe’s greatest fighter returns to a world of death and destruction he thought he left behind! An ancient and evil secret society has remained in hiding since the death of their leader, Zheng Zu. But now a successor has been chosen to shift the balance of power in the world: Zheng Zu’s son, Shang-Chi! In a fractious family reunion, Shang-Chi gets to know the siblings he never knew he had, including the deadly Sister Hammer! But who among them can he trust – and who is trying to kill him? Shang-Chi will find out the hard way as his life ends up on the line – and the only one who can save him is…his father? But isn’t he dead?!
Venom
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
Tom Hardy returns with his symbiotic alien anti-hero Venom in this movie sequel. This time he faces off against a homicidal prisoner whose symbiote, Carnage, helps him escape prison before he can be executed. This will come out in September 2021. For more on Venom and Carnage, check out:
Venom: Carnage Unleashed by David Michelinie
illustrated by Andrew Wildman
Issues #1-4
Part of the Venom: Carnage Unleashed (1995) series
Also collects Venom: Sinner Takes All #1-5; and material from Amazing Spider-Man Super Special, Spider-Man Super Special, Venom Super Special, Spectacular Spider-Man Super Special and Web of Spider-Man Super Special. Venom stars in tales of violence and vengeance! When the video game “Carnage Unleashed” becomes a hit, it provides the psychopathic Cletus Kasady with the opportunity to gain his freedom -and renew his sadistic reign of terror on the streets! The only way to stop a bad symbiote? A good(ish) symbiote! Blood will flow as Venom takes on Carnage! Then, when killer vigilante Sin-Eater strikes, Eddie Brock’s ex-wife is caught in the crossfire. To survive, must she become the bride of Venom? Plus, Spider-Man and the Scarlet Spider must stand by Eddie’s side when an alien invasion threatens to turn Earth into the Planet of the Symbiotes!
The Eternals
The Eternals (2021)
The Eternals—an immortal alien race created by the Celestials who have secretly lived on Earth for over 7,000 years—reunite to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants. This film takes place after the events in Avengers: Endgame, and is scheduled to drop November 2021. For more on the Eternals, check out:
Eternals By Neil Gaiman, by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by John Romita Jr.
Issues #1-7
Part of the Eternals by Neil Gaiman series
You are thousands of years old. You have amazing powers. You have watched civilizations rise and fall– so why does no one remember any of this? Bestselling Author Neil Gaiman (Marvel: 1602, Anansi Boys, Sandman) is joined by superstar artist John Romita Jr. (Amazing Spider-Man, Wolverine) to bring you – THE ETERNALS!! Ike Harris has dreams of adventures, love affairs and betrayals, but no one involved remembers or believes him. And who is trying to kill him to keep him from talking about it?
Spider-Man
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
As the third installment of the current Spider-Man franchise in the MCU, little is known about the plot, other than the fact that this story may cross over with other previous Spider-Man film universes. This is scheduled for release in December 2021. For more about Spider-Man and Spider-verses, check out:
Spider-Man: Spider-Verse – Spider-Men, by Brian Michael Bendis, David Hine
illustrated by Sara Pichelli, Agnes Garbowska
Part of the Spider-Man: Enter the Spider-Verse (2018) series
Collects Spider-Men #4-5, Edge Of Spider-Verse #1 and #5, and material from Spider-Ham 25th Anniversary Special. The Spider-Verse is full of Spider-Men – and Women, Girls, robots…even pigs! Every world has its own wall-crawler – and these are some of the most amazing! When Peter Parker, the original Spider-Man, journeys to the Ultimate Universe, he finds himself face-to-face with another Aunt May, a young Gwen Stacy and an all-new web-slinger – Miles Morales! Elsewhere, venture into the dark world of Spider-Man Noir, and watch as he faces the smoke and mirrors of the magnificent Mysterio!
Morbius
Morbius (2022)
Biochemist Michael Morbius tries to cure himself of a rare blood disease, but he inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism instead. This story in the “Venomverse” is scheduled to come out in January 2022. To read more about Morbius, check out:
Morbius Vol. 1, by Vita Ayala, illustrated by Marcelo Ferreira
Issues #1-5
Part 1 of the Morbius series
Morbius is the Living Vampire…but is he more? For years, Nobel Prize-winning biologist Dr. Michael Morbius has been struggling to find a cure for his unique case of vampirism. Now, for the first time in longer than he can remember, his salvation may be tantalizingly within reach! But the path to regaining his humanity is littered with dangers – and worse! In a leap of faith and desperation, Morbius takes matters into his own hands – but the results are monstrous, and now his lust for blood threatens to overwhelm him like never before! Old-school Marvel villain the Melter has resurfaced at just the wrong time – and he just might become the first in a long line of victims in the reinvigorated vampire’s bloody path! Michael Morbius only wanted his soul back, but how much will it cost?
Batman
The Batman (2022)
This version of the Batman is not part of DC Extended Universe (DCEU), but will instead be set on “Earth-2.” Villains such as Catwoman, The Riddler, and the Penguin are expected to make an appearance. This movie is set for March 2022. To learn more about the early days of Batman’s career, check out:
Batman: Legends Of The Dark Knight Vol. 1, by Damon Lindelof, Steve Niles, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Tom Taylor, illustrated by Jeff Lemire, Nicola Scott, Ben Templesmith, Phil Hester
Issues #1-5
Part 1 of the Legends of the Dark Knight (2012-2015) series
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT presents the new, original adventures of Batman from the acclaimed digital-first series by an all-star lineup of comics’ finest talents including Damon Lindelof (LOST, PROMETHEUS), Steve Niles (30 DAYS OF NIGHT), Jeff Lemire (ANIMAL MAN) and more! Discover startling sides of The Dark Knight that span from his earliest days in the cowl to his never-ending battles against Gotham’s greatest enemies, including the Joker and Two-Face.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Dr. Stephen Strange’s continuing research on the Time Stone is hindered by a friend-turned-enemy, resulting in Strange unleashing unspeakable evil. So many multiverses! This should drop in March 2022. If you want to read up on some good Doctor Strange stories, check out:
Doctor Strange Vol. 1: The Way Of The Weird, by Jason Aaron, illustrated by Chris Bachalo
Issues #1-5
Part 1 of the Doctor Strange (2015-2018) series
Who do you call when things are coming out of your dreams and trying to kill you? Or when your daughter is cursing in Latin and walking like a spider? Or when your dog keeps screaming at you to strangle your neighbors? Doctor Strange, of course. He’s the only person standing between us and the forces of darkness, but has he been paying his tab? Every act of magic has a cost and Jason Aaron (Thor, Original Sin) and Chris Bachalo (Uncanny X-Men) are going to put Stephen Strange through hell to even the scales.
Thor
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Chris Hemsworth is back at the mighty Thor in his fourth solo adventure film, although he will be accompanied by the Guardians of the Galaxy and even Jane Foster returning as…Thor? This is set to be released in May 2022. If you’d like to read more on Thor’s adventures, check out:
Thor Vol. 1: God Of Thunder Reborn, by Jason Aaron
illustrated by Mike Del Mundo, Christian Ward
Issues #1-6
Part 1 of the Thor (2018-2019) series
Thor Odinson regains his mantle – and with it, a wild new world of trouble! He may not have Mjolnir, but he has hundreds of new hammers! And he’s going to need every last one of them to stop the unstoppable Juggernaut! Then, the sons of Odin ride again as Thor is reunited with his long-lost brother, Balder, to face the fire goblin armies of the Queen of Cinders! War is raging across the land of the dead – but might peace come from a marriage made in Hel? With Hela as the bride, which brother is going to be the lucky groom?! Plus: Loki! Thori the Hel-hound! Skurge with a really big gun! Valkyries! And in the far, far future, King Thor meets Old Man Phoenix…and takes on Doctor Doom at the end of time!
Transformers
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2022)
Not much is known about this film, but it is suspected that this will be based on the “Beast Wars” era of the Transformers franchise. This should be released in June 2022. Ready to read Transformers? Check out:
Transformers: Monstrosity, by Chris Metzen, Flint Dille, illustrated by Livio Ramondelli
Issues #1-12
Part of the Transformers: Monstrosity series
In the early days of the war on CYBERTRON, OPTIMUS PRIME puts everything on the line to unify the planet – but not everyone agrees that this new Prime should be in charge… Meanwhile, the fallen DECEPTION leader, MEGATRON, begins a journey that will change everything. Plus–what is the terrible secret of the DINOBOTS?
Black Panther
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Not much is known about this chapter in the Black Panther saga of the MCU, but it is rumored that they will not recast the late Chadwick Boseman’s role of T’Challa. This movie is scheduled to come out in July 2022. If you’d like to learn more about the land of Wakanda, check out:
Black Panther: World Of Wakanda, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, illustrated by Alitha E. Martinez
Issues #1-6
Part of the Black Panther: World Of Wakanda series
Wakanda! Home of the Black Panther, a proud and vibrant nation whose legends and mysteries run deep. Now, delve deep into Wakanda’s lore with a love story where tenderness is matched by brutality! You know them as the Midnight Angels, but for now they are just Ayo and Aneka – young women recruited to become Dora Milaje, an elite task force trained to protect the crown of Wakanda at all costs. But with their king shamed and their queen killed, Ayo and Aneka must take justice into their own hands! They’ve been officers. Rebels. Lovers. But can they be leaders? Plus: the return of former White Tiger, Kasper Cole! As Wakanda burns, Cole can only watch helplessly from halfway around the world. Will he find a new beginning – or meet a painful end?
Black Adam
Black Adam (2022)
Black Adam has been known as an anti-hero, and certainly a villain whose enemy is Shazam. As such, this film will be a spin-off of the Shazam movie from 2019, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the titular role. The release date is set for July 2022. If you’d like to read more about Black Adam, check out:
Black Adam And The Eternity War, by Derek Fridolfs, Tim Levins
Part of the Justice League series
When the undead arise to engulf the world, the Justice League – with the help of Billy Batson and his heroic alter-ego SHAZAM – leaps into action. They soon discover Black Adam in control of the Rock of Eternity and are quickly banished to ancient Egypt. Can the Justice League fight their way back from the past to defeat the super-villain in time? Or will Black Adam go unopposed as the conqueror of all eternity?
The Flash
The Flash (2022)
Barry Allen, a.k.a. The Flash is the fastest man alive. You’ve probably seen him in the Justice League movie, and certainly on his own television show in the Arrowverse. This time he’s getting his own film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This movie should come out in November 2022. If you’d like to see how it all began, check out:
The Flash: Year One, by Joshua Williamson, illustrated by Howard Porter
Issues #70-75
Part of the Flash (2016- ) series
Superstar writer Joshua Williamson continues his explosive run on The Flash! Go back to the very beginning of Barry Allen’s journey in The Flash: Year One!
Barry Allen feels helpless in his life in Central City. As a forensic scientist, he’s always catching criminals after they’ve committed their crimes. All that changes one fateful night when Barry is struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals. When he wakes from a coma, he realizes he can run at incredible speeds. Can Barry master these powers and be the hero this city needs…or will the powers burn through him?
The Marvels
The Marvels (2022)
This film is a sequel to the 2018 film “Captain Marvel” and also features Ms. Marvel from the eponymous television series. This is scheduled for November 2022. If you’d like to read about the first meeting between Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel, check out:
Ms. Marvel Vol. 4: Last Days, by G. Willow Wilson, Dan Slott
illustrated by Adrian Alphona, Giuseppe Camuncoli
Issues #16-19
Part 4 of the Ms. Marvel (2014-2015) series
From the moment Kamala put on her costume, she’s been challenged. But nothing has prepared her for this: the last days of the Marvel Universe. It’s a very special guest appearance that fans have been clamoring for: Carol “Captain Marvel” Danvers and Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Khan face the end of the world side-by-side! Between teaming up with her personal hero to rescue her brother and trying to keep her city from falling into an all-out frenzy, Kamala has barely had time to come to terms with the fact that the world is literally collapsing around her. But the truth will catch up to her, and soon. When the world is about to end, do you still keep fighting? Kamala knows the answer. Let’s do this, Jersey City. Also collects Amazing Spider-Man #7-8 (A stories).
Aquaman
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2022)
Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry, the king of the ocean. Little is known about this story other than the fact that Jason Momoa wrote the pitch for this sequel while on set, filming the first movie. This is scheduled to be released in December 2022. To read up on Aquaman and losing kingdoms in the comics, check out:
Aquaman: Kingdom Lost, by John Arcudi
illustrated by Patrick Gleason, Freddie Williams II, Leonard Kirk
Issues #32-39
Part of the Aquaman (2003-2006) series
Concluding the classic Sub Diego storyline, acclaimed writer John Arcudi (B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth) and artists Leonard Kirk (SUPERGIRL) and Andy Clarke (DETECTIVE COMICS) tell the tragic story of the fall of Atlantis as the Infinite Crisis is unleashed upon the DC Universe! Aquaman, once King of Atlantis, has abandoned his throne and now serves as protector of Sub Diego. But while the ocean has gained thousands of new inhabitants, it has lost one-Mera, Aquaman’s estranged wife, who has been cursed to live on land and breathe only air. But when Aquaman’s friends and family seek to cure Mera of the curse, it sets off a tragic chain reaction that leads to the destruction of Atlantis…and the death of many whom Aquaman holds dear. In the midst of his grief, Sub Diego is attacked by Aquaman’s greatest enemies, including the deadly Black Manta! And now that the King of the Seven Seas has lost his kingdom, Black Manta is about to see what happens when Aquaman is truly unleashed…with all the fury of the sea at his command!