Earlier this year we ran a post about TV shows that eventually make their way to the funny books. Well, why not the opposite? We’re not really talking about spandex suits or cheesy one-liners, these three shows take comic book origin stories and spin them for the screen. Sometimes this means completely new story lines, new characters and even new arcs to the series. Waste this weekend with comic books that have turned into successful (somewhat) TV shows.

The Popular Choice: Smallville (2001 – ???)

When the WB (now known as the CW) premiered Smallville back in 2001, Superman enthusiasts including myself were very skeptical. The previous television adventures of Lois and Clark were fun, but at the end of the day were not really what fans of the comic had expected.

Smallville on the other hand did something new – it told the origin story, but focused less on the ultimate bad guys and more on the awkward situations of growing up with super powers. Having Tom Welling play Clark in the lead role was also extremely important. Welling has one of those faces that really doesn’t age all that much and as Smallville completes it’s ninth season (a tenth has been picked up for 2011), he still fits perfectly as Clark Kent. With actors like Kristin Kruek, Michael Rosenbaum, Annette O’Toole, John Glover and John Schneider having moved on from Smallville, the show has given itself a new identity as Welling carries a cast that still includes Erica Durance, Justin Hartley and Allison Mack. Now that Clark is in his mid twenties, Smallville is becoming a more mature show that deals with addiction, murder, intergalactic criminal activity and the overall arc of Clark eventually embracing his duo citizenship (human and alien) and becoming the inevitable hero.

The Nostalgic Choice: The Incredible Hulk (1977 – 1982)

I don’t think anyone will ever forget the imposing Lou Ferrigno as television’s first live action incarnation of the green Incredible Hulk. Movies and cartoons have followed since the eventual end to this iconic series, but it will always be difficult to associate a live action Bruce Banner and the Hulk with anyone but Bill Bixby and Ferrigno. The series itself wasn’t amazing other than the fact that it was adapted from one of the most popular comic book heroes of all time, but for the time that it aired The Incredible Hulk had a strong following. With a much different premise than the Marvel Comic series, The Incredible Hulk TV series took on the persona of a constant cat and mouse game between Banner and the authorities. Although the origin of Hulk’s existence was greatly altered for the small screen, many of the rules set up by Marvel remained. Banner would turn into Hulk when he got angry, Hulk was in fact human on the inside and he had a soft spot for helping those in need. The classic TV show never strayed too far from the lonely wanderer concept brilliantly displayed by the opening credits of the show and for what it is worth, became it’s own entity within comic lore.

The Newest Choice: Human Target (2010 – ???)

Although this adapted comic book series is only a few episodes into existence, DC‘s Human Target is quickly gaining cult status. Following the mysterious story of Christopher Chase as he helps those in need of specialized personal security, Human Target embodies a lot of the classic comic book traits. Chase is accompanied by former law enforcement officer Winston and computer genius one-liner expert Guerrero and together they are nothing more than a dysfunctional family with the special skills to get the job done. Human Target could be considered part A-Team and part Batman as Chase himself is a bit of a mystery, but his quick wits and his mysterious past create for very interesting story lines. If you’ve got some time to kill this weekend, Human Target is a good choice.