by 
Updated on December 10, 2021
This summer sees several entries in the superhero movie genre coming out: “Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2”; “Wonder Woman”; “Spider-Man: Homecoming”; and oddest of all, “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.”
While plenty of film goers will get their superhero fill from just watching these films, others might want to see even more material starring the same characters. That generally means other films, TV shows, or video games. A comparatively small few might actually be interested in the original comics on which these characters are based.
Below, I’ve listed my recommendations for other comics, TV shows, and movies featuring the above characters.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Comics
The Guardians of the Galaxy as a concept dates back to the late 60s; however, the film’s version of the team is much more recent. That said, given Marvel’s constant renumberings, crossover tie-ins, and revamps, recommending a Guardians book is confusing. Still, here’s some suggestions:
- “Guardians Team-Up.” A short-lived series (collected in two trade paperback volumes), featuring the Guardians teaming up with a different Marvel superhero in each issue.
- “Marvel Universe: Guardians of the Galaxy.” A comic based on the Disney XD animated series (and thus all-ages friendly), itself spun off from the movies.
TV
In 2015, Disney XD debuted an animated series starring the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Wonder Woman
Comics
See my previous post about recommended Wonder Woman comics. But to summarize which ones:
- George Perez’s 1980s reboot.
- William Marston’s 1940s run. That said, some of it might be esoteric/dated/just plain odd to modern eyes.
- “Wonder Woman ’77.” The digital first comic based on the 70s TV show.
- “The Legend of Wonder Woman.” Another digital first comic series, but more reader-friendly than the regular canonical series.
- “Wonder Woman: A Celebration of 75 Years” or “Greatest Stories Ever Told.” Various stories from across Diana’s history in comics. The “75 Years” volume might be easier to find than the latter one.
- “DC Super Hero Girls.” A kid-oriented series of graphic novels that prominently feature a teenage Wonder Woman.
TV
Wonder Woman’s 1970s TV series still airs in reruns on the MeTV network. It’s also available on video.
Movies
“Wonder Woman” (2009 animated movie). An animated direct-to-video movie that’s well done, and actually features the invisible plane.
Spider-Man
Comics
For a more comprehensive listing, see my previous Marvel recommendations list. But to summarize:
- Untold Tales of Spider-Man. Stories set in Peter Parker’s earliest days.
- Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man/Miles Morales: Spider-Man/”Spider-Man” (2016 series). The series starring the Miles Morales Spidey. Miles is also getting his own animated theatrical movie in the near future.
TV
- Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. The 1980s animated series sees Peter gain two X-Men as roommates, Iceman and (newcomer) Firestar.
- Spider-Man (1994 series). The 90s Fox animated series that was entertaining. Plus, lots of Madame Web.
- Ultimate Spider-Man. The Disney XD animated series features Spidey teaming up with other heroes once again, this time as part of a SHIELD-sponsored team.
Captain Underpants
There’s not much to recommend here other than the original series of children’s books on which the movie’s based.
That’s all. Do you have any related media to the above characters to suggest? Feel free to list them in the comments below.
