Comic (Book) Relief: Arrow, TVD, Once And More Of Your Faves

SHOW | Arrow

COMIC | Arrow (2012 – 2013)

The comics — tied-in to the CW show that is based on a comic — actually follow the first season, with issues fitting in between episodes. What better way to remind yourself just how far Oliver Queen has come since he got off that island? Besides, it's fun seeing artists portray this version of the Green Arrow –especially since it's based off of Stephen Amell, who might have stepped out of the pages of a comic himself.

SHOW | The Walking Dead

COMIC | The Walking Dead (2003 – present)

Yes, the show has veered off from some of its source material's storylines, but why should Game of Thrones fans be the only ones who get to experience the thrill (and sometimes outrage) of seeing favorite moments brought to life on the small screen?

SHOW | The Vampire Diaries

COMIC | The Vampire Diaries (2013 – present)

Remember when things were light and carefree in Mystic Falls? (Or as light and carefree as a town full of vampires and werewolves can get?) Well, it might not be so hard with the show's comic run. Visit with faves like Alaric, or read what Damon and Stefan got up to pre-Elena (and post-Katherine). For those looking for something a bit more current, there is an issue that focuses on Bonnie's time on the Other Side, but mostly the series looks to fill in the centuries-wide gaps in the Salvatore brothers' backstories.

SHOW | Once Upon a Time

COMIC | Once Upon a Time (2013)

While many Once fans are 50 shades of blue at the lack of Jamie Dornan's Huntsman in recent seasons, the comic does feature — if not focus on — his character (as well as some other fan favorites). Set before the show began, the comics tell the story of Regina AKA the Evil Queen's quest to hunt down and kill Snow White.... So think of it as one long flashback.

SHOW | Supernatural

COMIC | Supernatural: Origins (2007), Supernatural: Rising Son (2008 – 2010),

Over its long, soon-to-be 10-season run, the CW drama has flashed back to Dean and Sam's childhoods many times. The comics build on that, focusing on their father and what he did after their mother's death. Given the long-lasting effect John Winchester's parenting has had on his boys, it's interesting to see how far the demon-fighting apples have fallen from the tree.

SHOW | Grimm

COMIC | Grimm (2013 – 2014)

As Grimm fans eagerly await Season 4, the tie-in comic's mixture of backstory and standalone stories set within the show's narrative should help tide growing, Wessen-like appetites for news like this.

SHOW | Castle

COMIC | Deadly Storm (2011), Storm Season (2012), A Calm Before Storm (2013), Unholy Storm (2014),

Fans who are still not over last season's explosive finale would do best to throw themselves into the arms of Derrick Storm, Castle's long-running spy creation, as they hope (for naught) that it was all a dream....

SHOW | 24

COMIC | 24: Underground (2014), 24: Omnibus (2014)

Very bad day after very bad day, Jack Bauer does the impossible — though he's yet to take on a comic book supervillain. But thanks to the 24 comic book, he's one step closer. Fans awaiting news of another season would do best to pick up a copy. (Ticking countdown clock sold seperately.)

SHOW | Doctor Who

COMIC | Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor, Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor

It's always sad when it comes to end of a Doctor's tenure... but the adventures don't really have to end when an actor puts down the sonic screwdriver. Thanks to the comics, fans can keep travelling through space and time with their favorite Time Lord — as long as he happens to be the 10th or the 11th. (The 12th will be landing in print form on Oct. 1st, though his television debut takes place much earlier on Aug. 23rd.)

SHOW | The Flash

COMIC | The Flash: Rebirth (2009 – 2010), The Flash (2010 – 2011 and 2011 – present)

Much like Arrow, there's a whole comic book universe for prospective fans to dive into and familiarize themselves with. However it is worth noting that the Barry Allen of the comics was "dead" for many years before being brought back to reclaim his mantle. Nonetheless, there's still plenty of reading material for excited viewers as the show's premiere date (Oct. 7) quickly approaches.

SHOW | Constantine

COMIC | Hellblazer (1987 – 1990), John Constantine: Hellblazer (2010) Constantine (2013 – present)

Sure, there's already been some "drama" before the NBC drama has even debuted, but the comics themselves have been trouble-free. Sort of... (He is John Constantine.) Still, there's a reason the man in the beige trenchcoat is a long-surviving character — and it's not because he knows magic.

SHOW | Gotham

COMIC | Gotham Central (2002 – 2005)

Behind every man — or woman — with a cowl (and cape), there's often a weathered, world-weary police officer. Gotham is the story of that officer — in this case a young Jim Gordon. Though thought to be based on the Gotham Central run of comics, the upcoming Fox drama actually serves as an origin story for the now-fabled commissioner... and to a smaller extent, a freshly orphaned Bruce Wayne.