Did you know many of your favorite television shows are based on comic books? It's true! On National Comic Book Day we are taking a look at where many CW shows got their start, in the comics.

The Flash

The Flash first appeared in comic book form in 1940 from a company that eventually would merge into what is today known as DC Comics. The fastest man alive shares many similarities between his print and on-screen persona including his name, Barry Allen, his time-traveling capabilities and his supporting cast. 

Riverdale

The television show debuted in 2017, but Riverdale's roots goes back to the 1940s. Riverdale is based on the Archie comics where the main character, Archie Andrews, was created back in 1941 by publisher John L. Goldwater and artist Bob Montana in partnership with writer Vic Bloom. The major differences between the comics and the television series are the characters' personalities and a much darker theme for the tv show. For example in the comics, Archie is still the town's hero, but his character is nerdy and less pessimistic than his television counterpart played by KJ Apa.

Batwoman

The Batwoman comics were published by DC Comics back in 1956. Batwoman was created to be represented as a strong female counterpart to Batman and in some comic iterations, she is also Batman's love interest. The modern-day Batwoman we were introduced to in season one of the tv show was Kate Kane, the cousin of Batman’s alter-ego Bruce Wayne.

Black Lightning

The character Jefferson Pierce, also known as Black Lightning, was created in 1977 during the Bronze Age of Comic Books when many comics had darker plot elements and storylines. Black Lightning was also DC’s first African American superhero to have his own storyline.

Supergirl

In the comics, she was raised by Superman and promised her cousin she would keep her existence on Earth a secret, by adopting the secret identity of Linda Lee. Supergirl was Superman’s secret weapon, but she’s a curious young woman exploring her new powers too. In the television show, Supergirl has grown up and her days of keeping her powers as a secret are over as she helps protect her city from threats.

Stay tuned for more information about when your favorite comic book stars are making their return to tv right here on CW26.