Books are always better than their on-screen adaptations. This is a statement that often tends to ring true, especially when concerning a series that has a loyal, albeit sometimes critical, fan base. Yet, the success of such franchises is not lost in the on-screen vs. movie argument. This is evident in the success of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga.
The Percy Jackson series deserved better. The movies, very loosely based on the books, are fine cinematic pieces on their lonesome, but they tend to diverge from the books slightly too much for the loyal reader to fully enjoy. Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson, has several mythological based works, each which has a large and avid following. These beloved books are filled with diverse characters that resonate with readers of all ages and identities. It is often joked that the more books Riordan publishes, the more diverse his characters become. Along with absolutely amazing characters, the books are based on mythologies, which is essentially every fantasy and historical nerd's dream.
The production of a TV adaptation of any of Riordan's books is bound to be received with open arms - and wallets - by not only the already existing fan base but by generations of people that yearn for - demand - diversity and aesthetically pleasing cinematic masterpieces. The success of such a production can be predicted by works such as Hulu's Marvel's Runaways, Freeform's Shadowhunters, CW's DC's Legends of Tomorrow, and several others.
This is not a demand for another on-screen adaptation of the Percy Jackson series. That ship has long since sailed across the River of Styx. This is a demand (or a plea, whichever is better received) for the production of a TV series that follows Riordan's The Heroes of Olympus, The Red Pyramid, Trials of Apollo, or Magnus Chase - all of which are absolutely stunning and engaging. It is past time for LGBT+ and POC characters to be presented on-screen in a mythological universe, and Riordan's books are a perfect place to begin the much needed representation.
