'Sweet Tooth' Season 3: 6 major differences between Netflix's show and comic book

Netflix's 'Sweet Tooth' is inspired by the DC comic book series created by Jeff Lemire
PUBLISHED JUN 5, 2024
There are several significant differences between 'Sweet Tooth' series and the comic book (@netflix)
There are several significant differences between 'Sweet Tooth' series and the comic book (@netflix)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Sweet Tooth' Season 3, starring Christian Convery, Stefania LaVie Owen, Dania Ramirez, and Aliza Vellani in pivotal roles, is set to be released on Netflix on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Based on Jeff Lemire's acclaimed comic book series, 'Sweet Tooth' revolves around Gus (Christian Convery), a half-human, half-deer boy, in a post-apocalyptic world. The story unfolds in a world devastated by a mysterious virus that has wiped out much of humanity.

Netflix's adaptation of 'Sweet Tooth' is markedly different from the comic book. In the end, both comic and series present captivating tales of survival and wonder, but each does so in its unique way. 

Ahead of the premiere of 'Sweet Tooth' Season 3, let's delve into 6 major differences between the show and the comics. 

How Netflix's 'Sweet Tooth' transforms a flawed character like Pubba into a hero

Will Forte as Pubba in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)
Will Forte as Pubba in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)

In Netflix's 'Sweet Tooth', Pubba (Will Forte) raised Gus as his own son despite not being his biological father. Pubba was depicted as compassionate and loving, dedicating himself to Gus's well-being and safety.

He taught Gus how to defend himself and was highly protective of him up until his death. However, it's not the same case in the comics.

In the 'Sweet Tooth' comic, Pubba is portrayed as a terrible person and almost a religious fanatic. His protection of Gus comes in the form of tough love, lacking the warmth and compassion typically associated with a father figure.

This contrasting portrayal highlights the differences in his character between the comic and the Netflix series.

Difference between General Abbot's character arc in 'Sweet Tooth' comics versus Netflix adaptation

Neil Sandilands in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)
Neil Sandilands as General Abbot in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)

In the 'Sweet Tooth' comic, Abbot killed his abusive father when he was older. After the world had been ravaged by the Sick, he took Johnny to raise him. 

In the Netflix series, Abbot's (Neil Sandilands) backstory is slightly different from the comic. He killed his abusive father when he was young. 

In the comic, Abbot, driven by his fanaticism and fear of the hybrids, shoots Johnny in the head as he releases the hybrids. Later on, Gus stabs Abbot to death, ending his reign of terror. In the series, Abbot manipulates Johnny (Marlon Williams) into believing he can leave, only to betray him and shoot him in the back. 

Furthermore, the series introduces a new twist to Abbot's death, as he is ultimately killed by a herd of buffalo instead of Gus. 

Netflix series depicts Gus as more intelligent than in the comics

Christian Convery as Gus in  a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)
Christian Convery as Gus in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)

Gus has quickly become a favorite character among fans of 'Sweet Tooth', and for good reason. His endearing qualities, such as his innocence, kindness, and unwavering optimism, make him a compelling character.

Despite facing numerous challenges and dangers, he remains determined to survive and find his place in the world. However, in the 'Sweet Tooth' comic, Gus is portrayed as less intelligent compared to his depiction in the Netflix series.

Unlike the show, where Gus learns a wide range of skills from his father figure, Pubba, in the comics, his upbringing is less focused on education and survival training.

His lack of education and knowledge makes him a more vulnerable and sympathetic character in the comic. 

Tommy Jepperd's contrasting portrayals in the 'Sweet Tooth' comic and Netflix series

Nonso Anozie in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)
Nonso Anozie as Tommy Jepperd in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)

Tommy Jepperd (Nonso Anozie), often referred to simply as 'Jepperd', has emerged as a fan's favorite in 'Sweet Tooth'. Initially, Jepperd is portrayed as a hardened loner, reluctant to get involved with Gus or his quest. However, as he spends more time with Gus, he begins to like him. 

In the series, Jepperd realizes that he cannot simply abandon Gus to fend for himself in a dangerous world. He sets out not only to fulfill a promise to lead Gus to safety in Colorado but also to protect him from harm along the way.

In the comic, Jepperd's motivation for taking Gus is quite different from the Netflix series. He is promised the body of his dead wife if he brings in a living hybrid child, leading him to initially betray Gus. However, Jepperd eventually has a change of heart and saves him.

How the comic book depicts the Animal Army

(@netflix)
Animal Army is portrayed differently in 'Sweet Tooth' series (@netflix)

In the Netflix series 'Sweet Tooth', the Animal Army is portrayed as a group of teens who wear animal masks, bonding together to protect each other and survive in the post-apocalyptic world.

However, the Animal Army in the comic is depicted as a more sinister and adult-oriented group. They are portrayed as a cult-like organization, with members wearing animal masks.

They are shown to be ruthless and dangerous, willing to resort to extreme measures to achieve their goals. In the series, they are depicted as mostly good young people who want to help the hybrids amid the pandemic. 

How Dr Aditya Singh's portrayal differs in 'Sweet Tooth' comic versus Netflix series

Adeel Akhtar as Dr Aditya Singh in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)
Adeel Akhtar as Dr Aditya Singh in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)

In the 'Sweet Tooth' comics, Dr. Aditya Singh is depicted as a sinister figure who conducts cruel experiments on hybrid children, including dissections. His actions suggest a disregard for the lives of these children, raising questions about the extent of his brutality and how many hybrids he may have harmed before his change of heart.

In Netflix's series, he is shown to have a compassionate side before circumstances force him to begin experimenting on hybrid children. He reluctantly agrees to become the doctor who experiments on the hybrid children. His decision is made under the threat of force by General Abbott. 

How to stream 'Sweet Tooth' Season 3?

Amy Seimetz as Birdie in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)
Amy Seimetz as Birdie in a still from 'Sweet Tooth' (@netflix)

'Sweet Tooth' Season 3 will be available for streaming on Netflix from Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Don't have a Netflix subscription? Worry not! We have got you covered. Netflix memberships start at $6.99 per month for the base plan with advertisements.

The regular plan without advertisements costs $15.49/month, while the Premium plan costs $22.99/month.

'Sweet Tooth' Season 3 trailer



 

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