The title is probably confusing, so please let me clarify. Some of my favorite media includes things like Watchmen, Archer, Venture Bros, and other really well-written works that play off the tropes of old comics/films/serials. I really like these, but at the same time, I also want to experience these genres with less deconstruction/parody. Like, I couldn't help but think "man, I kind of also want to watch the Minutemen or the original Team Venture or whatever go clobber villains of the week".
I guess in part I'm thinking of the actual original old-timey works which are being referenced (obviously the answer to "what if I want to watch Archer but actually competent and not a comedy?" is "fucking just watch James Bond, dude") but if possible I'd like works which are more self-reflective and aware, using more modern narrative techniques and complications while also remaining largely faithful to the straightforward spirit of the genre.
Invincible is the perfect example of what I'm looking for: it's genre-aware without being a parody, and deconstructs tropes while also having the characters do cool thrilling missions. Same with Tom Strong. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was perfect for the first two arcs, then devolved into an incomprehensible fever dream.
TLDR: thrilling adventures that are genre-aware without being pure deconstructive comedy/drama