There have been over 80 comic book movies released over the years and most people will be surprised to find they've seen, or are at least are aware of, the vast majority. These range from Christopher Reeve's portrayal of the Man of Steel back in 1978 to this summer's blockbuster hit The Avengers Assemble, which has become the third biggest grossing movie of all time.
A few years ago Christopher Nolan's Batman: The Dark Knight set new standards for comic book films, revealing the darker side to comic book stories and showing there exists some deeper, more adult stories in the medium. Zack Snyder's Watchmen is the best example of an adult comic book to movie interpretation - released as an 18 certificate (R in America) it grossed $185 million at the box office. This graphic novel is one of the greatest loved among the genre and the adult themes of politics, war, sex and violence were all present in the movie. With such a high success at the box office, it's clear adults are in fact the biggest contributor to comic book movie ticket sales.
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I think it's fair to say we've all enjoyed watching those heroes battle on the big screen, so why don't we experience them in the format that give birth to them, the comic book? This summer sees some of the biggest heroes to hit our screen's yet-
- The Avengers Assemble - featuring - Iron man, Thor, Captain America, The Hulk, Hawk Eye, Nick Fury and The Black Widow
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- The Dark Knight Rises (Batman)
So over the summer, I thought I'd review some of these heroes' stories in print and hopefully I'll inspire you to pick one up and see for yourself why the movies are so good. Because as much as most people's first impression will be to disregard the genre, we need to be open minded and ask ourselves, if we enjoy reading and have enjoyed a comic book movie, why haven't we read a comic book?
You don't have to go to the movies for a great super hero story...
See what other comic books we've reviewed here.
I haven't read a comic book because I've heard how terrifying they are. "So well ORIGINALLY that guy was actually a racist but then they killed him off. Back in the 80s they brought him back and gave him a sidekick who ended up betraying him so he ran off with this woman who he ended up betraying, before he decided to be racist and evil again. Then that guy who was dead for a long time came to try and stop him, except they completely rewrote his character.." *brain implodes* I just.. wouldn't know where to start! D:
ReplyDeleteNah, comics aren't usually like that at all. Have you not been reading my comicbook feature, lady!? :) Just start at Issue #1 of a new series or go back a couple of issues and start at the beginning of Batman or something.
DeleteThey are absolutely NOT terrifying. Promise :)
I've been hearing from Dan. He babbles about comics a lot. It scares me. He says to stay away from DC sexism? *shrugs*
DeleteWatchmen is pure,unadulterated awesome, both book and film. Also, Avengers Assemble was brilliant. Really think I need to break through the sweaty teenage boy barrier and start reading some comics!
ReplyDeleteI still haven't read the graphic novel, but I saw the film the first night it was released at a midnight showing. *is a nerd*
DeleteI loved Avengers Assemble too, aside from the unnecessary Black Widow...
You do! It's worth it, I swear.
I just found out here and now that you're doing a comic book feature! What a cool idea! I'll have to catch up and continue looking for them. :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for stopping by and reading my review of I've Got Your Number! I do agree that the book is super expensive. It's frustrating. But I thought it was worth it, since I enjoyed it so much. I've read mixed reviews for it, though, so it's hard to say if you'd think it was worth the money that could buy 3 other books. Haha. And you're person #233243563475624 who has told me to read Can You Keep a Secret? I think this needs to happen really soon!
- Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl
You speak wisely, my child. I think I need to check out more graphic novels now that I've found a WIN with V FOR VENDETTA. I was having a conversation about this with a guy in the shop the other day (when I had to wrestle my copy of V out of his hands and tell him it wasn't for sale) and he told me that WATCHMEN was an absolute must, and that I should also read LXG, Neil Gaiman's SANDMAN series, and BATMAN. Which I already knew, but hey, it's nice to have it confirmed by an enthusiast!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I really need to see the new AVENGERS movie. Any film with that much assembled talent in lycra is a WIN. ;)
You should read LXG for my challenge! Although perhaps not Volume 2, because there's a LOT of creepy, inappropriate sex. A LOT. I think I'm posting a Batman review on Tuesday actually :)
DeleteYOU DO! Thor. Yes please. Thooooooor. Phwoar Thor.