The Comics Review

Movies based on comics

One of the best indicators as to how important comics have become in the last few decades is to take a look at all the movies and TV shows that have been made that are based on certain comic books. This has become particularly apparent in the last two decades where almost all of the most successful movies have basis in comics and where the most money is being pulled in by comic book characters that we loved and cherished even before they were turned into moving pictures.

The first movie, or more precisely a movie franchise that has its core in comics is Superman. It is one of the first really successful comic book adaptations and still a classic in its own rights. I will not go into all the sequels that tarnished the image of Superman, but it can safely be said that you can always sell Superman. Just take a look at Smallville which was on the air for years. Batman is yet another comic book that has seen innumerable adaptations, ranging from TV shows from decades ago, to a string of more or less successful movies and to animated shows that are constantly coming out.

One of my personal favorite adaptations is Hellboy. It is one of my favorite comic book movies and while it is still better than pretty much else that has been made based on comics, it still fails to do complete justice to the source material, which is definitely one of the best comics that I have had pleasure of reading.

Of course, I cannot fail to mention the Avengers and all the movies that preceded it. It seems that the people who adapt comics finally found the perfect solution as to how to do it, stay faithful to the originals and still make great movies.

We have also seen some crappy adaptations as well, such as Green Lantern or Ghost Rider which are better left forgotten. Finally, I have to mention the fact that most anime shows and movies are based on mangas, Japanese comics.