Comic Books: Movies
Today the silver screen is littered with lots of action movies, romance movies, and plenty of Superhero movies. The latter has become so popular that it even has moved over to the small screen, with huge success and well received ratings. These include the popular Avengers, Arrow, and iZombie movies and shows.
Over the past week, I have gotten more than a few requests for recommended or required readings in order to truly understand these movies and shows based off of comics, as well as fully comprehend what these film makers were attempting to put onto the screen(s). However, I also received many blank stares when readers found out that shows like The Strain, and movies like Kingsman: The Secret Service were actually based off of different comics.
So, in order to fully realize any given movies, shows, or upcoming programs that will undoubtedly bring in big-box-office-cash; there are many comics that can help any fan enjoy a film beyond the post-credits scene at the latest Marvel movie.
Superheroes
Director Recommended
Within the realm of comic book movies many directors look to the source material to make the best movies or shows that they possibly can. Tim Burton, director of the original 1989 Batman, is stated as saying, I loved ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’… It’s my favorite. It’s the first comic I’ve ever loved.” This led to his inspiration of his Batman movie.
Similarly to Burton, Christopher Nolan, director of The Dark Knight, and its subsequent movies, stated, “Batman: The Long Halloween is more than a comic book. It’s an epic tragedy.” This was the basis book and plot for his second outing in the “Batman” movie-verse.
Recommended Readings
It is difficult to list every comic that a movie maker draws inspiration from. Many times a movie or show takes plot points, character basis’ and other assorted references from many comics. However, there is an effective (and affordable) means to acquire more info about anyone’s favorite superhero movie or show, through the comics listed:
– The Avengers- The Avengers, Vol. 1 (Marvel Masterworks)
– The Amazing Spider-Man 1&2- Spider-man: The Death of the Stacy’s, Spider-Man: Blue
– Batman Begins- Batman: Year One, Batman: Earth One
– The Dark Knight Rises- The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Knightfall, vol.1
– Daredevil- Daredevil: The Man Without Fear
– Arrow- Green Arrow: Year One
– Gotham- Gotham Central
– The Flash- The Flash Chronicles, vol.1
– Captain America: Civil War (2016)- Civil War
– Avengers: Infinity War (2018)- Infinity Gauntlet
Others
As I discussed in my last post, there are many other kinds of comics beyond just the superhero genre. Many popular comics have been the basis for plenty of very popular movies and TV shows. Here are a few of them:
– The Strain- The Strain
– The Walking Dead- The Walking Dead
– iZombie- iZombie
– Constantine- Hellblazer
– Kingsman: The Secret Service- Kingsman: The Secret Service
– Wanted- Wanted
– Judge Dredd- Judge Dredd
There really is no shortage of screen-media that draws inspiration from comic books. It works the same way with novels: a director finds a great story from a book, adapts it into what will hopefully be a great movie or show. Again, this is only a basic list, but it is a way to get more out of any movie or show as well as another great way to get into comics.
*Hey, Post Readers! Let me know what you think of these comic posts, as well as giving me suggestions on what to write on next! Authors? Artists? Personal favorites? Something other than comics, but in a similar wheelhouse? Please give me your suggestions! Tweet me, Ben Peterson, at: “@BenCPeterson7” on Twitter!
** Remember to support the comic business at your local comic shop, the best way to buy single issues and to buy trades/ novels in their most pristine conditions.
