Look, Up on the Screen: The Superhero Quest
by Vera H-C ChanMar 5, 2009
Leaping tall buildings in a single bound is a lot easier than making the leap from comic book to the silver screen. Hopes have been meteoric for Alan Moore's graphic novel "Watchmen," which has waited 23 years for its cinematic transplant.
Yet, for every Dark Knight or X-Men cinematic exploit, lesser comic book heroes such as The Spirit, The Phantom, Judge Dredd, and the Punisher (thrice) have taken critical beatings and been ignored by the masses. And let's not forget Moore's abused adaptations (which the comic artist himself boycotted, including this latest): "From Hell" (2001), "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (2003), and "Constantine" (2005). (The verdict on a fourth, "V for Vendetta" (2005), was marginally kinder.) Cracked.com makes the point with its round-up of "least faithful comic book movies," while Reuters revives the specter of Howard the Duck in its box office list.
Enough box-office successes, though, mean a never-ending line of graphic protagonists ready for their big shot. Come May 7, the X-Men series returns to focus on Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, the sexiest mutant alive. G.I. Joe and his kung-fu grip was an action figure before a comic, but buzz for "Rise of Cobra"—due out Aug. 7—is busting out all over.
In 2010, the skies and multiplexes will be crowded with Iron Man's return (May 7), followed by big-budget newcomers Norse god Thor (July 16), Western anti-hero Jonah Hex (Aug. 10), and Green Lantern (Dec. 17).
Originally slated for June 25 but looking mighty unlikely: the comic dream team of Stephen Chow (" Shaolin Soccer") and Seth Rogen in " The Green Hornet." Possibly replacing Chow as director is Michel Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"). Comic books have pulled in heavyweight actors and directors (e.g. Liam Neeson in "Dark Man"), and the upcoming ones promise Oscar nominee Josh Brolin as Hex and director Kenneth Branagh behind Thor.
Among the never-ending search for superheroes online, favorite Wonder Woman still has not lassoed a real deal. Who's the villain behind that one? Below is a list of those who have made the leap from strip to multiplex.
Most Searched Big Screen-Comic Book Heroes, past 30 days