As a longtime comic book enthusiast with a particular fondness for adaptations, I’ve seen my fair share of hits and misses. Having grown up devouring graphic novels from various publishers, I can confidently say that the comic book-to-movie landscape is vast and diverse. In this list, I’ve come across some gems that have truly captured my attention and left me with a renewed appreciation for the medium.
Many comic publishing companies exist, some of which have produced excellent films. Although Marvel and DC often grab the spotlight in Hollywood, these comic-based movies can rival any production derived from these two prominent publishers. Here is a list of 32 impressive films based on comics that don’t originate from Marvel or DC.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
When Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird initially created and released the first “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” comic book through Mirage Studios in 1984, they wouldn’t have imagined the extraordinary popularity of the media empire that ensued from their modest beginning. The pioneering independent comic, originally published in black and white with a dark theme, unexpectedly took off like wildfire, eventually captivating audiences beyond the underground scene.
Hellboy
The 2004 film “Hellboy,” which is an adaptation of Mike Mignola’s Dark Horse Comics, is well-loved among comic book movie fans for being based on a source other than Marvel or DC. Ron Pearlman portrayed the title role, and Guillermo del Toro helmed the direction. The film was successful enough to lead to a sequel in 2009. However, despite plans for a third installment, it never materialized, and an attempt to restart the franchise in 2019 failed.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
In the beginning, the film adaptation of “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” featuring Michael Cera as the title character, failed to impress audiences during its first cinema release. However, the source material’s unique appeal, which originated from Oni Press comics, led to a surge in cult following and now boasts devoted fans worldwide.
Sin City
Frank Miller, the acclaimed comic book creator, made a big name for himself in this field. His initial triumphs were achieved while working for DC Comics. Once he established a strong reputation, however, Miller decided to go solo and publish his works through Dark Horse. One of these, titled “Sin City“, became extremely popular and resulted in a blockbuster film adaptation featuring an illustrious cast in 2005.
Dredd
I’m a big fan of Judge Dredd, the gritty anti-hero from the popular comic book series “2000 AD.” This series, first published way back in 1977 by IPC Magazines, was an instant hit and even spawned two movie adaptations. The first one, from 1995 starring Sylvester Stallone, wasn’t all that impressive to me. But the second one, from 2012 featuring Karl Urban as the lead, absolutely nailed it!
The Crow
In 1994, “The Crow” movie tragically gained notoriety due to the fatal accident that took place during filming, claiming the life of its leading man, Brandon Lee. Fewer people are aware that this film is actually an adaptation of a comic book series published by Caliber Comics. Since then, three additional sequels have been produced. Remarkably, 30 years after its premiere in 2024, “The Crow” was rebooted on the big screen once more.
300
Over the past 40 years, Dark Horse Publishing has made a significant mark in the comic book industry, and a major contributor to this success is the creative work of artist and writer Frank Miller. His graphic novel “300,” published in 2006 and featuring Gerard Butler as the lead actor, was a massive success with director Zach Snyder receiving accolades for the movie’s visual style that remained true to its comic book roots.
Weird Science
John Hughes’ 1985 teen comedy film “Weird Science” was inspired by an intriguing source – a comic book series. The short-lived “Weird Science” comics, published by EC Magazines in the 1950s, ran for just 22 issues. One particular issue, titled “Made of the Future” and penned by Al Feldstein, presented a captivating tale: a man invents a woman using a computer. Incredible, isn’t it?
Spawn
Todd McFarlane’s Image Comics ranks third among comic book publishers, with “Spawn” being a significant contributor to this success. Despite a less-than-impressive box office performance of the 1997 movie adaptation bearing the same name, the comics continue to hold classic status.
Men In Black
In the 1990s, Aircel Comics published five issues of its “Men In Black” series before being absorbed by Marvel. Later, around 1997, once Marvel had taken over, this series grew into one of the most successful franchises of the past thirty years.
The Kingsman Series
As a long-time comic book enthusiast and collector, I’ve come across my fair share of publishing histories that are less than straightforward. But the case of the Kingsman series really takes the cake! You see, I remember first discovering this delightful spy franchise in the pages of Marvel Comics. The thrilling adventures of the Kingsman agents had me hooked from the get-go.
Heavy Metal
1981’s Heavy Metal directed by Ivan Reitman is one of the best animated movies for adults ever made. It was adapted using stories from the legendary Heavy Metal magazine that ran for nearly 50 years before ending in 2023.
Atomic Blonde
In 2016, the Cold War-era spy thriller film “Atomic Blonde,” which was based on a comic book character named in “The Coldest City” by Antony Johnston, published by Oni Press as early as 2012, hit the screens. Charlize Theron starred in this critically acclaimed yet moderately successful box office production.
Timecop
In terms of Jean-Claude Van Damme films, “Timecop” is quite good. This action movie, which came out in 1994 and was adapted from a Dark Horse comic book of the same name, was a box office success and led to a small franchise that included a short-lived TV series and a direct-to-video sequel.
The Killer
In 2023, the film “The Killer,” helmed by director David Fincher and featuring Michael Fassbender, was adapted from a well-known French comic series of the same title. The initial instalment of this long-running series appeared in print as early as 1998. Over the years, numerous volumes followed, culminating in Netflix’s decision to produce a movie based on the source material.
Dıck Tracy
As a longtime fan of classic detective stories and comic strips, I can’t help but be intrigued by the unique journey of Dick Tracy. Though he originally made his debut as a comic strip in the 1930s, it was actually his transition to radio that first captured my imagination. You see, growing up, my grandpa would tell me stories about listening to the thrilling adventures of Dick Tracy and his tireless pursuit of justice on the family’s old radio.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
The Archie Comics’ character “Sabrina The Teen Age Witch,” most recognizably brought to life, was through the TV series headed by Melissa Joan Hart in the title role. This series had its beginnings as a TV film featuring Hart and Ryan Reynolds in one of his early acting gigs. Initially broadcast on Showtime in 1996, it later shifted to ABC for its ongoing run as a television program. The show lasted an impressive seven seasons.
The Rocketeer
As a gamer, I can tell you that way back when Disney wasn’t yet dominating the box office with their Avengers movies, they attempted to create a sensation with The Rocketeer. This film, inspired by the 1981 comic of the same name, showcased a character who harkened back to the heroic era of the 1930s. Regrettably, the movie didn’t resonate commercially with audiences, but its devoted fanbase continues to sing its praises.
Flash Gordon
In the 1930s, Flash Gordon, the iconic space explorer character, made his debut in American newspapers through comic strips. Since then, this intriguing hero’s tales have been transformed into various forms of media such as serial films, novels, radio programs, a television series, a musical production, and numerous comic book editions. The 1980 movie adaptation, with its unique blend of bizarreness, immediately gained a devoted fan base.
Oldboy
In the late ’90s, Japanese publishing company Futabasha began serially releasing the gripping story “Old Boy” in their magazines. Around 2003, South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook brought this dark tale to life on the big screen with remarkable success. While Japanese manga is known for its complex narratives, “Old Boy” stands out as a captivating and superb work. However, Spike Lee’s 2013 adaptation did not receive the same acclaim.
Tank Girl
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel disappointed when a beloved property falls short of the mark. And unfortunately, that’s just what happened with the 1995 film “Tank Girl,” starring Lori Petty. Despite my high expectations, the movie failed to deliver in both commercial and critical success. The fans were left feeling disconnected, as they believed the film didn’t capture the true essence of the character that had captivated us all from the comic series, first published by Deadline in the UK. Even now, well into the 21st Century, the original comic continues to thrive and resonate with fans like myself.
Mystery Men
The 1999 film “Mystery Men,” which is based on the surrealist comic “Flaming Carrot Comics” and boasts an illustrious cast, failed to draw large crowds at the box office. However, it’s a shame because this quirky and amusing production, in which washed-up and rejected superheroes band together to combat evil, is truly worthwatching. Despite its underperformance at the box office, “Mystery Men” is both humorous and endearing.
Akira
Among all anime, none is as renowned and widely-loved as “Akira.” This groundbreaking 1988 animated film was initially inspired by a manga serialised in Japan’s “Weekly Young Magazine,” eventually gaining recognition in the US through Marvel Comics. It’s astonishing how an enduring property like “Akira” hasn’t blossomed into one of the world’s biggest franchises.
The Mask
As a huge fan of ’90s cinema, I can’t help but feel that some people underestimate the impact and success of The Mask from 1995. This film not only made more than ten times its production budget at the box office but also catapulted Jim Carrey into Hollywood stardom, making it a landmark achievement in film history. For nearly a quarter of a century, it held the title of the most profitable comic book movie until it was overtaken by The Joker in 2019. Additionally, it served as an excellent adaptation of the source material – the 1991 comic of the same name published by Dark Horse.
Ghost World
An intriguing film that might take you by surprise is “Ghost World” (2001). Although it doesn’t have the typical feel of a comic book adaptation, this movie is based on the renowned graphic novel of the same name. Initially serialized in Fantagraphics’ “Eightball,” the movie initially went unnoticed but was later praised by critics and even earned an Oscar nomination for best-adapted screenplay. Over time, it has gained a devoted following and is now considered a cult classic.
The Old Guard
In 2017, Images Comics initially released “The Old Guard.” Three years afterwards, Netflix brought this captivating story to life on the big screen. Charlize Theron and Chiwetel Ejiofor spearheaded an impressive cast, drawing acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The success of this film paves the way for a highly anticipated sequel.
Cowboys & Aliens
A relatively fresh comic book publishing company named Platinum Studios brought one of their original titles, “Cowboys & Aliens,” to the big screen for the first time. This film, featuring Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford in leading roles, didn’t perform well commercially but wasn’t the absolute worst among its peers. Some critics even offered positive reviews.
Shortcomings
Rom-coms, or romantic comedies, are typically thought of as movies that have nothing to do with comic books. However, the 2023 film “Shortcomings” is an exception to this rule. This under-the-radar movie was a surprising adaptation of a graphic novel and received rave reviews despite being overlooked upon its release. With the perfect blend of romance and comedy, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a drama-filled watch. Originally published by Optic Nerve Comics in 2007 under the same name, the graphic novel served as the inspiration for this unique and captivating film.
Robot Dreams
In the year 2023, “Robot Dreams” stands out as a distinctive film, adapted from an extraordinary graphic novel. Unlike conventional films, this production and its source material are dialogue-free. Instead, they showcase exceptional storytelling without words. The graphic novel was initially released in 2007 to widespread appreciation and recognition. It even made it onto Oprah Winfrey’s recommended reading list.
Extraction
The book “Extraction,” created in collaboration between graphic artist Ande Parks, directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Fernando León González, and Eric Skillman, was initially published in 2014 with the plan of adapting it into a movie. This film adaptation came to fruition in 2020, featuring Chris Hemsworth as the lead actor.
Wanted
It’s surprising that “Wanted,” a 2008 film featuring Angelina Jolie which was a box office hit and has a dedicated fan base, hasn’t received a sequel yet. Fans of the movie often revisit the original source material, a limited comic book series published by Top Cow Productions under Image.
From Hell
I’m a huge fan of Alan Moore, a renowned comic book writer whose works have left an indelible mark on the industry. Among his masterpieces are “Watchmen,” “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” and “V for Vendetta,” which have all been brought to life through adaptations. These stories were originally published by DC Comics. However, did you know that Moore’s first adaptation, “From Hell,” was based on a series published by Top Shelf Productions as early as 1989? In this gripping tale, Johnny Depp portrays the character of Fred Abberline, a tenacious investigator delving into the enigma of the Jack the Ripper murders.
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2024-07-21 23:38