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It’s clear cut and dry that DC and Marvel movies are some of the best we’ve experienced in the past decade. These days the companies dominate the box office, especially when it comes to their superhero comic book-based movies. If we could ask you to say the first superhero movie that comes to your mind, chances are it’ll be from Marvel or DC. However, they aren’t the only players in town—not by a long shot. There are several other originators of comic book material which managed to translate well to the big screen. Here are some of the most popular movies that are based on comic books with different origins.
Spawn (1997) – Image Comics
It probably sounds implausible today, but Spawn was one of the most popular comic book series in the world. It still holds massive sway with the older generation and retro movie buffs. But, while the aged graphics from the 1997 movie would struggle to compete today, the story of Al Simmons, is still excellent, if not a bit corny at times. However, what made the movie work back in 1997 is the same recipe for its staying power today—the story of a guy who experienced what hell looks like and came back pissed. It’s a scary roller coaster and great fun for sure.
Men in Black (1997) – Aircel Comics
Men in Black (M.I.B) is one movie which, at first, might not look and feel like a superhero flick. However, once you’re deep into the story, all you see is superhero feats from Agents J and K, played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones respectively. The Men in Black guarded the galaxy before Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy were ever in the picture. What makes this movie one of the best is the insane variety of aliens that the M.I.B have to partner with and fight against. This is a 90s sci-fi classic that even today’s younger generation would feel right at home watching.
Hellboy (2004) – Dark Horse Comics
Ever since it came out in 2004, Hellboy gained a devoted fan base, which only grew with the movie’s 2008 sequel and 2019 remake. Both critics and the audience loved the story of the red demon battling evil. The red horned demon has also inspired various video games such as the popular slot created by the developer Microgaming. But it is not the only slot inspired by the world of comics, on ukcasino.xyz you can find a lot of info about the best casinos and the most popular slots. Hellboy was filmed by the Academy Award-winning director, Guillermo del Toro. What’s even better about the film is it never takes itself too seriously – adding a bit of tongue-and-cheek humour.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) – Mirage Studios
This first instalment of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies is still the best-rated, as it started deep into the story of the superheroes’ history. The movie drew most of its influence from the TMNT comic books, rather than the cartoon that was being aired at the time. The result was a classic that featured a sense of sadness and depth that elevated it from just another movie about superheroes that are well-versed in the art of martial arts. They also rejuvenated their sub-culture establishment and fostered a loyal following within the comic and art genres.
Dredd (2012) – 2000 AD
Dredd is, hands down, one of the best comic book movies of all time—and the film gets better and better the more you watch it. But what is the movie about? Is Dredd a superhero? Well, he’s more of a supervillain, which makes both the movie and the lead character even more intriguing. In a post-apocalyptic world where a toxic and highly addictive chemical threatens Mega City One’s diverse society, a quiet, deadly, and angry figure like Dredd is the perfect hero. Karl Urban wore the character so well that even people who missed the movie in the theatres fell in love with it at home after it gained a cult following. But the previous Judge Dredd, Sylvester Stallon, gave the audience a taster in 1995.
The Crow (1994) – Caliber Comics, Image Comics
The story and concept behind The Crow are extremely sad. The movie follows the story of a rock star who’s murdered and becomes infamous after his death. The story has a lot of similarities to the life of Brandon Lee. However, the movie’s character, Eric Draven, came back from the dead as a terrifying vigilante who was bent on avenging his murder and violation of his girlfriend. The movie is dark, both literally and metaphorically, and gained an 82% score from Rotten Tomatoes critics. The audience gave it an even more impressive 90% score.