It’s a little sad how kids today don’t know that some of the most beautiful and enjoyable entertainment experiences in life do not involve controllers, CD cartridges and desktop computers. Back then, it used to be a set of baseball cards, a Slush Puppy and my comic books. Ah, the good old comics — they have always been there for me and I’ve definitely been there for them (every week at the comics store that is). They controlled my imagination and demanded my attention like a junkie handling a warm gun. Whenever a new storyboard/plot came out, I itched to read its intriguing beginnings, action-packed climaxes and mesmerizing finales. Years have past since I’ve returned to the psychotic darkness of Gotham or the cobweb kingdom of New York. Over this time certain things have replaced my need for fantastic satisfaction, but nothing will ever compare to the experience of seeing the greatest heroes duke it out with the greatest villains. Time has past and its been years since I’ve revisited my long forgotten hobby, but every time I watch them come to life, my passion and yearning to return to the comic world is suddenly resurrected. There have been quite a few failures in Hollywood’s attempt to capture the world of paperback animation, but when it’s done right, it leaves an impression. Here are my picks for greatest comic book-turned-movies of all time:
Batman/Batman Returns: Tim Burton’s best work and perhaps the best depiction of comic book characters ever. With Burton’s direction, Michael Keaton plays a brooding but brilliant Batman. Jack Nicholson, Danny Devito and Michelle Pfeiffer are perfectly cast as the Batman’s most powerful arch nemeses.
Superman: This ’80s version of Superman began a series of sequels and launched the career of a man named Christopher Reeves.
Dick Tracy: The super-slick detective drama featured some of the hottest celebrities at the time. It was the only serious competition America ever put out against the British super-agent extraordinaire James Bond.
Ghost World: This 2001 adaptation of the comic starred Thora Birch (“American Beauty”) and oddball superstar Steve Buschemi. One of the funniest adaptations of all time. Hardcore fans felt robbed by the 2001 Oscars.
Blade/Blade II: The new and only thriving comic-movie franchise out there. You already know how excited I am about it.
The Crow: This comic single-handedly took the gothic explosion to the next level. You knew it was good when your best friend started shopping for makeup shades of rotting flesh and bone.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: “Heroes in a half shell,” need I say more?
Conan the Barbarian: Ahhnnnuuuullllddddd!!!