Super Years - Super Movies

I remember looking at what 2008 had to offer for the comic book movie fan, and like the villains in many a flick, I was clasping and rubbing my hands and laughing in diabolic joy at the sight of it all.

There were a lot of highly anticipated remakes and new entries which might have had me too excited, what could live up to my anticipation?

Well not a lot did, in fact a lot of it was… well, good but not OMG AWESOME! Only 2 matched and exceeded the hype. Iron Man and The Dark Knight, both of which entered my top 10.

There was also one wonderful surprise.

Though I normally don’t read a lot of reviews, I suddenly felt compelled to read EVERTHING about the Punisher War Zone. Maybe I was trying to talk myself out of going. Then a strange thing happened. I sat down and got ready for the worst experience of my life when about mid way through I thought to myself, “Hey, something’s wrong here, I’m actually enjoying this stupid thing.” I don’t know if that will translate to the DVD when I watch it, or if my expectations were so low there was nothing but up from there. But I had a good time and currently have it ranked in the 30s.



2008 wasn’t bad. But it wasn’t the end all and be all nor was it the first great season in the sun. Before Hollywood threw its hat in the ring, Italy produced a lot of low budget but often entertaining productions. These cheesy Italian flicks offered comic book bliss from 67-68 with titles like Superargo, Danger Diabolik, Fantastic Aargoman, Kriminal and the 3 Fantastic Supermen. This would be the best run until 2004.

Ahh 2004… Now that was a great year.

At the top is the film that many still regard as the best superhero movie ever, Spider-Man 2. Though the Dark Knight challenges it, SM2 (with the first) still stands as the quintessential example of the Stan Lee era brought to life. Beyond that was Pixar’s incredible “The Incredibles” - an animated force that ranks as my favorite from the company.

Apart from those Top 10 entries is one that ranks in the teens, Hellboy. It might not be as splashy as the remake but I prefer its humanity, heart and the horror elements.

Far from our shores there were 2 released in Japan in 2004. Live action anime Cutie Honey is a kick and Zebraman was full of fun and warmth.

Course we couldn’t escape the year without a few stink bombs. The spastic Punisher with Thomas Jane, the amazingly cheesy, awfully directed (by screenwriter David Goyer) Blade Trinity and one of the very worst of the worst…Catwoman!



(2008 offered up duds like Superhero Movie! The inconsistent Jumper and the acid trip that was The Spirit – so nobody gets through a year unscathed. Even the Italians gave up “Avenger X” in the 60s)

How will 2009 stack up? It’s a bit lighter in the load pan. There are 2 highly anticipated films. First up is the Watchmen – For what it’s worth, Wesley Crusher rated it as the best comic book movie ever in his blog (under his real name Will Wheton) after he saw a sneak. And there’s Wolverine. Both at first blush, offer the best shots at breaking into my top 10 list (but it’s a tough crowd, so I’d be happy with teens or 20s)

Aside from the big 2 we’ll also get stuff like Kick-Ass (from the creator of “Wanted”) and Astro Boy (From Imagi studios, who produced TMNT).

The first comic book movie of the year, Push, has received mixed reviews. I stand on the side of those who liked it. I feel it got the new season off to a solid start. Other than the theatrical releases, Marvel has put out their best DTD (direct to disc) with Hulk Vs. and DC will soon have Wonder Woman on the shelves.

2010 and 11? Might be the new Marvel Age with its string of Avenger based films and the anticipated return of Spider-Man. DC will likely have at least the Green Lantern on the big screen.