Superhero movies seem to be big box office hits these days. Batman, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Spiderman, X-men, Elektra, MIB, Hellboy Super Sapiens, the list just goes on. There’ll be plenty more coming soon, if rumours are to be believed, including Ghost Rider.
But back in the late 70’s to early 90’s, this wasn’t the case. Most movies studios wouldn’t touch superhero flicks with a ten-foot pole. The only notable one from that era was none other than Krypton’s Kal-El, a.k.a Clark Kent a.k.a. Superman. For some strange reasons the first two movies did exceptionally well against the grain of the genre, at the same time catapulting Christopher Reeves into the big time.
However when Superman III came out, it was utter crap. Part IV was even worse, I doubt any comic fans can ever watch the last two installments without cringing.
Then sometime in 1989 Batman came out, broke all box-office records, and opened the floodgates for DC, Marvel, Image and the other comic houses to turn their paper heroes to films. Some scored big time, some sucked (Captain America? Spawn? Punisher? Shi? Catwoman?!).
It seems like right now all the studio execs are scouring DC and Marvel’s back catalogue of old issues to find the next big summer hit. It will only be time when someone starts hawking a script for Teen Titans, Preacher, the Watchers or Aquaman.
Anyway, just my thoughts and back story for my top ten list. Didn’t manage to get 10 though, so it’s more of 5 questions about comic superheroes.
- How on earth do all those heroines fit into those super-tight body-hugging spandex costumes? Liposuction?
- What is it with American boys’ and men’s fascination with Wonder Woman? Is it the costume? The lasso? Remember Robert Downey, Jr.?
- What about Groo?! How come nobody wants to make that movie?! It’ll be damn funny!
- How on earth do they select all those cool names for superhero team members? Like Cyborg, Gambit, Network, Starfire, White Witch? Do they use a dictionary? Or one of those Internet Name Generators?
I can’t think of another one, so I’ll just have to stop here. See you tomorrow.
16 Comments
Mobius
Thought superman was Kal-el? 🙂
5xmom
That’s why I love The Incredibles. Mrs. Incredible is so ‘normal’ (re: when she was given her suit)
NSDS3HvLDjJd
But who shot J.R.???
MengZ
superhero.
superman is all time classic.
the name already very STRONG.
plus his super fashionable outfit, red undie out.
man he is cool.
the scene always in my mind when i still a kid is when he changing in the telephone booth.
i was wonder in the pass.
how he gonna change if superman is in malaysia ar?
our telephone booth got no door wor!!!
Wingz
why ar u no tok bout fantastik foh wan ar ?
sexymama
Does Hong Kong Phooey count as a superhero?
I wish they’d make a Justice League movie. I love the Martian Manhunter.
And Dr. Strange too.
Sashi
Mobius is right, Supes is Kal-El. Jor-El is his daddy-o. Bog-el was the popular exotic dancer in Krypton. Bloody-ell was a famous Kryptonian drink.
Simon
sashi & mobius – sori aar? my mistake, Supes is Kal-El… long time no read man of steel… i’ve corrected the post b4 i get flamed by fanboys…
sexymama – yep, HK phooey counts, but they have to find a guy who looks like a dog to play him… Justice league movie would be too cool!
wingz – actually i no follow FF when i was small… comic a bit cheesy, but i think it was the trend in the 80s…!
mengz – in m’sia supes would probably have to change in the smelly tandas awam…!
nsds3 – who shot JR? Sue Ellen!
5xmom – ‘Normal’?! You mean your family also got super power like that?!
anjali
I think they should think of “The Simpsons – The Movie.” That’ll be cool. Bart is my hero.
Simon
anjali – i rather they not tamper with the greatest show on TV… if its less than perfect, how am i going to live with it…? 🙂
Shan
PLASTIC MAN!!!! everyone’s forgotten about Plastic Man – my kiddie fave! Poor guy. He had cool elastic powers!!!
sexymama
Shouldn’t be difficult to find someone who looks like a dog.
Look at Marty the Zebra in Madagascar–doesn’t he look like Chris Rock? I know Chris Rock provides the voice for Marty, but that zebra really looks like Chris.
Simon
sexymama – they should re-run HK phooey on Cartoon Network. I can’t remember much of it, except he changes in to metal drawers…
shan – isn’t plastic man very much like Mr. Fantastic…?
james
They probably didn’t make Groo cos the couldn’t find anyone who could play him, though Gerard Depardieu does look a little like Groo even if he’s a little too tall! 🙂
Wingz
my fav hero as SPASTIK MAN!!!
Simon
James – Can get a short actor, slap on a prosthetic nose and voila! we have groo!
Wingz – SPASTIC MAN? ROTFLMAO!!!