Nowadays, it seems that there is new superhero film coming out every week. Not that its anything wrong with that, but what I’m worried about is an oversaturation of the film market with superhero films. Mainly from the big two companies, Marvel and DC, which are in turn owned by Disney and Warner Bros. respectively. Superman the Movie (1978), and Batman (1989) were the like the “golden” age of superhero films, during which another film that wasn’t related to that genre…to a degree, Robocop (1987) but can easily fall into that category. Superman and Batman films were examples of film superhero films done right, but at the same time Robocop (which wasn’t owned by Marvel or DC) came out and shone into prominence around that time. Another good example is Todd McFarlane’s Spawn (1997), and Jim Barr’s The Crow (1994) which came out at a time when Marvel and DC weren’t “heavy hitters” yet and their characters have yet to hit their stride on the big screen.
Blade (1998), to me was the beginning of the “modern” age of superhero films, which in turn opened the door for films like Spider-Man, Iron-Man, Batman Begins, etc…(I’m not acknowledging Batman and Robin, and barely Batman forever). What I’m worried about in the long run, is that people will get tired of seeing these films, especially now that these kinds of films have hit their stride (especially with the success with the Iron Man films, and now Thor). I, myself personally would like to see a continuation of these kinds of films because I grew up reading the comics and watching the animated series that are now related to them. At the same time, there are other comic, superhero characters that have yet to be tapped into from other companies and creators that have yet to be seen and not as well known either, but by just the comic fans themselves.
What I want to see are more films in that genre, but from different creators other than the “big two” (Marvel and DC), and or continuation of stories like Spawn, and stories from indie comics like BOOM! Studios (Irredeemable – A Superman type character gone bad and Incorruptible – A super powered criminal wanting to go straight…both which are EXCELLENT comics) and Image Comics characters (besides the The Walking Dead) just to name a few. There are other characters out there that have been created. I myself have a few that I’ve created, but have yet to get any kind of exposure (in which I'm still pushing for). I think with the proper channels and RIGHT DECISIONS from agents and studio heads that more stories like this can be told on the big screen.
Signing out for now…
I went to see Thor last night and enjoyed it. During the previews I realized that there are a lot of super hero movies due to come out soon. Its like a phenomenon. I do feel it may be too much too soon and the appetite to view such films may deminish. From the looks of it a few super hero movies dont seem to have that special quality to them; then, there are those few, that do. I do not mind another super hero movie as long as it is well made. Its seems a ot of these films are just action and fantasy driven and tend to forget that the original comics seem to have an underlying message or deep rooted story...those are the ones I enjoy.
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