Spring Break
Capes and cameras
The evolution of the superhero genre
Paresh Jha
Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: Focus
DC Comics and Warner Bros. have had meetings on how to make their other characters successful film franchises. So, it would seem that superhero films have been guaranteed for at least the next five years. As long as audiences shell out the money to see them, the studios will continue to make the films. But what does this say about the future quality of comic book movies?
There was a time when comic books were supposed to only be funny. Clearly, things have changed and now "comical" is no longer the dominant connotation of comic books. They have evolved to garner the respect of readers worldwide. Graphic novels like "Watchmen," "V for Vendetta" and "The Dark Knight Returns" are argued to have as much literary value as a Stephen King novel. It is exceedingly apparent that this is the direction in which superhero films are heading. There will come a time when superhero movies will no longer just be a typical action film.
As recent movies like "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man" and "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" have proven, a film does not need A-list actors in realistic settings to be compelling. They could have men and women in capes saving the world, provoking antagonists and even our thoughts. It all remains in the hands of the studios and their decisions. If they haphazardly put out movies like "Spider-Man 3" just to make a quick buck then things could take a turn for the worse. As long as they keep the franchises in the hands of respectful and talented filmmakers, then it looks as though the superhero could have a permanent spot in Hollywood.
There was a time when comic books were supposed to only be funny. Clearly, things have changed and now "comical" is no longer the dominant connotation of comic books. They have evolved to garner the respect of readers worldwide. Graphic novels like "Watchmen," "V for Vendetta" and "The Dark Knight Returns" are argued to have as much literary value as a Stephen King novel. It is exceedingly apparent that this is the direction in which superhero films are heading. There will come a time when superhero movies will no longer just be a typical action film.
As recent movies like "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man" and "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" have proven, a film does not need A-list actors in realistic settings to be compelling. They could have men and women in capes saving the world, provoking antagonists and even our thoughts. It all remains in the hands of the studios and their decisions. If they haphazardly put out movies like "Spider-Man 3" just to make a quick buck then things could take a turn for the worse. As long as they keep the franchises in the hands of respectful and talented filmmakers, then it looks as though the superhero could have a permanent spot in Hollywood.
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