Top 10 "Non-Spandex" Comic Book Conversions

With Season 3 of The Walking Dead drawing to a close, and of the continued & improved success of comic book movies last year, I thought it best to focus my next Top 10 on filmed conversions of inked mythology.

As a friend of mine from Sheffield, UK (Andy "The Epicentre" Stockton) used to say when asked about what comics he liked..."I'm into it as long it's not spandex!". He's referring, of course, to the deluge of super hero based comic books that Marvel and DC are so famous for.

But, what comics are there without caped crusaders, I hear you cry? Actually, there are tonnes! I'm a bit of a late fan to the genre, returning to comic books with more expertise and passion than any of my younger years, thanks to the awareness of the more mature outputs, especially from the DC sub-publisher, Vertigo. And The Walking Dead has recently become one of the more famous series of books thanks to the excellent AMC production.

So, in honour of the zombie-filled impending series finale, here are my Top Ten "Non Spandex" comic book adaptations...

The criteria: Unlike The Walking Dead, these must be conversions into movies not programmes...this is filmbore, after all. These must be adaptations from comic books that have no costumed heroes in them, hence the point of this Top 10. For example, even though satirical and hefty, while not for the younger audiences, I've not permitted Watchmen to be on this list I'm afraid for this very same reason. Plus, Kick Ass and Mystery Men, even as comedies poking fun at the genre, also don't get a mention due to the fact that they are still filled with caped crusaders.

WARNING! Very mild spoilers ahead.

10. The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn (2011)

Even though still aimed at younger audiences, Tintin is probably the most famous of all non superhero comic characters. Spielberg and Jackson's project to bring Hergé's creation to life was satisfyingly successful, incorporating the right level of excitement and comedy. And that chase scene through a Moroccan town while being flooded is sensational!

9. Sin City (2005)

Frank Miller's dark noir was always destined for a movie adaptation with it's dramatic plots and sharp lines & visuals. Not only was Miller's trademark look captured perfectly in the film, the casting of some of Sin City's biggest characters was genius, especially in the cinematic return of Mickey Rourke as the hugely misunderstood Marv.

8. A History Of Violence (2005)

David Cronenberg had already wandered down a different path with 2002's Spider, but it was with his adaptation of John Wagner's grim graphic novel where he reestablished his position in the business. Viggo Mortenson is the perfect actor to play Tom Stall: a simmering local hero type with a bucket full of secrets to bear, but the truth starts to emerge following an attempted robbery at a diner that he prevents, raising a few eyebrows in the process.

7. Coraline (2009)

As a huge Neil Gaiman fan (The Sandman being one of the greatest comics around) I had to include this enigmatically dark children's tale about defiance and desire. In her new family home, Coraline Jones discovers the Other World: an alternative realm similar but more sinister to her own. Henry Selick's stylistic stop-frame adaptation lends an extra personality to this already charming tale.

6. Persepolis (2007) 

Adapted from her autobiographical graphic novel of the same name, Marjane Strapi wrote and directed this movie adaptation of her upbringing during the Iranian Revolution. A rebellious young girl in an oppressive culture, we get to see how her values and responses shape her decisions and future. But this isn't as heavy as it sounds, as it's refreshingly funny in all the right places too.

5. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

Like someone's just bred a hybrid of a Commodore 64 and an iPod, Edgar Wright's version of the hugely popular comic series packs a plethora of punches. Scott's in love with Ramona Flowers, but in order to date her he has to defeat her seven evil exes, boss fight style! Full of typical Wright humour, this is a must for gaming fanatics.

4. Akira (1988)

The king of anime! There have been so many conversions from manga to movie over the decades, but this still stands head and shoulders above the rest. Set in the post-nuclear city of Neo Tokyo, many are put off by it's twisting, confusing plot but once you buy into the story it will not let you go. An allegory to bullying and how power can change you, Akira is still one of the finest films of the 80's.

3. The Lone Wolf & Cub Series (1972-74) / Shogun Assassin (1980)

Another manga conversion, the eponymous Lone Wolf & Cub movie series tells the gory tale of a ronin and son, travelling the plains of feudal Japan, taking on assassin assignments on their trail to avenge the death of his wife. Only six films were ever completed from the 12 books, but we were treated to the video nasty Shogun Assassin: an English dubbed remix of the first two chapters with an incredible electronic score from Mark Lindsay.

2. The Crow (1994)

The film that took Brandon Lee's life still has a huge impact. Caliber Comics gave James O'Barr's story a chance back in 1989; of a tale that he wrote to help deal with the death of his girlfriend to a drunk driver. Both the book and film attain cult status, speaking as the voice of a generation. It translates beautifully from comic to celluloid and garners Brandon's best, if final, performance.

And the winner is...

1. Road To Perdition (2002)

Most people don't even realise that Road To Perdition is an adaptation of a comic book story!

Even more intriguing is the fact that the graphic novel itself was loosely based on the premise of our no.3 selection, Lone Wolf & Cub. Known more recently as an author of books, expanding on known TV crime series' (such as Dark Angel and the CSI franchise), Max Allan Collins made a name for himself by taking over the Dick Tracy series in 1990. It wasn't until the late 90's, however, that he would reach his zenith in crafting the absorbing tale of a mobster and his son, on the road during the Great Depression.

Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is an enforcer, who is truly loyal to his boss & adopted father, the malevolent John Rooney (Paul Newman). However, Rooney's natural son, Connor (Daniel Craig), is quite the opposite and is a tyrant crawling under the family's skin. As internal friction grows in amidst the pair, it leads to an unprecedented slaughter of Sullivan's family at the hands of a jealous Connor. This heart-wrenching event forces Sullivan to take action, with his only option being that to take to the road with his surviving son, Michael Jr (Tyler Hoechlin).

Tearing across the US, they forge a plan to crumble Rooney's empire and to take vengeance for the losses they have felt. This won't be so easy, as a loose cannon with a camera, Harlen (an out-of-comfort-zone Jude Law) is hot on their trail to stop them in their tracks. With as much cunning as Sullivan but far more perverse enjoyment out of what he does, both father and son will have to keep an eye on their rear view for this unpredictable assassin.

Sam Mendes is always a trusted pair of hands, and he scatters his own blend of visual delight and canny cool to make an incredibly emotive piece. He takes notes from the tale's original medium, leaving space for those locked off vanity shots that marry so well with the comic book world. Never has this been released so perfectly as the finale...I won't spoil it for you, but it has received compliments over the years purely for it's use of rain (in Blu-ray, this particular scene is one of the best pre-HD shots I have encountered). And, even though the founding tale is influenced by another comic, there's no disputing the clear brilliance of this movie.

With a cast like this, such a brilliant story and a director who is adept at anything, it's a winning combination...with gusto and tommy guns!

Just Missed Out: American Splendor, 300, RED, Death Note, V For Vendetta, Hardware

If you disagree, and have other suggestions, please post comments at the bottom of the post. Or, email me directly on topten@filmbore.co.uk.

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