Movies based on comic books are generally big box office hits, and this summer, studios are offering an impressive lineup.
IRON MAN — May 2
This flick, based on the long running Marvel Comics character, features billionaire-industrialist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as a technological genius. He is a frivolous person who changes when forced to create a weapon for use against the U.S. Instead, he fashions a suit of mechanical armor that constantly evolves into faster, stronger Iron Man armor.
Web site: ironmanmovie.marvel.com.
SPEED RACER — May 9
Emile Hirsch stars as the race car driver in this cult favorite cartoon series that will appeal to all comic book fans. The film follows Speed as he races to glory in the Mach 5, his gadget-filled car.
Web site: speedracerthemovie.warnerbros.com.
HULK 2 — June 13
The Hulk movie franchise is getting a major overhaul after the Ang Lee film failed to find as wide an audience as hoped. Edward Norton takes over the lead role as Bruce Banner tries to cure himself of the gamma-radiation-based affliction that taps into his boundless rage to create the Hulk. Rumor has it that there will be a crossover between Hulk and Iron Man — both Marvel comics. Samuel L. Jackson is set to make an appearance in “Iron Man” as Nick Fury, the head of the international law enforcement organization S.H.I.E.L.D. Interesting because Sam Jackson is who the re-imagining of Nick Fury in the comics is based on, and because it’s pretty much the nail in the coffin of the Bruce Willis Project announced in 2004.
Web site: incrediblehulk.marvel.com.
WANTED — June 27
“Wanted” is the story of a schmuck, Wes, stuck in a dead-end life. One day, the father that he’s never known is murdered and he inherits superhuman skills and reflexes. Soon he’s brought into a group of assassins who carry out the will of the Fates. This Top Cow Comics title was well received and garnered a cult following. It should be fun on the big screen.
Web site: www.wantedmovie.com.
HELLBOY 2 — July 11
The first “Hellboy” introduced the character of a demon spawn who chooses to fight for good against arcane forces of evil and magic. Ron Perlman returns in the title role and Guillermo del Toro returns as writer and director for the sequel to the Dark Horse Comics character.
Web site: www.hellboymovie.com/
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT — July 18
Christian Bale returns as a millionaire orphan who dedicates his life to fighting crime. Heath Ledger plays Batman’s long-time foe the Joker.
Web site: thedarkknight.warnerbros.com.
Batman will be the last comic book movie until “The Punisher 2” in September. But we’ll talk about that, and the rest of the comic book movies of 2008, next week.
Shawn Munguia does graphics and layout for the Valley Morning Star. He also maintains a blog about cartoons and comics at http://toontalk.freedomblogging.com/. Munguia can be reached at 956-421-9870 or you can e-mail him at shawnm@valleystar.com.
