by Jerry G, CMRO Guest Writer
The rise of blockbuster movies based on Comic Books has spurred new fans of the genre to visit their local comic shop to learn more about the characters they enjoy on the silver screen. They are often pretty surprised at how little of the history of these super-heroes are covered by the movies themselves. So, where do you start your reading? Here are some suggestions:
The Dark Knight Returns
If you love the Christopher Nolan Batman movies, then here is a Batman graphic novel that is right up your alley. Released in 1896, this story follows a middle-aged Batman that is called out of retirement to fight his long time nemisis, the Joker. A lot of the dark and gritty nature of the Batman movies draws inspiration from this Frank Miller classic, and elevated the movie version of Batman from the joking/campy Joel Schumacher version to the Batman we have in movies today. If you can’t wait for the next movie to come out, this is a good way for you to spend the time.
Batman: Year One
This trade puts together the events from Batman #404 through #407 that were published in 1987, and introduced many of the ideas of where Batman came from and really solidified his origin story. It helped set up the relationship between Gordon and Batman from before Gordon was commissioner and explains why they work so well together. Christopher Nolan used many of the characters and events from this story in creating Batman Begins, and for those who like the first of the modern Batman trilogy will really appreciate this story.
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
Marvel’s 5th attempt at a graphic novel. Considered one of Chris Claremont’s most powerful X-Men stories, this graphic novel largely inspired the events of the second X-Men movie. The book introduced the character of William Stryker, although with many notable differences from his movie counterpart. Since this novel is post the Dark Phoenix Saga, movie fans will note that Jean Grey does not appear in the graphic novel. This book is noted for being one of the first times the team did not face a super-powered menace.
The Death of Superman
While not directly connected to a super-hero movie per se, this comic is a must for any Superman fan. Spanning multiple issues, the story made major waves in the comics community when it came out, as it showed that Super-Man really could be killed. This comic was a giant success, quickly selling out at many comic stores and is still considered one of the best selling trades. It is also one of the few comics to gain non-industry exposure, being widely covered by both national and international press.
Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 1 – 4
The flagship of Marvel’s “alternate” world reboot of the Marvel Universe, readers of this series will find a lot of the source material for the Sam Rami Spider-Man movies. The story updates the settings and events of the Spider-Man story, while leaving the emotional core of the character that has drawn readers for so many decades intact. An excellent story by writer Brian Michael Bendis that will be enjoyed by fans of the movies.
Obviously these are just a few of the best comics new fans from the movie versions of these characters should check out. Hopefully these will be a gateway into a much wider world of comic books. With their amazing art and story lines much more in depth then you can find in a 90 minute movie, new readers will find that very few forms of entertainment can compare to a good comic.
16 Responses to “5 Graphic Novels for Fans of Super-Hero Movies”
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This is a good list. I liked Ultimate Spider-Man, but what you listed was actually 4 separate trades and not one single book. Other then that I am behind the trades you chose.
True, I noticed that when the writer turned them in, but those first four volumes are so amazing, that I let it pass.
Yeah that was my peeve with the spider man films too. It’s like Toby’s canrtoct required so much “face time” per film. Off topic – I don’t know about these reboots though, I think Hollywood is getting way out of hand. It’s like in 2 years we’ll get another Batman reboot. . . with someone else. . . and start the whole thing over again. Part of the reason I think the Superman reboot never worked was because honestly, Reeves did do an awesome job and for the most part the films did do a service (IMO) to the comic. Do the majority of comic readers feel the first Spider Man movies were so bad that another attempt needs to be made?
For the Spider-Man movies, it would be better to read some of the Amazing Spider-Man series, or old trades of ASM. Ultimate is great, don’t get me wrong, but the movies take more off of the original spider-man then from ultimate spider-man.
I know I will get hate for this, but Death of Superman shouldnt be here. I know its this big moment, but the writing was just not all that great. Shouldn’t be a “top five” at least.
I think its ok to group them together. Think of it as a large trade.
How can you not like death of Superman. That was a great story arc and a must read for super-man fans (although has little to do with the superman movies, but still worth a read)
Its true it doesn’t follow the Ultimate series dead on, but there is stuff from the Ultimate version inside the movie too…So I think its all fair game.
If you really have a problem with one of the stories, Batman: Year One is the one that should be looked at. I can see how Nolan used a lot of this story for Batman Begins, but when read next to The Dark Knight, it is a weak comparison.
He better leave his DAMN MASK on in the movie! This serecn shot is not promising. My #1 pet peeve with these superhero movies is they barely show the mask or helmet. Spider Man’s mask and Iron Man’s helmet are my favorite parts of those costumes and in each movie they barely show them.
Well, the movie came out, and unfortunately he did not leave his mask on in the movie Jose.
There is going to have to be a new list of these next year, once the next big batch of Marvel movies come out.
Dark Knight returns is one of my all time favorite trades out there. Every year I find myself re-reading it.
When they reboot the series (cause you know they will), I hope they make a movie based on Batman: Hush.
Dark knight was so good because they pulled from the series. This latest movie was really hurt by not having a solid base.
I am not sure if you can really say that Ultimate Spider-Man is the basis for the Spider-Man movies. Sure they diverge off of the original books, but there is so much different from the ultimate series too.