Superhero Cinema and the 1980s Comeback Kids!

It has been one heck of a summer for comic book cinema, with three films released which have succeeded both creatively and financially. However, there appears to be one trend that no one has noticed so far: the appearance of former 1980s greats in small roles which give them a big darn hero moments. Indeed, both C. Thomas Howell and Matthew Modine have been given chances to shine in The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises respectfully, and it has managed to get me thinking about other 1980s greats who need to pop up in future comic book blockbusters, and where they might best fit in. 

So, in no particular order, here are ten greats we need to see back on the big screen soon.

The Future of Batman on Film: Dru's Take

Dave has already suggested five great approaches that WB might take in continuing the Batman film franchise post-Nolan/Bale, and I have a few more that I want to throw out there as well! We all know in our hearts that they aren't going to do anything brave or bold with the franchise, and will elect to play it as safe as possible (probably tying the reboot into a Justice League movie, following Marvel's lead). But we can dream, right? So without further ado, go ahead and hit the jump for five more suggestions and ideas for the further filmed adventures featuring our favourite cowled caped crusader (and be warned that the final proposal contains MAJOR SPOILERS for The Dark Knight Rises)...

So What is the Future for Batman on Film?

The Dark Knight may be rising, but he isn’t ending, that’s for sure.

While Nolan has provided a definitive ending to his series of Batman films, the character is too popular and profitable for Warner Brothers to stop producing further films after Nolan has finished. The question of course is just how they plan to carry on after The Dark Knight Rises. A Justice League film seems like a safe bet for introducing a new Batman, but it is far from a done deal, and that film could easily fall apart like George Miller’s prior attempt at the League film did a number of years back. As such, you can bet studio executives will have a number of contingency plans in place for bringing back the Caped Crusader.

Hit the jump for five possible approaches to kick-start a new series of Batman films. Whether executives choose to go with a variation on one of these ideas or another one entirely is anyone’s guess, but these should provide some food for thought.

Regarding the Tragedy in Aurora, Colorado

To be fully honest, I am really not sure what to say right now. Of all the things I was prepared to write about with regards to The Dark Knight Rises this weekend, the tragedy which has taken place in Aurora, Colorado in the early hours of this morning was not amongst them.

From Dru, James, myself and everyone else here at 24 Panels Per Second, our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims killed and injured today. Nothing can be said or done which can undo the damage which has been done, but I hope if nothing else everyone can take the time to reflect on the importance of the time we spend with our loved ones, and make sure we endeavour to spend as much time with them as possible in the future.

They’ll Never Film That (But They Should): BATMAN: VENOM

In an age which can be considered the Golden Era of comic book cinema, it might look as if the sky is the limit for comic book stories to be adapted to film. Who ever thought we’d see an Avengers film or the “Phoenix Saga” from the X-Men comics? Granted, they botched the latter, but still, who even thought we’d see a bad film based on that storyline?

But some stories are just too odd, too dark, and/or too controversial to put to film, at least as far as comic books superheroes go. Then again, these are stories which are also too good not to film. In other words, these are the comic books which filmmakers will never film…but they should.

Batman: Venom