Adapting comics for the TV and cinema is standard procedure. Stan Lee's Marvel Comics has been at it for twenty-plus years. It has found varying degrees of success, but here are six of the best:
- Iron Man (2008) - Robert Downey Jr. stars as laconic, millionaire playboy, Tony Stark, in a surprisingly potent modern parable, directed by Jon Favreau. Extra points for Black Sabbath in the closing credits.
- Spiderman 2 (2004) - Sam Raimi brings his A game to B+ material to produce a highly enjoyable sequel.
- Spiderman (2002) - Sam Raimi brings pop exuberance to the web-slinger and Toby Maguire is Peter Parker.
- X-Men (2000) - Bryan Singer gives a classy, sophisticated take on the quintessential Marvel heroes, with plenty of character and intrigue to back up the action.
- Blade (1998) - Wesley Snipes camps it up in the then-popular black leather trenchcoat, fights Stephen Dorff.
- Howard the Duck (1986) and Dr. Strange (1978) - Two of the strangest Marvel adaptations are tied for the final spot. Though David Hasselhoff's Nick Fury: Agent of SHIELD ran a close third. No, not really. Urgh!
