Each and every year records are broken in the film world on extremely grand scales. Since the mid 2000's, comic book adaptations have not only found success in the film world, but have become some of the largest properties to date! This year, these adaptations are not only expected to crush records, but provide some of the most longed for content from the comic book world. Here I present, the most anticipated comic book films of 2016!
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Photo credit: Sam Howzit via Foter.com / CC BY
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#5 - Captain America: Civil War
Captain America, also known as Steve Rodgers, has a history in American Culture as one of the most iconic superheroes. First appearing in March of 1941, Rodgers has been fighting wars and super villains ever since. The character has been paired with nearly ten partners and over twelve different superhero groups since his creation. However, after a few failed feature films, his most memorable moments have occurred in Marvel Studios modern day universe. In 2011, Captain America: The First Avenger premiered and earned over $370 million dollars during its run. This was one of the most successful moments for the Captain. In 2014, the sequel deemed Captain America: The Winter Soldier premiered garnering over $714 million dollars from screens around the world. This film is also noted as one of the best in existence in the Marvel Universe to date. Naturally, this presses some large expectations of the next film to follow in this series. On May 6th, 2016 Captain America: Civil War will go into theaters. This film will be based on a very famous comic book series that pitted the legendary Captain America against the equally legendary Iron Man. Both Chris Evans and Robert Downey, Jr. who portray these characters successfully are expected to give a performance that will break records and hopefully become one of the greatest comic book films of the decade. Keep your eyes peeled this May for the red, white, blue, iron and blood!
#4 - X-Men: Apocalypse
Another comic book series with history that might not be as old, but even more rich than good old Captain America is the X-Men. The team was created by not only the legendary comic book artist Stan Lee but also a man named Jack Kirby, the same gentleman who created the Captain himself. X-Men comic books have been appearing since 1963, featuring a team of mutants facing the dangers of mankind as well as other mutant threats. With a little help of an iconic performance from Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, a film series adaptation of this comic book legacy was started in 2000. The series has since garnered six films in the form of sequels, prequels and spinoffs that have since all been tied together in the form of 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past. The film took on the massive task of tying together two different universes of X-Men films and went on to not only be a massive success but a critical part of comic book film history. The film had grossed nearly $750 million dollars in its box office run alone! In 2016 the next episode in this series will hit theaters under the name X-Men: Apocalypse. The film will pit the X-Men team against the most powerful mutant in existence, surly to lead down a pathway towards worldwide success. The film itself has large shoes to fill, but with a returning creative team the project is likely to find success in its future. The only hope of stopping the apocalypse is mutant kind on May 27th, 2016!
#3 - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Frequently referred to as the two most popular comic book superheroes of all time, Batman and Superman have some of the richest history in comic book culture. Batman has been around since 1939, and Superman just a year earlier with 1938. These two were destined to intertwine since their creation. In the film industry, Batman has found massive success between two popular series adaptions. The first series being a bit more "cartoony" than the second, more dark series. Superman on the other hand has had a bit of a bumpy road in the film industry. In 2013, Superman finally found success in a film called Man of Steel. Thought to be the beginning of DC's large film universe, the movie finally gave Superman the notoriety he deserves. In 2016, Superman will be pitted against the very legendary Batman in the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Batman's story will be retold and Superman's will continue on from his film Man of Steel. The result of this film will likely lead to the start of the highly anticipated Justice League film. You can choose to wear the red or black cape and pick sides on March 25th, 2016!
#2 - Deadpool In 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a character by the name of Deadpool made his big screen film debut. The character is portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, who is very keen of the comic book character. Known for his humor, grittiness and ability to break the fourth wall by talking to the audience, Deadpool has become a fan favorite. The character was not well received in the Wolverine film due to the fate he sees near the end. Ryan Reynolds will be playing the character once again, the right way, in 2016's Deadpool. The film will also be a part of the X-Men film series. The characters real name is Wade Wilson and made his first appearance in 1991. The movie will see itself with a hard R rating, but fans believe that this is what it takes to truly represent the comic book character on screen. After all, his suit is blood red for a reason. You can lower yourself into the darkest, and funniest part of the comic book world very soon, on February 12th, 2016. Go see the "Merc with a Mouth" before he sees you!
#1 - Suicide Squad |
It is not difficult to see that 2016 is shaping up towards a very impressive year for the comic book culture. With other legendary comic book films coming to fruition including Doctor Strange, there will be no shortage of movies for you geeks out there to divulge in. If there is one thing you do, make sure to see one of these movies in theaters this year and of course, don't forget to Crave Cinema!
