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10 Marvel Comic Storylines That Should Be Animated Features
Popular Marvel Comic story arcs of recent years By
Tim Janson
February 24, 2010
Marvel Comic Storylines That Should Be Animated Features
© Mania/Bob Trate
The recent release of Planet Hulk adapted one of Marvel’s most popular story arcs of recent years. This was a departure from other Marvel animated features that were mostly original while including some elements from the comics. Marvel has nearly fifty years of history from which to draw upon that includes some of the greatest comic book stories ever told. We’ve sorted through five decades of great comic book stories to find ten that we think would make great animated feature films. Yes, it’s a bit of a wish list but we can always hope…The ten are listed below along with the issues in which they originally appeared. We tried to limit these to stories which ran for no more than 6 – 8 issues at the most which is why longer story arcs such as “Civil War”, or “Kang Dynasty” are not included.
10. The Galactus Trilogy
Fantastic Four Vol. 1 # 48 – 50
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were at their creative peaks when they introduced the Silver Surfer and the planet-devouring Galactus way back in 1966. Galactus was Lee’s version of God, with the Silver Surfer being essentially a fallen angel. This story ushered in the era of the cosmic, universal threat which has become a staple in the Marvel Universe. The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer failed miserably to tell this story so its one that needs to be told in an animated film.
9. The Kree-Skrull War
The Avengers Vol. 1 #89 – 97
Nearly forty years after its original run, this story arc remains one of the best in Avengers history. Told by Roy Thomas, Neal Adams, and John Buscema, it features the Kree trying to devolve Earth to use it as a base in their war with the Skrulls. The Kree also ally with Maximus to depose Black Bolt as leader of the Inhumans and it culminates with the Avengers, aided by the Invaders, finally ending the war. The history of this story arc would later be reconned into the continuity of Secret Invasion; one of the best stories of the Bronze Age.
8. Born Again
Daredevil Vol. 1 #227 – 233
Frank Miller had a pretty incredible year in 1986…Not only did he create Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, but also Born Again, two of the most acclaimed stories in comic book history. A former girlfriend sells his secret identity for heroin. The Kingpin uses the information to completely destroy matt Murdock’s life. He is disbarred, has his home repossessed, and has all of his assets frozen by the IRS. Murdock is driven over the edge, having a mental breakdown and becoming delusional. He will need the help of many friends to reclaim his life and find redemption. One of the grittiest, most powerful stories ever told!
7. Mutant Massacre
Uncanny X-Men #210 – 213, X-Factor Vol. 1 # 9 – 11
The Marauders, a group of Mutant Assassins who include Sabretooth, Riptide, Blockbuster, Malice, and others, attack the Morlocks leaving several dead. The X-Men and X-Factor arrive to aid the Morlocks but several members are severely injured. Most notably, Angel is crucified which results in his wings being amputated. He is rescued by Thor who kills Blockbuster. A big cast and a lot of action is why we chose this one.
6. Kraven’s Last Hunt
Web of Spider-Man # 31-32, Amazing Spider-Man # 293-294, & Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132
The 80’s are often looked down upon when it comes to comics but with stories like “Born Again” and “Kraven’s Last Hunt” the “decade of excess” doesn’t have to take a back seat to anyone. Kraven, driven insane by his inability to defeat Spider-Man, decides to try one more time. He seemingly shoots Spidey dead and then buries him. He steals Spider-Man’s costume and begins to brutally attack criminals throughout New York. The story ends with a triumphant Kraven, now at peace, committing suicide. A powerful story that would make a great film.
5. Torn
Astonishing X-Men # 13 – 18
Buffy the Vampire slayer creator Joss Whedon had a memorable run on the Astonishing X-Men and “Torn” was one of his best efforts as it brought back the Hellfire Club as a prime antagonist. The new Hellfire Club manipulates Emma Frost into helping them psychically assault the X-Men with their own worst fears. Cyclops shuts down his own powers out of fear, Wolverine is turned into a sniveling coward, the Beast cannot control his savage side…and it’s up to Kitty Pryde and a couple of rookies to save the day. Whedon’s stories always have a flair for the cinematic to them and this was one of his best.
4. Marvel 1602
Marvel 1602 # 1 – 8
Back in the 1970’s Marvel started publishing “What If” a comic series devoted to telling alternative history style stories that were not within the normal Marvel continuity. 1602 is a “What If” story on a grand scale. It supposes that the Marvel heroes appeared 400 years early, during the Elizabethan Era in Europe . Doctor Strange is a court magician, Matt Murdoch is a Minstrel, Sir Nicholas Fury is the head of Court Intelligence, etc…The series was written by Neil Gaiman and featured liberal amounts of court intrigue as well as the characters sensing something is amiss with their own existence in this time period. A fun and different story.
3. Widowmaker
Punisher Max #43 – 49
Garth Ennis 60-issue Run on this title was simply one of the best of any series of the decade. The max series allowed for more explicit and violent material to be included as befits the gritty nature of the character. It’s hard to select just one story arc from his run…”The Slavers”, “Man of Stone”, and “Barracuda” were all excellent. We’ve gone with “Widowmaker” because of its unique plot. The Punisher has killed many mobsters and thugs in his career, but in this story, the widows of five Mafia members decide to band together to try and take down Frank Castle. It’s a brutal and violent tale of revenge and while its doubtful Marvel Animation will ever adapt a more mature story such as this, we can always hope.
2. Back in Black
The Amazing Spider-Man # 539-543
This story picks up right after the events in Civil War as Aunt may has been shot by an unknown assassin and lies near death. This sends Peter Parker over the edge…he dons the old black & white costume and essentially goes rogue, battering local arms dealers as he sets himself on the trail of the person who shot Aunt May. Spidey is at his darkest and most brutal here which includes a thorough beat-down of The Kingpin. Spider-Man essentially becomes the very thing he has fought against his entire career.
1. World War Hulk
World War Hulk #1 – 5
As we’ve already been given Planet Hulk, it would seem only right that Marvel follow up with the sequel, World War Hulk. The Hulk returns back to Earth along with his Warbound allies looking for revenge for the death of his wife and millions of Sakaarians. In Manhattan the Hulk and his allies go to war with the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and General Ross and army forces, eventually creating a gladiatorial arena, forcing several heroes to fight each other. World War Hulk was an all-out slugfest and while perhaps short on plot it was long on action and a great film prospect.
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I still think it would be awesome for Marvel to do some sort of HBO miniseries for Civil War. They could do it animated, but make it viceral and awesome. 10 parts, about an hour each... How cool would that be?
And if Marvel doesn't do it, how about DC with Blackest Night?