This time, we are looking at Movies and TV Shows that would be considered Indie. My only real criteria for that will be it can't be DC or Marvel. That is really it.
And there are some really good ones on this list.
How about it?
Top 10 Indie Comic Book Works
Here we Go!!!
Honorable Mention 1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(franchise): This one was a rough one. Why? Because this franchise has produced some amazing content. The original movie, the 80s cartoon, the first of the Nickelodeon TMNT Cartoons(the CGI one). But it has also produced some mediocre(Secret of the Ooze, TMNT animated movie)... and some TERRIBLE ones(TMNT 3...... and Michael Bay, I'm looking at you). Because of the inconsistency of the franchise as a whole, it needed to be talked about, but it couldn't make the list proper.
Honorable Mention 2: Sky High: Disney's attempt at an original superhero movie. And it was a good idea. But even though the movie feels like a Disney Channel original(was it one, I can't remember)... we got some Kurt Russell... we got some Bruce Campbell... and we got some Danielle Panabaker action going on.
Honorable Mention 3: Bloodshot: I got to see this one in the theater right before my local one shut down for Covid(the same day actually). And I'm glad I got to see it. A great action film, and a wonderful job acting from Vin Diesel. So much so, it feels like a Riddick movie(high praise for Vin Diesel). A great introduction to the Valiant Comics Universe, and I need there to be more.
10: Mystery Men: The most mismatched group of superheroes with a star studded cast. Need a Bowler? What a dude that gets pissed off, but doesn't turn green? What about The Shoveler? Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Hank Azaria, and Paul Reubens!!!
9: Hellboy 1& 2: This belongs to the Ron Perlman movies. Nothing against the David Harbour portrayal... but Ron Perlman IS Hellboy. His snarkiness, mixed with humor, and a great story. Sad we never got a Hellboy 3.
8: The Unbreakable Trilogy: M. Night Shyamalan created a unique idea. Using his "I have to have a twist" mentality, he created a Superhero movie that COULD work in reality. Built a phenomenal hero and villain with David and Mr. Glass. Along with one of James McAvoy's BEST roles in "Split". And bringing them together in "Glass" with a another twist playing a part. It was a well built trilogy...... I just wished it ended better... and we could get more.
7: Dredd: Ah... Dredd. The Stallone Judge Dredd movie was a sack of fetted shit. It was. But Karl Urban was playing him in this reboot. It is gory, violent, and self-contained. It feels like a Judge Dredd movie. And I cannot wait for more.
6: Invincible: The newest entry on this list. Amazon Prime adapted this wonderful comic series into a VERY adult level animated series from Robert Kirkman(The Walking Dead). Superb voice cast, great storytelling, and so damn violent. Even knowing the Omni-Man twist, I was so hooked. One season so far... but already renewed for 2 and 3. NOT for kiddos.
5: A History of Violence: Did you know this was based on a graphic novel? I didn't at first. But yes... it is. A story about a family man who owns a diner in Indiana... defends his store in a robbery in spectacular fashion. Only to find out... he wasn't always a nice family man. Viggo Mortensen is one of the best, and this is one of his best works. Watch it if you haven't yet.
4: Spawn the animated series: I loved the live action Spawn movie. But even I know it is a terrible movie. But this animated series from HBO was amazing. Dark, gritty, violent, with some animated boobs. But the storytelling was ripped straight from the comics themselves. Oh... not to mention, Keith David providing the voice for our Hellspawn. Yes, Keith David... the voice of Goliath from Gargoyles. That Keith David. So much a part of this show's success, that when Mortal Kombat players FINALLY got Spawn as a playable fighter in MK11, Ed Boon had Keith David come back as the voice...... 20+ years after this series. Just like the comics... not for the faint of heart of stomach. NOT for kiddos.
3: The Crow: The death of Brandon Lee sets this movie apart for so many people. But for me, it is the whole package overall. Story is solid. Dark, gritty, beautiful. Quotable. And one of the best Soundtracks in the business. Sure, they changed some of the elements from the novels, but it just... worked. I watch this movie every year on October 30th. Devil's Night. It can't rain all the time. Right?
2: Sin City: The Eponymous comic book movie. It comics just like a comic book. How so? Images feeling like they were ripped straight from the pages of those noir style novels. All black and white except one color per scene to follow. Multiple separate stories all crossing in one setting(including one the movie created for it). Memorable for the style, stellar cast including Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Rutger Hauer, Carla Gugino, Clive Owen, Powers Boothe, Rosario Dawson, Michael Clarke Duncan... and Elijah Woods as a CANNIBAL! Star studded. Packed. But not overwhelming. Too bad the sequel wasn't as good.
And the Number 1 Indie Comic Book Work...
1: The Boys: Clearly. Was it gonna be anything else? This Amazon original series is not only one of the best Comic book shows, but one if the best shows I've ever seen. Period. No competition. And that is really strong praise. The show is engaging... gory and violent... funny at times... with some of the best casting. Karl Urban is on this list again, and there is no other that could be Billy Butcher. Jack Quaid showing that he is his father's son. So much RAW emotion coming from Karen Fukahara... and she doesn't speak any English thus far. And Anthony Starr killing it(literally and figuratively) as Homelander, making a villain that is both warm AND vicious. And only getting bigger, with the addition of Jensen Ackles for Season 3. Nothing comes close to this. And I've watched alot. Oh... and simple premise... what if the Justice League were glory seeking assholes worried about PR and endorsement deals instead of saving people? Did I say simple? I mean complicated. You'll see. Oh...... one last important detail... NOT for kiddos.
There you go! Top 10 Indie Comic Book Works. Tell me if I missed any good ones? Leave a Comment. Share this thing!
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