“Heroes, Villains, and Me” is a weekly article on Geeky KOOL by Larry Litle about the world of comic books and my reaction to it. “Heroes, Villains, and Me” is not a comic book review article. I will write about current events, speculation and rumors, or my own wacky thoughts about the world of comic books.
From the time I started reading comic books in the mid 70’s, I have always desired to see my favorite characters in movies and on Television. In the 70’s we settled for cartoon versions that were often poorly done. I watched a bunch of bad television adaptations such as the Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, and the terrible Captain America television movies.
There were a few great superhero movies in the 80’s. Superman II and Batman were fantastic and I still love them. But most of the super movies were just terrible. We started to see some really awesome comic movies with The X-Men (2000) and Spider-Man (2002) but still there were a ton of hit and miss movies in the 2000s (Daredevil anyone?).
Now Marvel and DC are on a bit of role with good to great movies. We know that both groups are adding more and more characters to their larger movie universes. There is a lot of anticipation for Avengers 2, Superman/Batman, Justice League, and many more.
I have a list of superhero characters I would love to see on the big screen but we probably will not get movies for these characters. This is part Two of my list. If you missed Part One or need a reminder of my list, then go here.
5) Legion of Superheroes
Why It Would Be KOOL:
A group of super powered teenagers in the 31st century form a team to right the wrongs in the galaxy and to honor the heroes of the 20th and 21 century. They can do things the Science Police cannot. There is a whole cast of interesting characters and great story lines that could be told.
Why It Probably Won’t Happen:
Another huge team formed in a different time than ours. It is science fiction and a superhero film. They also have a ton of characters. DC just canceled their series which is never a bright spot which pitching the movie.
Why We Might See It Anyway:
There is a loyal following of Legion fans. The Saturday morning cartoon for a few years ago was fairly popular. There is a glimmer of hope that they start with a small group and expand it out.
4) The Defenders
Why It Would Be KOOL:
When the strange, unusual, and the bizarre attacks the world, there is a group of heroes to take it on. They are not the Avengers but rather this unusual team of heroes are the Defenders. Any of the various incarnations of the Defenders would be awesome but I would love to see the classic group with Doctor Strange, Valkyrie, Namor, Silver Surfer, and the Hulk.
Why It Probably Won’t Happen:
This group is an unusual collection of heroes to fight the mystic and strange. These stories would be a bit too unusual for the mass population. They don’t simply fight other super baddies.
Why We Might See It Anyway:
Marvel/ Disney is making a Guardians of the Galaxy movie and a Doctor Strange movie. If both are huge successes, then they could consider a Defenders movie and set up a crossover movie: Avengers VS Defenders.
3) The Great Lakes Avengers
Why It Would Be KOOL:
The Great Lake Avengers is a group of “D” list heroes. Their powers are not impressive. They are not really Avengers but are trying to be. Thut often fail completely at stopping any criminals. They are similar to the characters in the Mystery Men movie. But when they are needed most, they will find a way to come through. Most of these characters are hysterical. If you are going to do a Great Lakes Avengers movie, you have to include Squirrel Girl, powers of a squirrel and to talk to squirrels, because she is so fun and KOOL.
Why It Probably Won’t Happen:
A spoofy movie that makes fun of itself and super powers sounds like a blast but I am not sure there would be a general appeal. These kind of movies usually don’t do well in the box office.
Why We Might See It Anyway:
I just can’t see this movie being made which is too bad.
2) Spider-Woman
Why It Would Be KOOL:
Spider-Woman is one of Marvel’s most interesting characters. She is not just a female version of Spider-Man. Her power sets are quite different. She has the super strength and agility and can stick to walls but she can fly (or glide in the beginning) and fire Venom Blasts (bioelectricity). Jessica is part spy (member of S.H.I.E.L.D. and S.W.O.R.D. over the years) and part superhero. She is an expert in hand to hand combat. She is a complete kick butt character but is complex and feminine. She would be another awesome role model for young ladies.
Why It Probably Won’t Happen:
This possibility suffers from the studio mentality of female heroes I discussed for Captain Marvel/ Ms Marvel. Her name being associated to Spider-Man might also cause the studio to pause. They won’t want people to get confused.
Why We Might See It Anyway:
If DC finally makes a Wonder Woman movie or TV series and it is successful, then the Studios will become much more open to other female heroes.
1) Ambush Bug
Why It Would Be KOOL:
Ambush Bug is one of my top 5 super characters of all time. He is a intentional absurd character. He is a skinny guy in a suit that gives him the ability to teleport. He loves to drop puns and quips. He knows he is a comic book character and often breaks through the 4th Wall. The movie would have a ton of excitement and fun with great one liners but lack any sort of plot– you know like many summer action movies.
Why It Probably Won’t Happen:
A man dressed in a green and orange costume that can teleport and annoy people sounds more like a SyFy movie of the week instead of Summer Blockbuster.
Why We Might See It Anyway:
There is still plans for a Deadpool movie. Deadpool is a similar type of character. If Deadpool is successful, then maybe DC tries to follow suit with an Ambush Bug movie but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Well, there is my list. What do you think? Did I include something that you disagree with? Did I miss a great character that deserves their own movie but probably will not receive own. Let us know what you think.
Stay Geeky My Friends!
