“Heroes, Villains, and Me” is a periodic 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 and related stuff.
Recently I overheard an acquaintance state, “I will be be glad when this superhero movie bubble finally bursts. I am so tired of superhero movies and television.” To say the least, he is not a superhero based entertainment. For those not into comic book movies, this seems to be a common opinion.
He went on to say that if we can just get past these type of movies and shows, then we can get some high qualities stories once again. I just happened to be wearing a Marvel tee shirt when he said this. I curiously asked if he had seen the latest Avengers movies or maybe SHAZAM! or Aquaman or Captain Marvel. He happily admitted that he hasn’t seen any of them.
His opinion was very simple. Superhero movies clutter up the entertainment and don’t allow for movies he would deem as worthy to be created. His belief is that form of entertainment is below him (and he is wearing a man bun~ and no he isn’t a samarai). I think he is missing the point on several things.
Firstly, Avengers: Endgame made over two Billion dollars in the first two and a half weeks of release. Captain Marvel made a billion dollars. Both Aquaman and SHAZAM! did very well in theaters. Superhero movies are very popular and are making bank for the movie studios. Comic book movies are not going away anytime soon.
Comic book shows are in the same boot. The CW is full in with DC television series and those are some of their best rated shows. Netflix renewed the Umbrella Academy shortly after it opened because of the popularity. The DC Universe streaming service gets a ton of buzz about their live action series. The overall popularity of superhero and comic book based shows is as high as ever.
Secondly, the prevalence of superhero movies is not limiting the high brow dramas that are released. These movies are still being made and many of them will be nominated for Academy Awards. Several of these movies will open in film festivals but others will be in theaters right next to the Hulk and Batman. The movies that he likes are still being made and will get his attention. I know I enjoy those movies too.
Thirdly, if it wasn’t superhero movies in the limelight, it would be cop action movies or horror films or fantasy movies that dominate entertainment. Popcorn movies will always be with us. They might change the popularity of a specific genre from time to time but they are here to stay. The general public likes the less hard thinking movies as an escape from reality and it shows when you look at the box office totals.
Fourthly, comic book based movies and shows are not usually mind numb drivel. There can be a lot of great acting and plot in these shows and movies. Sure they might have some plot holes but so do a lot of movies and series. There is a lot of good and great comic related entertainment.
If one doesn’t comic book movies and shows, it is no big deal to me. But can one say their really don’t like them if they don’t give them a chance once in a while?
Stay Geeky!
