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Op-Ed: Top 10 comic books that should become movies

The following is by no means an exhaustive list, but some suggestions for comic book properties that would translate well into future blockbusters for both DC and Marvel. The following list is in alphabetical order.

Deadpool

The “merc with a mouth” has thus far appeared briefly on-screen once, in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds has reportedly been trying to play him on-screen since 2003, so why not get this rolling? Deadpool is possibly the most outrageous high-profile member of the Marvel universe, with his constant breaking of the fourth wall and devotion to the Olsen twins. He’s got a background linked to the X-Men, and an insane healing factor as powers, not to mention sword proficiency. He’s also got a major cult following that would ensure this film does well at the box office.

Haunted Tank

Though the original run, beginning in 1961, is now hopelessly outdated, in 2008 Vertigo published a sharp, unflinching mini-series that revitalized the concept. Set in the middle of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the ghost of J.E.B. Stuart finds he has a black relative. What follows is a major satire on racism on a personal and institutional level, as well as a commentary on the futility of war. The theme is highly relevant and contains just enough surrealism to make it something worth talking about. And hey, J. Michael Straczynski would like this film made, so ball’s in your court, Hollywood.

Jaime Reyes

The first of two appearances by the Blue Beetle on this list, Jaime Reyes is by far the most high-profile incarnation of the hero. He’s appeared in the live-action Smallville and in cartoons like Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Young Justice. His comic-book run was also highly praised. What better way to build on the buzz than to give him his own film? It could easily balance his high school dynamic with the potential for some major sci-fi elements thanks to his enemies, the Reach. Throw in a couple of cameos like Guy Gardner and Black Beetle and you’ve got a winner.

Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel)

When news broke last year that Marvel’s newest incarnation of Ms. Marvel would be Kamala Khan, a Muslim teenager living in New Jersey, the Internet lit up with positive press. The reviews of the comic have also been glowing, so while the source material isn’t entirely there yet, a Ms. Marvel movie featuring Kamala could be just as brilliant. If in the right hands, it could open up a whole new world for fans of comic adaptations.

Lobo

As with many DC characters in the film world, there has been some interest in bringing everyone’s favourite intergalactic bounty hunter to the big screen, but Lobo’s future is now up in the air. For those unfamiliar, Lobo is a rough-and-tough, motorcycle-riding badass who can regenerate from even a drop of blood, making him a fearsome opponent for all he faces. He’s prime antihero material, and he works in whatever setting you put him on, from Earth to planets far out in the galaxy.

Power Pack

Originally premiering in 1984, the Power Pack is a team of four preteen sibling superheroes who function without the watchful eyes of adults. Their original run lasted almost 70 issues, but it was their relaunch in 2005 that would serve as better material for a film adaptation. The graphics novels are all-ages, so no bloody fights or gruesomeness that parents will think twice about letting their kids see. If this were to be developed into a movie, it would be able to tap younger-children audiences as well as devoted fans who make up the group’s cult following.

Secret Six

This would take some time to see the light of day if greenlit, based on the need to introduce definitive versions of several of these characters, but it will be a tremendous ride if it ever does. The Secret Six are a group of villains who form a mercenary group, coming up against both heroes and other supervillains during their missions. Moral ambiguity always makes for excellent characters, and the Secret Six (particularly the run by Gail Simone) includes members like Deadshot, Catman and Bane (yes, Batman’s nemesis). There have been rumours of a Deadshot film, as well as a Suicide Squad adaptation, so those would likely need to happen to put Secret Six into context. And depending on how far this film wants to go, it could include future Six members including King Shark.

She-Hulk

While Marvel most definitely has DC beat when it comes to movie representation, DC beats Marvel with its cast of female superheroes. Few female superheroes have gotten their own books on Marvel’s side of the coin, but one who has lasted for some time is Jennifer Walters, also known as She-Hulk. We’ve seen several Hulk adaptations already, so it makes sense to bring in his female (and arguably much more interesting) female counterpart. Not only does she have super strength and an advanced healing factor, but she’s also a lawyer. Imagine it! Legal drama and action all in one film!

Spider-Girl

Speaking of female Marvel superheroes, given the ubiquity of Spider-Man, it makes sense to make a film based on his daughter, May, who takes up the Spider-Girl mantle. She possesses all of her father’s powers but isn’t a carbon copy of the wisecracking web-slinger. Just like with the case of Jaime Reyes, the film could work in a high-school setting that May struggles to fit into while saving the city from the Green Goblin or worse. And just as with Jaime, May teams up with an all-star cast of superheroes, including the Avengers.

Ted Kord/Booster Gold

Ted Kord is the second Blue Beetle, and it would be inhumane to not include him with Booster Gold if a film were to ever be made. The two are probably the funniest superhero pairing of all time while also being great friends. Kord is an inventor while Booster Gold is visiting the present from the 24th century. They’ve been together in the Justice League International and the Super Buddies and a film with these two would bring some much-needed laughs and a lighter edge to the often intense superhero genre.

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