4) Road To Perdition
2002’s gangster movie Road to Perdition had a lot of cinematic calibre behind it; directed by Sam Mendes, it starred Tom Hanks with Paul Newman in his final live-action role.
Given this pedigree of talent in a world not yet inundated with comic book adaptations, it is surprising to learn that the film was actually based off a graphic novel… which in turn was based off another comic book. Comic book-ception.
The book of the same name as the film was published by DC’s imprint, Paradox Press, and was written by Max Allan Collins. The author has called the story, about the fractious relationship between a mobster and his son, an “unabashed homage” to Japanese manga Lone Wolf and Cub.
3) Men In Black
Audiences have been enjoying the Men in Black franchise for nearly twenty years now (don’t you suddenly feel old?), but it is often forgotten that the film series first began as an adaptation of a comic book series.
Similar to the way in which the ultra-violent The Mask comics were turned into a Jim Carrey comedy vehicle, The Men in Black comics were much darker and bleaker than the family-friendly fun seen in the films. Interestingly, the comics also included paranormal elements, like werewolves and zombies, something the films have so far steered clear of.
Maybe that could be an idea for the next MIB movie?