The Case for Direct Comic Adaptations

[ObakeTora]

It was 1988, and I had just finished reading a Black Panther graphic novel. I thought how cool it would be if they gave these comic books the Star Wars treatment. But a sudden thought occurred to me: while they might seem great at first, following the degrading business model principle, they may be used to push agendas, which would cloud what made the comics so great. I hate that we never see a Vietnam backstory with Punisher, and we are treated to a parade of wannabe lounge lizards that are smearing our favorite stories.
A while back, I posted an Ask Lexi thread, and I wish I could have asked her why she couldn't adapt the source material. Mother Russia was amazing and could have been the best action flick that could make Predator look like a child's movie! My point is, why can't they directly adapt those decades' worth of stories instead of this distorted, agenda-focused diatribe!?


I asked ChatGPT


The Case for Direct Comic Adaptations

Summary: The Case for Direct Comic Adaptations​

1. Respect for Source Material:

• Authenticity: Direct adaptations preserve the essence and integrity of the original stories, maintaining the characters and plotlines that fans love.
• Consistency: Staying true to the source material ensures continuity and prevents alienation of long-time fans who cherish the original comics.

2. Proven Success:

• Established Narratives: These stories have stood the test of time and have proven to be popular and successful within the comic book community.
• Fan Demand: There is a strong fan base eager to see faithful adaptations of their favorite storylines, which could translate to box office success.

3. Rich Storytelling:

• Complex Plots: Many classic comic storylines offer deep, complex plots that can provide a richer cinematic experience compared to simplified or reimagined versions.
• Character Development: Direct adaptations allow for the nuanced development of characters, staying true to their original arcs and personalities.

4. Cultural Impact:

• Iconic Moments: Many comic storylines include iconic moments that have defined the characters and the genre, which can create memorable cinematic experiences.
• Historical Significance: Some stories address important themes and issues that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

Four Marvel/DC Stories That Would Translate Well to Film​

1. The Dark Knight Returns (DC):

• Summary: An older Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement to fight crime in Gotham City, facing off against his old enemies and a new generation of criminals.
• Why It Works: This storyline offers a gritty, mature take on Batman, exploring themes of aging, redemption, and the dark side of vigilantism.

2. Kraven's Last Hunt (Marvel):

• Summary: Kraven the Hunter captures Spider-Man, takes his place, and attempts to prove himself as the superior Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Spider-Man struggles to reclaim his identity.
• Why It Works: This intense, psychological story delves into themes of identity, honor, and the personal demons faced by both hero and villain.

3. Kingdom Come (DC):

• Summary: In a dystopian future, Superman and other classic heroes come out of retirement to confront a new generation of reckless vigilantes and prevent a global catastrophe.
• Why It Works: The epic scale, moral dilemmas, and stunning visuals make this a perfect candidate for a visually and thematically rich film.

4. The Infinity Gauntlet (Marvel):

• Summary: Thanos collects the Infinity Stones and uses them to wipe out half of all life in the universe, forcing the Marvel heroes to band together to stop him.
• Why It Works: While the MCU adapted this loosely, a more faithful rendition could focus more on the cosmic and philosophical aspects of the story, staying true to the original characterizations and plot details.

Final Note​

Directly translating these iconic comic stories into films would preserve the richness and complexity that made them beloved in the first place. It would honor the source material and the fans, offering a cinematic experience that stays true to the heart of these classic tales.

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[Snow Queen]

Yeah, that's definitely the word salad of ChatGPT alright.

 

[Babillygunn]

You can directly adapt any groundbreaking story and still miss the core essence of what the story is about. Exhibit A: Snyder’s Watchmen. And Exhibit B would be your summaries of The Dark Knight Returns and Kingdom Come.

 

[Herofan]

I do like a lot when a film includes/adapts major elements from a story like Spider-Man 2 from "Spider-Man No More!", BB from Year One, the first Spider-Man from The Amazing Spider-Man #39-40 and 121-122, X2 from God Loves, Man Kills but otherwise for films being direct adaptations most of the stories are a little too brief or most of the sagas are pretty love it or hate it or they really exist within the larger/long series like Kraven's Last Hunt I kind of would like to see that adapted but it would be real hard if even not a good idea to try to make that as Kraven's first last only film role, it kind of depends on, at least benefits a lot from, there being years of previous relationship.

Something like the Dark Phoenix saga or Demon in a Bottle should work excellent in film, though even there it should be fine to omit some elements and add others, while the movies are good examples of adaptations that were barely adaptations, I definitely believe it is a shame when elements feel like they are just being INO or otherwise wasted but it's just not definite that direct adaptations are necessarily better, that better writers/directors wouldn't be able to make something new that's as good and also more than just INO.

 

[Joe Von Zombie]

Direct adaptations are just going to piss people off because they have to change things and truncate these stories to fit a runtime. While I've been critical over the sitcom humor that plagues the MCU, I still appreciate Marvel Studios overall approach of referencing stories from the comics but generally doing their own thing with the material.

 

[ObakeTora]

Yeah, that's definitely the word salad of ChatGPT alright.
I'm sorry. I resurrected Stan lee to clarify what I was saying.

I can change.

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Excelsior! Picture this, true believers: Hollywood, the land of dreams and celluloid magic, finally waking up to the idea of adapting our beloved comic storylines verbatim! I’m talking about panels brought to life with the care and respect they deserve—like that unforgettable episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, where they recreated the pages of the comics with stunning fidelity. Imagine, if you will, the Infinity Saga getting the same treatment as Watchmen. Oh, the gasps, the cheers, the sheer awe that would ripple through the cosmos!


But alas, what do we get instead? Cheap, watered-down versions of our cherished tales, stripped of their heart, their soul, their legacy! It’s enough to make a Marvelite seethe with righteous rage! Take Moon Knight, for instance—a character with the potential to be a cinematic masterpiece, reduced to a shadow of what could have been. Admit it, when you were younger, how many of you secretly hoped they’d retell a classic storyline when a new show came out? I know I did! After Spider-Man: The Animated Series in the ’90s, I was chomping at the bit for a Spider-Man 2099 adaptation. And now? The MCU? Bah! Scrap it! Start fresh! Give us the stories straight from the hallowed pages of the 616 universe, where legends are born!


And let’s talk about storytelling integrity! Imagine if the literary classic Crime and Punishment was reimagined with chipmunks and raccoons as the leads, only to end up as a musical. Absurd, right? Yet that’s what they’re doing to our comics!


I can’t help but get a little hot under the collar writing this because I remember 1988 like it was yesterday—sitting in Mr. Gibson’s Earth Science class, devouring the Acts of Vengeance storyline and thinking, “This is dope AF!” I could practically see it playing out on the silver screen, epic and true to the source. And now? The thought of Hollywood’s current shenanigans makes my blood boil!


But hey, I’m just an old-timer now, ranting about the golden days of comics. Still, if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: the magic of those stories is eternal, and one day, they’ll get the adaptation they deserve. Until then, stay mighty, my friends!

 

[Ninjablade]

Crime and Punishment adapted as a musical starring chipmunks and raccoons is a pretty cool idea. Typical ChatGPT being lame.