Best Cinematic Comic Adaptation Tournament (Play-In Round)

It's March Madness time again!

In previous years, through the votes of our readers we have crowned The Greatest Sci-Fi TV Show of All Time and The Greatest Sci-Fi Movie of All Time. This year, the tournament is for the Best Cinematic Comic Adaptation, and we've changed the way we do things to make this even more democratic.

Click to expand

First, the selection process: We invited all 13 of our writers to nominate their favorite big-screen comics adaptations in the Marvel, DC, Indie or Imprint, and International Regions. For the International Region, our requirement was that the source material originate outside of the U.S., even if the adaptation did not. From there, based on a point system built on the number of mentions for each movie and literally hundreds of emails between the team, we narrowed down the field. I can't say there was blood, but there were arguments. In the end, we got the field set and seeded based on everybody's input.

But that wasn't enough! Oh no. This year, we've added a play-in round for the #8 seed in each Region. So readers get to vote on what the last movie included in each Region will be (and that way you guys can settle some of the toughest fights we had). The play-in fields are different sizes, and that reflects the various levels of competition and differing opinions in each of those Regions.

The play-in round is brief, so get to voting! It will be open for 48 hours, and then the final field will be set and voting on Round 1 will begin. Off we go!

Marvel Region

Indie/Imprint Region

DC Region

International Region

Thursday Morning Superhero

Happy Force Friday eve!  I am curious how many of our readers are going to venture out to check out the new line of toys for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens?  My kids would be disappointed in me if I didn't brave the midnight scene and try to get my grubby hands on a First Order Stormtrooper, Rey, Kylo Ren, and BB-8 to name a few.  Hopefully my wife won't be upset with the newest wave of Funko Pop!s,  Hot Wheels, Legos, and action figures.  At least my kids will be happy.  Check out the official guide here and let me know in the comments if you plan on going.

Pick of the Week:
Plutonia #1 - If it is from Image and has the name Jeff Lemire attached to it you can guarantee it will be something worth reading.  The creative team of Lemire, Emi Lenox, and Jordie Ballaire gave us the gift of Plutonia this week.  It has a very Stand By Me vibe, which is a good thing, and includes an interesting mix of young characters.  You have your bully from an abusive home, the sister who has her plans ruined by her little brother, the overweight friend who has self-esteem issues, and a self-proclaimed capespotter.  What?  Capespotters are a group of individuals who are fans of superheroes and devote their time to logging sightings of them on the internet.  Seems like a pretty typical day for these teens, but that all changes when they stumble upon Plutonia's dead body.  I think my favorite part of the book is the short story drawn by Lemire that begins to document the final day of Plutonia.  It will be interesting to see how this mystery unfolds and I am looking forward to the emotional journey Lemire will bring us on through the lenses of these children.

The Rest:
Daredevil #18 - This was a bittersweet issue, as we have to bid a fond adieu to Mark Waid.  Waid enjoyed the longest run of Daredevil and it was what brought me back to the Man with No Fear.  While Charles Soule, who is taking the reigns, is no slouch, he has big shoes to fill.  Waid brought Daredevil to the West Coast and wrapped things up by punching Kingpin in the face repeatedly.  I am curious what the future holds for Mr. Waid and am looking for his next project.  Congratulations on an incredible run.




Deadpool vs. Thanos #1 -When I saw this title, there was little I could do to avoid picking it up.  The  premise was intriguing, and it actually taught me something about Deadpool.  I have enjoyed some Deadpool comics in the past, but by no means am a big fan.  This book informed me that it was the mad titan himself, Thanos, who cursed Wade Wilson!  I enjoyed that tidbit and the basic premise that Lady Death has been kidnapped and it is up to unlikely heroes to save her.  I am strangely looking forward to the next issue.





POSTED BY MIKE N. aka Victor Domashev -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

Thursday Morning Superhero: Friday Edition

The boss was kind enough to give me yesterday off so you are getting a delayed version of Thursday Morning Superhero.  Big news in comics this week.  The Image Expo had attendees drooling over their new projects and DRM free digital comics.  Then yesterday San Diego Comic Con announced its schedule for Thursday, including Ender's Game, X-Files reunion, and a farewell to Dexter. Vertigo, DC Digital, and a panel on gender and comics caught my eye as well.  Onto the books!

Pick of the Week:
Ten Grand #3 - This title from J. Michael Straczynski really hit its stride this week.  I have been thoroughly enjoying the title, but the twist at the end of this issue opened up even more possibilities.  Joe is a former mob enforcer who was killed alongside his fiancee but given the chance to be resurrected to make up for the horrible crimes he committed as a human.  For every honorable death he dies, he gets to see his fiancee for five minutes.  This book featured a beautiful flashback about how he met his love for the first time and the life he had before it was all taken away.  This is one of the most original titles I have read that has heart, is illustrated beautifully, and has a fresh take on the supernatural. 

The Rest:
Dark Skullkickers Dark #1 - The relaunch of Skullkickers reaches its conclusion this week as our trusty group of heroes are reunited with the dwarf!  Jim Zub continues his jabs at the industry in what has increasingly become one of my favorite lighthearted reads.

Avengers A.I. #1 - The post Age of Ultron world begins with a new artificial intelligence threat.  Vision gains new powers and this crew of the avengers team up with a hacked Doombot to defeat the current threat.  Enjoyable, but forgettable issue.

Deadpool Kills Deadpool #1 - He has killed former presidents, icons from literary history, and the Marvel Universe.  What else is left for the merc with the mouth?  Some version of Deadpool from the multiverse is killing other Deadpools.  Fans of Deadpool will be on
board for this one.

The Surperior Foes of Spider-Man #1 - Nick Spencer brings us a fun title that is in the same breath as the current run of Hawkeye.  We get to know the Boomerang and his crew of baddies who subject themselves to beatings and arrests week in and week out from various superheros.  Really fun title that warrants your time.

Satellite Sam #1 - Just your run-of-the-mill comic set in the 50's in a television studio of a live sci-fi television program.  The lead actor is missing and it turns out is involved in some sort of pin-up ring and probably worse.  Very interesting idea that could be great.

Thursday Morning Superhero

One of my friends has been giving me a hard time because I rarely pick a superhero comic as my pick of the week despite the title of this feature.  It looks like he is going to win again because another issue of Saga dropped.  In addition to that, Brian K. Vaughan, author of Saga, partnered with Marcus Martin to release The Private Eye, an online only, pay what you want, title.  You can pick up the first issue for whatever you are willing to pay here.  Set in the U.S. in a future that has no internet, Martin thought an online only distribution made the most sense.  I like his style.

As for superhero titles, I currently don't like the direction that Marvel is taking with the Avengers or Captain America, but love Daredevil, Hawkeye, Deadpool, and have been really enjoying Age of Ultron.  From the other big publisher, the Batman titles are quite strong, but I honestly didn't have the budget to try as many of the New 52 titles as I would have preferred.  I enjoyed where Swamp Thing was headed and Animal Man, but had to make tough cuts to keep the weekly costs down.  I also feel that the lack of superheroes taking the top spot speaks to how the industry has grown creatively in recent years.  On to the pick of the week!

Pick of the Week:
Saga #11 -  While I absolutely love the pacing, the plot, and the characters, I am starting to think that the art of Fiona Staples makes this title.  The language is vulgar, some of the scenes are disgusting, large alien creatures are often fully nude, yet Staples has produced the best looking book on the market.  This issue featured more pages void of dialogue than previous entries, but maintained the same level of humor, emotion, drama, and further connected the reader to the characters.

Another element that makes this title so successful, is that clearly the reader cares about the star crossed lovers and their child, but even the individuals that are seeking the bounty on their heads are complex and quite likable.  I feel like this title exists almost exclusively in the grey and that is what makes it so intriguing.  The comic medium also feels like the perfect fit for the world and characters that Vaughan and Staples have created.

The Rest:
The Private Eye #1 - Fast paced first issue for a series that feels reminiscent to Frank Miller's Hard Boiled and was a pure joy to read.

Deadpool #6 - The Deadpool vs. Zombie Presidents mini-series comes to a humorous and gory finale that was quite satisfying.

Daredevil #24 -  Daredevil is dealing with heavy issues in addition to trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to replicate his powers in what is my favorite superhero title on the market today.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Another week of comics has come and gone and we are left with a great title from Image Comics as pick of the week.  While Hawkeye put up a good fight (might be the best comic design out today), it fell just a bit short of the humor that was infused into Uncanny Skullkickers.

Pick of the Week: Uncanny Skullkickers #1 - I will be the first to admit that I have not read much Skullkickers in the past.  The few issues I cruised were quite refreshing.  Nice tongue in cheek humor, good fantasy elements, interesting cast of characters, and some good action.  For whatever reason I never really got into the title.

This week, author Jim Zub, takes a nice jab at some of the larger publishers by releasing an issue that breaths new life into the series.  "We figured out what our series was missing: Adjectives!" is sprawled across the top of the cover and this issue is a natural jumping on point as it is the "first issue, again!".  

The first couple of pages provide a nice background leading up to the events of this book and we are quickly informed that we are going to be treated to bonus content.  This comic features two stories in one!  In the recap we learn that the Dwarf has drowned and at the bottom of each page there is a panel of him floating in the ocean to verify his status.  He is dead.

Meanwhile, Rex (a man) and Kusia (an elf) are washed up on an Island and scramble for survival.  We are treated to a "good times jungle exploration montage", some evil turtles get "re-extincted", and Rex gets relieves some stress through an inanimate object attack. 

The hook at the end of this book is enough to bring me back for issue #2 and may cause me to go back and read the back issues.  In the end you have a witty book that provides moments of genuine laughter and has an interesting cast of characters.  Throw in some creative baddies and jabs at other publishers and I am on board.

The Rest:

Hawkeye #8 - Bro, the guys in track suits have more reason to hate Clint Barton after the hijinks this month that left Hawkeye in prison, in what is the best looking comic on the market today.

Young Avengers #2 - I am guessing that the Young Avengers have not watched Fringe as they don't appear to know the risk of saving someone from another dimension and the impact it might have.

Deadpool Killustrated #2 - Lacking the charm of the first issue, it still entertained and a gauntlet including Beowulf and Mulan spearheaded by Sherlock Holmes is waiting for Deadpool in issue #3.

Thursday Morning Superhero

It is time for your weekly comic round-up featuring an old school Uncanny Avengers, a new arc of Matt Kindt's brilliant Mind MGMT, and Deadpool battling former presidents.  Add to the mix of great books that NBC ordered a pilot for the Sixth Gun and it is a good day for us comic book readers.

Pick of the Week:
Mind MGMT #7 - If you have not hopped aboard one of the must stunning books from 2012 now is a great time to do so.  When we last visited the world of Henry Lyme and Mind Management, Henry had just erased her memory and set Meru, his only hope for redemption, free.  Issue #7 picks up with Meru trying to piece things together from a series of vague and foggy memories.  It all begins with a letter that  is delivered to her on a Sunday.  As she tracks down the mysterious origin of this letter, we meet another Mind Management agent, Brinks.  His is an ad man that has the skill of sending death letters, yet somehow Meru has escaped that fate and traced the letter back to him.  We also learn of the Eraser, who I am guessing is Julianne who we learn bits and pieces of in the side margin throughout the book.  Henry is reunited with Meru towards the end and the two of them embark on a mission to seek other agents to help them in their cause to take down Mind Management.  In this book we are treated to Julianne's side story in the margin and a mini-comic below each page on how the assassination letters are constructed.  I am sure there are numerous easter eggs and hidden clues I missed, but will be happy to re-read this book to see what other clues I can find.  This is without question one of the top 3 ongoing series on the market today.

Runner-up:
Deadpool #4 - The duo of Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan continue the fun filled adventure that is Deadpool killing zombie former presidents.  Through a combination of history, violence, gore, witty one-liners, and loads of references, this series keeps a smile of my face from cover to cover.  My favorite reference was when Kennedy was referred to as Quimby, and Posehn made his pressnce known with a shout out to Pantera's "Five Minutes Alone" for a montage in which Deadpool killed multiple D-list presidents and a shout out to former Mr. Show co-star Scott Auckerman (no idea he was skilled in training ultimate fighters).  The concept of this book alone warrants its purchase (Deadpool vs. Zombie Presidents), but the witty writing, the clever references, and the sheer insanity that are packed into these pages make it a series that I can't get enough of.

The Rest:
Uncanny Avengers #3 - In the last issue we learned that Red Skull has somehow fused the telepathic abilities of the deceased Professor X with his own mind.  In this issue, which feels like a classic Silver Age book, we learn what would happen if someone with ill intentions possessed the power the Professor X had.  The terror that Red Skull releases is gruesome and we are left wondering how the Uncanny Avengers can ever save the day!

Young Avengers #1 - Let me preface this by saying I entered this issue with zero knowledge of the Young Avengers.   As a blank slate who was reading a book that was generating a fair amount of buzz, I must say that I enjoyed it.  The characters felt real and the ability to develop them as much as they were developed in one issue speaks volumes to the writing of Kieron Gillen.  This book was subtitled Style > Substance, but, in a book that was filled with style, I will have to disagree.  I look forward to seeing where this title goes.

Deadpool Killustrated #1 - "The progenitors will write you straight back into continuity if they get half a chance."  This is the premise behind the latest Deadpool series from Cullen Bunn.  After killing the entire Marvel universe, Deadpool is left wondering how he can truly free himself is to kill the metaverse, the classics, the inspirations to all of the superheros.  If he can eliminate the original source of their existence, he can be set free. Rather than read all of the classics to determine which one was the inspiration for each character, Deadpool would rather dive in head first and kill them all.  First on the table, Don Quixote and Moby Dick.  I must say that it was quite enjoyable to see Don Quixote, the white whale, and Ishmael get taken down by the Merc with the mouth.  Finally a comic that should be necessary reading in every high school literature class.  Thanks Mr. Bunn!

Thursday Morning Superhero

Thursday is here and it is time for another installment of Thursday Morning Superhero.  Another solid week of comics as we are nearing the end of 2012.  You know you are in for a fun week of reading when Deadpool and Hawkeye drop in the same week.  Two extremely different comics intended for two very different audiences that put a smile on my face while I turn the pages.  Oh yeah, and John Layman got into the "Death in the Family" event with Batman Detective Comics.  Good, good week.

The Best:
Hawkeye #5 - Matt Fraction's take on Hawkeye is quickly becoming one of my favorite reads.  The mini-story, "The Tape", concluded this week and it is just a pleasure to read this book.  Clint Barton's inner monologue is one of my favorite things in comics today.  My favorite was his "quote" from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  It went like this: "Hey, Sundance, don't jump out of windows tied up to chairs when ninjas are chasing you because you fall alone."  Fraction's unique humor that has been present throughout really carries this title.  Throw that in with the light feel that it has and Hawkeye is just plain fun.  This is quickly climbing my charts as one of the best of 2012.

Runner-up:

Deadpool #3 - Deadpool continues his quest to kill the remaining undead presidents with the help of Ben Franklin's ghost.  You read that correctly.  It is one of the reason's that I am so pleased that Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn are the current Deadpool scribes.  The duo maintains a good pace of violence, cheesy one-timers and presidential humor.  Richard "Tricky Dick" Nixon gets his in this issue which also featured an Arrested Development reference, "an illusionist Michael", and a request to Google a comedians name that provided no results for me.  Dan Travalena.  Maybe you will fare better.  Well, if you haven't already picked this book up what are you waiting for?  Didn't you hear that it involves Ben Franklin's ghost helping Deadpool kill undead presidents?

The Not So Good:
Avengers #1 - The Jonathan Hickan era of the Avengers began this week and I can't say I was too impressed.  It wasn't bad per se, but didn't really wow me.  The Avengers go to Mars to take on Ex Nihilo only to be defeated handily.  Captain America is captured and returned to earth to form a new Avengers.  That is about it for this one.

The Rest:

Batman Detective Comics #15 - John Layman and his current run with Detective Comics has its intro into the "Death in the Family" event with a bang.  The issue opens with Poison Ivy, fresh from her eco-terrorism against Penguin's empire, being buried alive.  Clayface has been duped by Ivy into thinking the two of them are in love.  The method that Ivy employs to gain control of Clayface is genius.  Batman intervenes and straighten things out, but Clayface is not a happy camper and Joker is taking Penguin to Arkham.  The end story alone is worth the purchase of this book and it looks like it might be the best title in the "Death of the Family" event.

Stumptown #4 - After reading the praise of this Oni Press title I decided to give it a go.  I must say that this felt like a good issue to jump in on as it was basically one giant car chase.  I am ok with this.  The action starts fast and heavy and is carried through till the conclusion.  The little things really add to the comic experience.  Stumptown utilizes forcing the reader to turn the page sideways and back based on the action on the page.  A gimmick that I feel works and brings me more into the story.  I am guessing there is more to the guitar they refer to as "Baby".  For the above mentioned reasons, I am in for issue #5.

Thursday Morning Superhero

I know that it is Friday, but we decided to give everyone a chance to give thanks for comics for a full day before diving into this week's offerings.  Hopefully you aren't caught up in too much Black Friday madness to sit back and enjoy some good comics.  I also encourage everyone to hit up their local comic book store for their Black Friday deals.  I play on hitting mine up to see what trades they have marked down.

Pick of the Week:
Fables #123 - Bill Willingham crafts the thoughtful conclusion to his two-part side story The Destiny Game.  In this stand alone story between main arcs Willingham demonstrates why he is the master of non-superhero comics.  Bigby's tale of correcting his fate is brought to an epic conclusion that is befitting the true beast he is.  It is easy to forget the terrible past that once haunted this beloved character, and asides like this really portray the complex characters that Willingham has created in his Fables world.  If you haven't been reading this then you owe it to yourself to start at issue #1 and enjoy the over 100 issues of comic mastery.

Runner-up:

Daredevil #20 - Mark Waid's Eisner winning run on Daredevil continues to dazzle.  Daredevil finally learns who has been causing him to question his sanity, only to be trapped by the Spot separated from his own head.  We learn that the Spot has been involved in assisting terrorist organizations, smuggling drugs and human trafficking.  Not only does Daredevil need to thwart the Spot for these crimes and free the hundreds of other captives who are separated from their heads, but he needs to know who hired the Spot for the job on him.  This arc concludes next issue and I am looking forward to it.

The Not So Good: 
Clone #1 - A new offering from Robert Kirman's Skybound label, I had high expectations for Clone.  Dr. Luke Taylor is coming to grips with his own runaway father as his wife is expecting their daughter to be born soon.  Come to learn the reason he didn't have a father is that he is a clone, and for some reason, other clones are being murdered.  His wife is abducted and he has a lot of questions.  Intriguing premise, but the story felt very generic and I never really took to it.  If I hear good things about subsequent issues I might be back for more.

The Rest:

Deadpool #2 - While lacking the charm of the first issue, this one still delivers some good laughs courtesy of zombie former presidents.  Theodore Roosevelt uppercuts a bear at the zoo, Kennedy is still a womanizer and has quite the mouth on him, and Deadpool is helped by the ghost of Benjamin Franklin.  As I stated in my review of the first issue, with Brain Posehn and Gerry Duggan at the helm, Deadpool is in good hands.  I think what I love best is that mixed in with the innuendo, the crass jokes, and the cheap laughs are some really intelligent gaffes.  Good combo of truly low brow and high brow humor.

Captain America #1 - Rick Remender has the daunting task of following up Ed Brubaker on Captain America.  Remender delivers a solid first issue, giving fans a little bit of Steve Rogers childhood and introduces the villain of the first arc.  Arnim Zola has abducted Captain America in the hopes of utilizing his DNA to aid in the creation of his own super soldier son.  With a decent twist at the end it appears that Cap may be in good hands.

Hawkeye #4 - Matt Fraction continues his enjoyable run with Hawkeye in part one of two in a short story involving a tape that compromises Clint Barton as an Avenger.  In this issue Fraction continues his light hearted approach as we enjoy Barton as a cabbie in Madripoor, and learn of an unfortunate hiding place of his Avengers Amex Black credit card. This is a fun book worth checking out.

Judge Dredd #1 - If you are looking for a toungue in cheek comic based in the Judge Dredd universe then this is your title.  While it was nothing ground breaking, it was appropriate to its subject and proved to be a decent book.  Don't think I will continue it, but not unhappy to have read issue #1.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Another Thursday is upon us and I have my weekly review of the comics I felt like reading.  This week featured the end of the first arc of John Layman's Mars Attacks, a new volume of Deadpool from the duo of Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn, and Harvest build suspense before the next issue wraps up this great series.  Without further ado, lets get down to business!

Pick of the Week:

Deadpool #1 - There is a crisis at hand.  A group of deceased presidents have been raised from the dead by the Necromancer and S.H.E.I.L.D. doesn't want a public relations nightmare after Captain America is photographed decapitating Harry Truman.  This is a case tailor made for Deadpool.  Duggan and Posehn deliver the goods and dish out the humor, the buckets of blood, and the over the top violence.  The battle between FDR and Deadpool is enough to warrant purchasing this book.

Runner-up:

Harvest #4 - Ben starts his quest to reclaim organs that were sold on the black market and give them to deserving individuals who have been waiting for a transfer.  The illegal organ ring is not to keen on this and end up shooting Ben as he escapes.  They are hip to his plan and now he is suffering from being shot.  I hope something good is planned for the conclusion next book, because things don't look too good right now.

The Not as Good:
Fairest #9 - This may be the best looking book in comics right now, but I just haven't been on board for the series.  I am a huge fan of Fables and the universe Bill Willingham has created, but I just don't feel that Fairest has the depth and appeal as Fables.

The Rest:
Detective Comics #14 - We have Penguin, Poison Ivy, and are teased with Clayface at the end of this issue. Layman has another solid issue under his belt and I will continue to buy this book as long as he is writing it.

Mars Attacks # 5 - The first chapter concludes and Earth is safe...for now.  Zar is taken back to Mars where he is promoted and honored in the confusion of his assault on Earth.  With his new access to resources and his new title, Zar is biding his time until he can organize another attack.  This has been a fun arc to read.

Creator Owned Heroes #6 - Darwyn Cooke is introduced to this ongoing series from Image.  With Creator Owned Heroes, you are treated to a series of mini-comics and some insider knowledge about the comic industry.  Based on this issue I may have to back track and pick up #1-5.

Before Watchmen: Moloch #1 - I decided to go back and try another Before Watchmen comic and found this title pretty enjoyable.  While not the most original origin story, it was entertaining to learn about Moloch as a child and how he became such a demented individual.  I will be back for issue #2.