Comic books are an extremely varied and interesting medium that occasionally generates groundbreaking narrative decisions and world-changing characters, but they are far from perfect. Though the superhero attained its initial fame as a concept from the paneled page, the cinema is the current medium most fans expect to see classics and new favorites.
Pieces of art that take inspiration from source material without adapting it directly often have a unique direct line to the type of story they wish to tell and more freedom to tell it their way. While most superhero works will be tinged with elements of comic book storytelling, some of the most interesting examples begin their life on the screen.
Sleight
Up-and-coming director J. D. Dillard's feature directorial debut is a bracingly intelligent superhero origin story that bends genre conventions until they break with expert vision. The story follows Bo, a street magician who uses clever science trickery to grant himself superhuman capabilities. After the death of his parents, Bo is left to care for his little sister. Bo is forced into a life of crime, caught in the changing tides of larger forces, and constantly at risk.
The story is operating with extremely close and personal stakes, this isn't a struggle for the fate of the world. It's one man using his unique gifts to help himself and his loved ones. Jacob Latimore is spectacular in the lead role and the entire cast shines. Comedian Cameron Esposito and former Disney Channel star Phil Lewis are particularly fun in small roles. With a tiny budget and no source material, this film makes some truly impressive accomplishments, and fans should be on pins and needles for Dillard's next projects.
Push
What is it about Chris Evans that makes people want to see him in one superpowered role after another? This film came out in 2009, right between his second Fantastic Four film as Johnny Storm and his first turn as Steve Rogers. The film comes courtesy of Scottish director Paul McGuigan, best known for gritty crime dramas like Lucky Number Slevin. Push establishes its simple backstory right away, explaining a widespread phenomenon of psychic powers in the aftermath of World War II-era experimentation. In the modern-day, a small percentage of mankind is born with one of several psychic gifts.
Evans stars as Nick, a telekinetic living in Hong Kong who is recruited by Dakota Fanning's precocious clairvoyant Cassie. Together, they must outwit the powerful Division, which seeks to enslave or exterminate all those with powers. While the overarching story is simple, the plot gets a little too twist-heavy for many. Push is a fun ride, just try to sit back and enjoy it while it lasts.
Darkman
Spider-Man and Doctor Strange in Multiverse of Madness director Sam Raimi had his eye on comic book adaptation since the 80s, but he went a different direction. Raimi reached out to studios in an attempt to make a film out of Batman or The Shadow but was rejected. Instead of an existing comic book, his 1990 film Darkman is adapted from a short story he wrote. Liam Neeson stars as Peyton Westlake, a scientist who is brutally assaulted and left for dead by a powerful criminal.
Westlake's attempts to cure himself leave him only further disfigured, but grant him supernatural abilities. They also unfortunately damage his mental health, leaving him to pursue an unhinged vengeance quest upon those who wronged him. Darkman represents a lot of firsts for its cast and crew, from Raimi's first Hollywood production to Neeson's first starring role in an action film. The film is hugely influential and manages to grasp the appeal of comic books more wholly than many direct adaptations.
Megamind
One of Dreamworks' least successful CGI films of the era, this 2010 supervillain comedy has come around to being a fan favorite. Will Ferrell stars as the eponymous Megamind, a hyper-intelligent alien who finds himself without purpose after finally besting his lifelong foe. This is an all-ages film, but the commentary on the genre hits closer to home than almost anything coming out of direct adaptation.
The film is far more intelligent than it appears, the character design is stellar, and most of the jokes land with expert comic timing. Though this film is twelve years old and wasn't considered a hit, there are tons of fans out there still awaiting a sequel.
Super
Before James Gunn was one of the most beloved directors in both Marvel and DC's employ, he created a bizarre send-up of the genre with his trademark gruesome sense of humor. Super stars Rainn Wilson as a mild-mannered fry cook who takes up a vigilante quest after his wife is taken by a mysterious criminal.
While there are no powers on display in this pitch-black comedy, it serves as a harsh commentary on the comic book page. There's a ton of shared DNA between this work and Peacemaker that fans would enjoy seeing firsthand. Super is a great example of the unbridled creativity available to directors who work without source material.