Friday 27 September 2013

Comic Book Superheroes -

Batman -

History -

Batman is a fictional comic book character created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane.The character was first introduced into the comic book world in 1939.

Publisher -
Since it was started, the character has appeared in DC comic books.


Films -

Batman is THE most popular superhero and has appeared in many different films. The character made his debut on the big screen in 1966 when Adam West (the first ever batman) took to the stage. After a long wait, a new version of batman was released. 1989 was the year when Director Tim Burton decided to put his own spin on the character. Michael Keaton played the role of the caped crusader for Burton's second Batman film which was released in 1992. 3 Years later, in 1995 a different director and a different Batman took the role. Joel Schumacher directed the film which saw Val Kilmer make his first and last batman appearance. In 1997 Schumacher directed his second film, this time getting George Clooney to wear the famous suit. This was the last Batman film for a whopping 8 years. However, in 2005 Batman was to be re-branded as the dark, viscous character he was supposed to be. 2005 was the year that Batman officially became 'cool' again, thanks to Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale.  'Batman Begins' was Bales first film, which told the story of how the famous character came into being and featured a villain never seen before in a batman film, the notorious Ra's Al-Ghul. 3 years later, in 2008 Nolan and Bale were back for a sequel as their first film together had sparked huge success. 'The Dark Knight' featured Batman's number 1 enemy, the Joker. 4 Years later and Nolan's and Bale's time in Gotham was up. After 2 hugely successful films they released their final part of the trilogy. in 2012 'The Dark Knight Rises' was released to cinema's, this film featured the likes of Bane and Cat-woman. There are plans to make even more Batman films, the next time we see the character back on the big screen will be in 2015, where we will see Superman and Batman team up in the sequel 'Man of Steel 2' It has been confirmed Ben Affleck will play the role and the film will be directed by Zach Snyder. It has also been rumored that Batman will feature in the 2016 film 'Justice league' which may also be directed by Snyder.

Other Media -
As Batman is the most successful Comic book character/superhero ever created, the character has featured in many different aspects of media, including cartoon and television series. The character has also been marketed into things such as action figures, t-shirts, board games, video games, posters,mugs, pillows and even duvets.


Iron Man -

History -

Iron Man is a fictional superhero who first appeared in Marvel comic books in 1963. Created by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, Iron Mans first comic book appearance was an episode called 'Tales of Suspense' and was marvels 39th edition.

Publisher -
Marvel Comic Books.

Films -
The first Iron Man film to be released was in 2008, when A-list star Robert Downey Jr. took the role. Directed by John Favreau, the film was highly successful and made the character one of the most well known, most popular comic book hero's in today's society. This success led to a sequel in 2010, where both Favreau and Downey Jr returned. This film was highly successful and made approximately $623.9m. in 2012, Downey Jr featured in Josh Whedon's 'Avengers Assemble' where he once again played iron man. 1 year later and the third installment of the iron man film series was released. The third in the trilogy was released in spring 2013. This film did not feature the directions of John Favreau but Shane Black, who made his iron man directing debut. This film was even more successful than the first 2 films and made $1,214,713,994.

Other Media -
Like most well known superhero's, iron man has featured a lot in other forms of media. The most recognizable items would be action figures, comic books, cartoon series and even children's dressing up costumes.


Captain America -

History -
Captain America is a fictional comic book character who was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. The character made his first comic book appearance in 'captain america comics' #1 which were published by marvel. Edition #1 was released in March 1941.

Publisher -
Marvel Comics

Films -
The first time Captain America burst onto the television screen was in the year of 1979. The  television film was directed by Rob Holcome and featured Reb Brown, the first man to wear the famous red, white and blue costume. This was followed by a sequel which was released later in the same year, however this was directed by one Ivan Nagy, and was substantially shorter than the prequel. That was to be the end of Captain America, until director Albert Pyun took charge of the character in 1990, when Captain America played by Matt Salinger made his first cinema appearance. 21 years later, Captain America was back. 'The first avenger' was released to cinema's in July 2011. Directed by Joe Johnston, and starring Chris Evans as the captain himself, this was the most successful Captain America film to date, making a total of $368,608,363.

Other Media -
Captain America has also featured in comic books and cartoon series, as well as making an appearance at Disney world Florida. Action figures and Children's costumes have also been made in the style of Captain America, as well as T-shirts and other fans memorabilia such as mugs, pillows and furniture etc.



The Flash -

History -
The Flash is a name shared by several comic book superheroes. Created by Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert, Flash first appeared in DC comic books in January 1940. 

Publisher -
DC Comics 

Films -
The Flash has not yet featured in a blockbuster film, which is unlike any other superhero. However, according to various websites and articles, The flash will appear in a movie which is rumored to be released to cinema's in 2016. 


Other Media -
Although the character has never appeared on the big screen, the idea was put onto television in 1990. 'The Flash' was a live action Television series which appeared on CBS and starred John Wesley Shipp as the flash as well as Amanda Pays. This series did not prove to be popular with audiences in America and so only lasted until 1991.  A version of the flash also appeared on the US show 'Smallville' although the character only made two appearances, the first in 2004, the second 2006.
It was announced on 30 July 2013 that American TV channel 'The CW' would be creating a TV series titled 'FLASH' and will feature American actor Grant Gustin as the flash himself. 
As The Flash is not one of the most well known superheroes, his image is not that popular with the buying public and so material objects such as T-shirts, mugs and other commercial products do not exist with the image of the flash. 



Green Lantern -

History -
Green lantern is the name of several superheroes from DC Comics.  The first green lantern, Alan Scott, was created by writer Bill Finger as well as artist Martin Nodell. The character first appeared in 'All-American Comics #16' in July 1940. 

Publisher -
DC Comics 

Films -
In June 2011, the green lantern made his first appearance on the cinema's big screen. Ryan Reynold's played the part of Hal Jordan who then becomes the green lantern. The film was directed by Martin Campbell, who famously directed 'Casino Royale' in 2006 as well as 'The Mask of Zorro' in 1998. However, the film did not prove to be as popular as first thought as it only made $219,851,172, which is just a mere total profit of $19,851,172. It also only received an average rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Other Media -
The green lantern has appeared in many different types of media since it was created in 1940, these include television animation series such as 'Justice League' and 'Super-friends' The Green lantern has also featured in many different video games including 'Justice League Heroes' and 'Batman The Brave And The Bold'



Thor -

History -
Thor is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug. 1962) and was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby.

Publisher -
Marvel Comics

Films -
The only Thor film to ever be released as a blockbuster starred Chris Hemsworth as the main role and was directed by Kenneth Branagh. The film 'THOR' was released to cinemas in spring 2011. The film was given a good reception and made $449,326,618. It also got Hemsworth the role of Thor again a year later, when the character featured in the 2012 movie 'Avengers Assemble.' A sequel to the 2011 film 'THOR' is scheduled to be released in October 2013 and will again see Hemsworth return to the role, it is rumored the film will be titled 'THOR: THE DARK WORLD' Thor will once again feature in the sequel to 'Avengers Assemble' as well. The second Avengers film is scheduled to be released in March 2015.


Other Media - 
The character of Thor has featured in many different aspects of media over the years, these include animated series as well as Film TV series 'The Incredible Hulk Returns' The role of Thor was given to American actor Eric Kramer. Thor has also appeared in many different superhero video games such as 'Marvel Superhero Squad' and 'Marvel Alliance 1 and 2'

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