The best comics based on fantasy movies
The fantasy genre has a long-standing relationship with the medium of comics and cinema; with its very adventurous representations of wonder lending itself perfectly to both. It is not surprising that throughout the history of fantasy cinema, many comic book publishers have attempted to capitalize on the success of the various films of the time.
The two mediums shared a strong cross-appeal, with many fantastic films drawn from comic book or literature sources. However, there are comic book adaptations of the most popular fantasy films, and the results have often been astonishing.
seven Red Sonja pays homage to a very underrated film
The 1985 directed by Brigitte Nielsen Red sonja movie may not get the same accolades as his Conan the barbarian contemporaries, but is still a highly accomplished and entertaining sword and sorcery thread with an outstanding performance from its main protagonist. Filled with everything you hope to find from such a movie, Red sonja is one of the peaks of 80s fantasy cinema, albeit overlooked.
Marvel’s comic book adaptation is no different. Written by iconic Louise Simonson and featuring brilliant illustrations by Mary Wilshire; it’s as good as you would expect from a team that is held in such high regard in the fantasy / comic book world.
6 Krull adapted the cult classic for comic book fans
Krull May have been a huge box office bomb when it was released in 1983, but the Peter Yates fantasy classic has gone down in history as one of the greatest, at least in the eyes of its fans. This was undoubtedly aided by the brilliant comic book adaptation of Marvel, which helped spark excitement for the image, while also keeping the film in the public consciousness after its release.
Adapted to the medium by the prolific David Michelinie and designed by Bret Blevins; Krull didn’t look like an average disposable film tie. No doubt help the Krull moviegoers cling to something long after others have forgotten the picture; the comic helped keep the love for a much underrated film alive.
5 Willow was a high quality narrative from the beloved movie
Despite poor performance at the time of its release, willow has become somewhat of a phenomenon. Produced by George Lucas, directed by Ron Howard, and starring Warwick Davis, this epic fantasy has since become a cult classic that has gathered fans around the world.
As was often the case back then, Marvel quickly jumped on the Lucas-backed project and developed their own comic book adaptation; written by Jo Duffy and drawn by Bob Hall. It helped fans to continue their love for the willow movie. With a series coming to Disney + in 2022, there’s never been a better time to dive back into this slice of fantastic goodness.
4 Conan the Barbarian brings the greatest fantasy movie of all time to the comics
Conan’s initial tenure at Marvel was highly regarded as one of the greatest comic book series of all time, and his subsequent titles also received numerous accolades. It was therefore not surprising that when the monumental blockbuster film directed by Schwarzenegger Conan the barbarian was released with such success, a comic book adaptation of Marvel wouldn’t be far behind.
Casting the likeness of the iconic ’80s action star, drawn by the great John Buscema and featuring a script adapted by Michael Fleisher, this adaptation is the next best thing to watch. Conan the barbarian. Shocked with all the hard-hitting action and adventure found in the film, this is an essential addition to any Conan fan collection.
3 The Dark Crystal continues the story of Jim Henson’s classic
Acting as a prequel and a sequel to both the original 1982 film, The black crystal and Netflix Black crystal: the age of resistance, the comic book series of Boom! Studios are something fans of the animatronic masterpiece have wanted for decades. Further developing the incredible fantasy world created in the original film, The black crystal is a beautiful journey into the mind of one of cinema’s most beloved creators.
A continuation rather than a direct adaptation, this proved that there remained unlimited and untapped potential in the property; and is a must see for fans who want to see more.
2 Honorable mention: Hawk the Slayer is set to bring back fan-favorite epic
News broke that superstar comic book creator Garth Ennis is set to write a follow-up to the British cult classic Falcon the killer, and fans around the world can’t wait to see what it will bring. Release in several parts alongside Judge Dredd Megazine in the UK and across the world as a standalone issue, it would continue the story seen in the 1980 film.
published by 2000AD owners, Rebellion Publishing, Killer falcon is about to delight fans and the generations who have grown up in this relatively obscure and much-overlooked gem of British fantasy cinema.
1 Highlander gave fans more of what they love
When it comes to bringing more obscure movie properties back to life in the comics, few editors are as skilled or successful as Dynamite. This became evident when Dynamite decided to release a fantasy series based on the 1986 classic. mountain dweller.
Continuing the much-loved story of the film, the mountain dweller The series was a mega-hit with fans and itched an itch that was sadly left unattended by lackluster movie sequels. This is an essential entry into the mountain dweller canon and can sit comfortably side by side with Jonathan Melville’s brilliant non-fiction book Some kind of magic: make the original Highlander as one of the best mountain dweller– related material released from the original movie.
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