I'ts no secret really that Marvel and DC have always been the powerhouses in the comic book industry. Today they rank as some of the biggest names in the movie industry as well. For however long it may last, the comic book movie genre is a booming gold mine right now with the financial and critical success of the MCU and the financial success of the DCEU. However, these aren't the only companies out there for comics, and furthermore are not the only companies out there bringing their characters to the big screen.
Here is a list of movies in development focusing on characters from independent companies:
Spawn (Image Comics)
When you think 90s super heroes, it's very difficult not to think of Todd McFarlane's breakout character Spawn. Debuting in his issue number one back in 1992, Spawn is one of the most iconic heroes famous for his awesome design. The black costume, the chilling mask, the flashy green eyes, the flailing chains, and that tattered and engulfing red cloak, Spawn is if nothing else a visual marvel. Of the Independent branded heroes, I'd wager he is the most well known and has had the most success. He has had an HBO animated series (that I have mentioned before), 3 video games, and a live action film from the 90s that I honestly wish I could forget. However, for a while Spawn has had a bit of a hiatus from the spotlight and that hiatus is about to be over.
As a brief summary for those unfamiliar, Spawn is the story of Al Simmons. A Navy seal turned mercenary who was killed and sent to the deepest pit of hell for the innocents he slaughtered in his time as a mercenary. However, Al was determined to be with his wife again, his Wanda, so he struck a deal with Malbogea (one of the great demon lords of Hell) and returns to life in exchange for service as a Hell Spawn (a lieutenant in Hell's army). However, like most deals with the devil it was sour and he came back 5 years after the fact and looking like he was put through a deep fryer. Wanda had remarried to his best friend, and life had moved on without him. Stuck on earth, homeless and burning with anger and confusion, Spawn wages a war on crime, heaven, and hell in the alleyways of New York City.
While there is no company currently attached to it, Todd McFarlane has finished a script and treatment for his film (and is presently talking to several interested studios). However, despite it's lack of development, McFarlane has described this film as less of a Superhero film and more of a horror movie. The film will most likely focus on detectives Sam and Twitch (two characters that frequently interact with Spawn in the book) investigating a string of murders that seem to point to Spawn. Spawn will be the boogie man in the background causing trouble and be the movie's "monster."
Harbinger and Bloodshot (Valiant Comics)
In the Indie comics scene, Valiant comics has had a HUGE surge in the past few years. From bringing back their original characters for a major crossover arc called Book of Death back in 2015 to introduction of new characters such as Faith here recently as well, business is booming for Valiant. In fact, famous online presence Bat in The Sun is working with Jason David Frank (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and with Michael Rowe (Arrow) on a Ninjak vs the Valiant Universe series as well. However, Sony has the film rights ultimately, and with all this activity they are reportedly moving forward with a project of their own.
Sony plans on making films starring Harbinger and Bloodshot, two of the poster children for the Valiant Universe. Sony has signed a 5 picture deal to bring Valiant Characters to life (3 of which are confirmed to be a Harbinger movie and a sequel, and crossover film between Harbinger and Bloodshot). So I am going to do my best to explain Harbinger, however, I warn you that it might not be the best because I am not so keen on the source material. I have read a little bit of Valiant, but I will admit most of my attention goes to DC, Marvel, or Image.
Harbinger follows teenager Pete Stanchek who is a super powered being known as a Harbinger (Harbingers are kind of like mutants or inhumans in Marvel). However, it is revealed that he is what is known as an Omega Harbinger which means rather than being saddled to one ability he has access to the entire psionic spectrum of abilities (telepathy, mind control, telekinesis, and even activate latent abilities in other Harbingers). He is approached by a Toryo Harada to join his Harbinger foundation, but after being suspected by Pete's best friend (and that friend ending up with a convenient case of death) Pete forms a counter movement to stand in the way of Toryo. It's essentially the Valiant's X-men.Bloodshot is kind of if you took Wolverine's healing factor and memory loss and put it inside Punisher. Blood Shot was a super soldier who had regenration and meta morphing abilities due to nanites in his blood. However, after having his brain wiped like a corrupted hard drive several times, Bloodshot wakes up remembering who he is one day. None too pleased with his previous employers, he decides to collect his severance in blood. Both of these properties display the colorful pedigree of characters that Valiant has to offer, seeing it come to life should be exciting to say the least.
Invincible (Image)
Another one on the Image train! I have already written about this movie, but Robert Kirkman's Invincible is being adaptaded. Invincible is just the story of Mark Grayson, son of the world's greatest super hero Omni Man. When his powers finally surface he takes to the streets in the grand tradition of super heroes: joins a group of super powered teenagers, fights bad guys, fights aliens, fights time travelers, and even alternate reality versions of himself. It's a grand old time that is both an homage to classic superhero arcs as well as providing interesting commentary to the black and white world that is a comic book by making things not so black and white.
The film is being produced by Universal, and a director team of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Preacher) set to develop the film. Robert Kirkman, the comic's creator is also set to be on set as a producer. I also owe Rogen an apology. In my article that I wrote on Invincible, I had noted that Seth Rogen had limited experience in successfully adapting a super hero title, when both he and Goldberg direct the hit TV Show Preacher based on the comic of the same name. Not only that they have Kirkman's full blessing on it too:
For nearly a decade I've had to endure the ‘what about Invincible?’ question as fans have watched The Walking Dead grow into the multimedia monstrosity it has become over the years, the answer was always that we were waiting for the right team to partner with. That team has arrived! The esteemed misters Goldberg and Rogen have proven themselves to be top-notch directors with a keen collective eye for stunning visuals after slumming it by writing hit after juggernaut hit.
The Crow: Reborn (IDW)
This movie has been in the works for a long time and is possibly one of the more controversial films on this list. When it comes down to cult classics form the 90's there are few that hit the emotional buttons that The Crow does. This is of course in response to the fact that the film resulted in the death of Brandon Lee, son of the renowned martial artist Bruce Lee, so the fact they are looking to remake the movie is a matter of debate is not a shocker. Nonetheless, it is being made.
The Crow is a brilliant and beautiful comic by indie writer and artist James O'barr. The story focuses on Eric Draven, a man brutally murdered with his fiance Shelly Webster, while he was changing their tire on the road. The death is so horrible in fact, that Eric's spirit cannot find its rest and so is attached to a Crow to come back to life and get vengeance for he and his wife's murder (if you are looking for an incredible book with some of the most beautiful art you will see in a comic book, this is definitely a good pick).
If you are getting tired of the DC and Marvel domination, but still love superheroes and the like, have no fear the indie comics are stepping up to the plate to bring some new characters and their universes to life!
This has been another edition of Comic Relief! we'll see you again soon!
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