On Screen Comic Books 1970s-1980s

Continuing on the thoughts from last week’s Watchmen post…

I know that a big factor in the improved quality and quantity of superhero films and TV programs has been (1) the advances in CGI effects and (2) the presence of top name talent in front of and behind the camera.  As impressive as Nicholas Hammond’s Spider-Man was (even with stock wall climbing footage each week)—it doesn’t really hold a candle to Robert Downey Jr.’s spot on portrayal of Tony Stark (I was the freak cheering in the audience when the first shot of Stark was with a drink in his hand—honestly how many superheroes do you know that are functioning alcoholics?)

For decades Hollywood has mined comic books and related genres for material—this helps explain why there have been three different Punisher films in the last 19 years.  I think one of the most interesting phases of the mining was the 1970s and early 1980s, just for the variety of projects.  Here are some of the ones I think were misfires:

• Wonder Woman played by Cathy Lee Crosby – We didn’t need a bastardized version of Diana’s I Ching period, working without the traditional costume and mythology.
• Electra Woman and Dyna Girl – Deidre Hall in spandex.

• Megaforce – Barry Bostwick in gold spandex!?

• Spider-Man played by Nicholas Hammond – Limited by the f/x of the day

• The All New Super Friends Hour – Delivered the blight known as the Wonder Twins
• Greatest American Hero – It’s a bias. I don’t like comedic superheroes, but we did get to see Connie Sellecca each week.

I am making fun of this stuff, but as cheese it’s all perfectly enjoyable as a guilty pleasure.  Stay tuned for the good stuff in a few days.