Comic Book Movies

207 movies, 1 book, 2 interviews in this series

Superheroes. Vigilantes. Hitmen. Demigods. And the occasional fascist regime in a Guy Fawkes mask.

Now Playing Podcast has reviewed over 200 comic book movies spanning DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, and beyond. From the spandex action of Batman and Spider-Man to the artsy Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and 300, to the cult favorites Hellboy, The Spirit, and Swamp Thing, to even dramas like American Splendor, Road to Perdition, and A History of Violence.

We’ve covered the capes, the cowls, the indies, and the prestige adaptations that barely look like comic books at all.

Big studio tentpoles. Cult oddities. Faithful panels brought to life and “in name only” adaptations that took wild swings. The comic book movie didn’t start with shared universes, and it doesn’t end there either.

Our hosts explore the full spectrum of graphic storytelling on screen, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how this once-niche genre took over Hollywood one panel at a time.

Movie Reviews

Now Playing Approved

Hellboy

It's a boy meets girl meets demon love story!

Reviewed May 17, 2016
In the final days of World War II, the Nazis attempt to use black magic to aid their dying cause. The Allies raid the camp where the ceremony is taking place, but not before they summon a baby demon who is rescued by Allied forces and dubbed "Hellboy". Sixty years later, Hellboy serves the cause of good rather than evil as an agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense, along with Abe Sapien - a merman with psychic powers, and Liz Sherman - a woman with pyrokinesis, protecting America against dark forces. Genres: Action, Fantasy

Blade: Trinity

Dracula returns to show all-new ways to suck!

Reviewed Sep 13, 2011
For years, Blade has fought against the vampires in the cover of the night. But now, after falling into the crosshairs of the FBI, he is forced out into the daylight, where he is driven to join forces with a clan of human vampire hunters he never knew existed—The Nightstalkers. Together with Abigail and Hannibal, two deftly trained Nightstalkers, Blade follows a trail of blood to the ancient creature that is also hunting him—the original vampire, Dracula. Genres: Action, Horror, Science Fiction
Now Playing Approved

R U Invited?

Marvel - for all time.  Always!

Reviewed Nov 2, 2021
Five friends receive invitations to an underground sex party. However, to qualify for attendance each invitee must submit revealing photos as a "screening" process." As the party draws near, issues of monogamy, weight & appearance, discrimination, drug use, and promiscuity arise. Friendships are tested and pushed to their boundaries, personalities collide, sexual histories are revealed, and relationship survival is in question. Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Now Playing Approved

R U Invited?

Closing Time

Reviewed Feb 27, 2024
Five friends receive invitations to an underground sex party. However, to qualify for attendance each invitee must submit revealing photos as a "screening" process." As the party draws near, issues of monogamy, weight & appearance, discrimination, drug use, and promiscuity arise. Friendships are tested and pushed to their boundaries, personalities collide, sexual histories are revealed, and relationship survival is in question. Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Brown Arrow

Ghost Rider

It's Valentine's Day, so we review this love story!

Reviewed Feb 14, 2012
In order to save his dying father, young stunt cyclist Johnny Blaze sells his soul to Mephistopheles and sadly parts from the pure-hearted Roxanne Simpson, the love of his life. Years later, Johnny's path crosses again with Roxanne, now a go-getting reporter, and also with Mephistopheles, who offers to release Johnny's soul if Johnny becomes the fabled, fiery 'Ghost Rider'. Genres: Action, Fantasy, Thriller

Book Reviews

Interviews