Dark Horse Comics

Long before comic book movies dominated the box office, Dark Horse Comics was quietly providing Hollywood with some of its strangest, bloodiest, and most memorable source material. Unlike superhero publishers built around shared universes, Dark Horse became home to creator-owned stories, cult favorites, and unconventional heroes that often defied easy categorization.

In this series, Now Playing Podcast explores the wide world of Dark Horse adaptations, from the anarchic comedy of The Mask and the stylized crime saga of Sin City to the mythic battles of 300, the supernatural adventures of Hellboy, and the post-apocalyptic exploits of Barb Wire. Along the way we'll also uncover forgotten films, surprise hits, and ambitious failures that helped shape the comic book movie landscape.

Some of these adaptations became blockbuster franchises. Others crashed and burned. All of them showcase the unique creativity that made Dark Horse one of the most influential comic publishers outside the mainstream superhero giants. Join us as we review the movies that brought Dark Horse's pages to life, one panel at a time.