NGN's ALL-TIME FAVORITE COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS ON THE BIG AND SMALL SCREENS

Everyone has their own favorites, whether it is the characters, the actors who played them, or a combination the the two. Some characters have only been portrayed by one actor/actress, while the others have had different people take the helm. But, here is a list of favorite characters from both movie and television shows of the comic book genre...

Batman

Surprisingly, Ben Affleck may be the preferred choice in a years time after the teaser trailer for "Batman Versus Superman: Dawn Of Justice", but until then it is Michael Keaton. If there was a Michael Keaton and Christian Bale love child, they'd likely be tops in my books.

Wolverine

I can remember sitting on a computer in the library back when I was in high school, with very slow internet, and thinking, "Who the hell is Hugh Jackman?". This was after reading the intial report of who was chosen to play Wolverine. Of course, due to lack of films, I was always thinking pro-wrestler types should be cast as they had the look. I was young so don't pass judgement. Here we are over a decade later, and now think, "Thank god for Hugh Jackman".

Hellboy

He may be the only one to "go red", but Ron Perlman has been a perfect fit for the role of Hellboy, even though not a reader, his performance made me appreciate the character. It will be hard to see someone else play the role, but at 65 years old, Perlman won't be able to lift that right hand forever.

Superman

There are still those who may never think that Christopher Reeve can be replaced. I understand, however, Henry Cavill is my pick. He's portrayed the character very well in "Man Of Steel", with both acting ability and dedication to his physical appearance. And I am looking forward to seeing him reprise the role again, and again.

The Punisher

Dolph Lundgren gave the dark, grittier version, Thomas Jane had the budget, but Ray Stevenson is my choice thus far of those to play The Punisher. He may have had the lower budget and weaker script, Stevenson had the look and capabilities to make things work better than the rest. But, there will likely be a new Punisher, so this choice could always change. Or not.

The Joker

It is really hard to pick just one. Cesar introduced me to The Joker, Jack captivated me as a child, and Heath did the same but with me as an adult. Will go with Heath, as he did give me a rendition similar to The Joker seen in the graphic novel "Joker". Can't wait to see how Jared Leto portrays the character in "Suicide Squad".

Deadpool

Not so much the version Ryan Reynolds gave us in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", although Reynolds did perform well pre-Weapon XI, it was what was shown in the small test footage that leaked online awhile back. And even though it is in production mode at the moment, I am thinking this will be on the list in the future anyhow.

Green Arrow

Sure, he hasn't quite "achieved" that title, but Stephen Amell has not only made me like the character, but has earned respect for what he has done with the character. If not for the success of "Arrow" their wouldn't be a "tv-verse" growing on the small screen. As well as possibly helping other networks "green light" the comic book shows they have produced since "Arrow" debuted.


There are others that could easily make the list. Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, the list could go on really. But, these were the characters I enjoyed the most thus far. Always hopeful that future films and performances will alter this list of course. Looking at you, Affleck and Leto.


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FOX ENTERTAINMENT'S "X-MEN" MOVIEVERSE PT.1

We'll be seeing a couple of mutants in "The Avengers: Age Of Ultron" (Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch), a film brought to us by Marvel Studios, however the movie rights for the X-Men Universe belong to FOX Entertainment. Although it would appear that a deal of sorts was worked out, but with less hype than SONY and Spider-Man joining the party. Or a loop hole was found. Regardless, FOX is "in charge" of the mutants, which would explain the slight mess of things. Just how much did "X-Men: Days Of Future Past"  alter the movieverse that we already knew of? The events of D.O.F.P. did take place both before and after "X-Men I-III". Will the next installment, "X-Men: Apocalypse" straighten things out and give us a "set in stone" movieverse? Or will it add to the slight confusion?

It isn't meant to be a knock on the franchise, as it is quite enjoyable, it is just an opinion from a slightly confused fan. Now back to the point of this, who is and who is set to appear within this movieverse? Here's a list of those people. Now again, with the events of "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" can't exactly state who is still apart of this world, and who has disappeared, or changed, or come back to life, etc with a couple of exceptions (unless they incorporate the comic book rule of "No Death Is Final"). But, here they are...

Professor X/Prof. Charles Xavier

(Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy)

Stewart was the fan fav to play the role the moment we saw him as Captain Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation", and he proved why when he rolled into the roll...McAvoy has been doing just as well bringing us a younger Professor X.

Cyclops/Scott Summers

(James Marsden, Tom Pocock, and Ty Sheridan)

Pocock was a younger Scott in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", but the standard was set by Marsden. It will be interesting to see how Ty Sheridan approaches the character. Who happens to be one of the originals, so no pressure.

Jean Grey/Phoenix

(Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner)

Famke showed us the various sides of Jean Grey. From her relationship with Cyclops and attraction with Wolverine, her soft side, her willingness to sacrifice herself, etc. And of course the power she attempted to contain, in The Phoenix (Dark Phoenix to comic book fans). Where Sophie Turner takes the original female of the X-Men Universe, will soon be seen.

Ice Man/Bobby Drake

(Shawn Ashmore)

Haven't seen anything about him returning for "X-Men: Apocalypse", but Shawn Ashmore grew both himself as an actor and the character of Ice Man through the previous installments. It will be hard to replace him, also given he isn't in the same age bracket as other characters being given new actors and actresses.

Beast/Dr. Hank McCoy

(Kelsey Grammer and Nicolas Hoult)

Grammer gave us a great first taste of the character, Beast. Showing the sophisticated, confident mutant genius that he is. Hoult has done superb showing us the young mutant genius, still at war with the beast within. And will be great to see how evolves the character in "X-Men: Apocalypse".

Angel/Archangel/Warren Worthington III

(Ben Foster and Ben Hardy)

Foster showed us a young man, almost giving into his fathers wishes and "removing" is mutant gift, before flying out of there, and eventually looking to join Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters. With some sketch designs that may or may not be legitimate floating around the internet, it would appear Ben Hardy will be bringing us a darker, Angel. Given the title, it may be safe to say, Archangel.

Wolverine/Weapon X/Logan/James Howlett

(Hugh Jackman)

Jackman is the crowning jewel of this franchise. Both as the massive growth he has shown as an actor since debuting via this role, and as one of (if not the) Marvel Comics top money makers. Similar to Robert Downey Jr in Marvel Studios "Avengers" movieverse, there are constant rumors about whether or not we have seen the last of Jackman in the role of Wolverine.

Silver Fox/Kayla Silverfox

(Lynn Collins)

Unless the events of "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" altered her history or they apply the rule from comic books (no death is final), we won't be seeing Silver Fox again. Even if she did appear though, would Wolverine even remember her? Or did all of that change as well?

Emma Silverfox

(Tahnya Tozzi)

She was Silver Fox's sister in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", and although many thought she was Emma Frost, given the name and diamond form ability, it was confirmed that she was not. She had more screen time than most, even if she may just be a movie character and not a comic book one.

Mariko Yashida

(Tao Okamoto)

Given Wolverine's role in "X-Men: Days Of Future Past", his romance with Mariko will live on forever, as it does in comics. Even if the memories possibly only exists in his head.

Rogue/Marie

(Anna Paquin)

Compared to the comic books, she was slightly the Jubilee of this movieverse given her relationship with Wolverine. However, Anna Paquin did wonderfully  showing  us Rogue's constant struggle with her mutant abilities. Even her choice to temporarily remove them (that "serum" showed to be only a short term as we saw with Magneto). Whether we see her again, remains to be seen though.

Gambit/Remy Lebeau

(Taylor Kitsch)

Kitsch gave us a small sample of the character who is Gambit. He didn't do horribly, but his part was too small to realy do anything. Rumors are abundant that Channing Tatum will be stepping into the role for "X-Men: Apocalypse". Given his star power, that could mean more screen time for the Cajun.

Colossus/Piotr "Peter" Rasputin

(Donald MacKinnon and Daniel Cudmore)

He's come a long way since simply helping fellow students escape an invaded mansion. Not leaps and bounds, but at least became a bigger part of the action.

Shadow Cat/Katherine "Kitty" Pryde

(Sumela Key, Katie Stuart, and Ellen Page)

The "Kitty" everyone will remember from this franchise will be Ellen Page. Understandably, given Ellen had more relevant screen time. Whether or not we will see Page as Shadow Cat again or if a new face will fill the role will remain to be seen for now.

Bishop

(Omar Sy)

With the events of "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" definitely altering the future, it will be interesting to see when and if Bishop appears within this movieverse again. He he does, preferably as how he debuted in comics, and that is to seek the traitor amongst the X-Men.

Banshee/Sean Cassidy

(Caleb Landry Jones)

Not completely sure just how much has changed, and exactly how far back in time the effects will go. But, at the present  moment, it would appear Banshee's only appearance came via "X-Men: First Class".

Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner

(Alan Cumming and Kodi Smit-McPhee)

We only got to see Nightcrawler in "X-2: X-Men United" via Alan Cumming. However, we are set to see Kodi Smit-McPhee bring the acrobatic, teleporting mutant to life in "X-Men: Apocalypse" BAMF!

Storm/Ororo Munroe

(Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp)

It looks Alexandra Shipp will be taking over the roll of Storm. Halle Berry made the role her own, fairing not too bad at all. We'll have to see if Shipp compares in "X-Men: Apocalypse".

Havok/Alex Summers

(Lucas Till)

So far, out opportunity to see the Summers Brothers together may have come and gone. Unless they bring Lucas Till (or another actor) back into the mix of things, it may be gone. Which would've made a perfect moment, but also opened the door for Mr. Sinister to appear.

Darwin/Armando Munez

(Edi Gathegi)

Unless he becomes the movie version of comic books "no death is final" rule, Darwin fell short of his mutant name.

Quicksilver/Peter Maximoff

(Evan Peters)

Marvel will be giving us their rendition of Quicksilver via Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but Even Peters sped into movies first, and more importantly, into this movieverse aka current cinematic home of the X-Men. Peters will also reprise the role in "X-Men: Apocalypse".

Multiple Man/Jamie Madrox

(Eric Dane)

He might have appeared as a bad guy thus far, but to most comic book fans he will a hero. And if he ever appears within this movieverse, who's to say that he won't.

Psylocke/Elizabeth Braddock

(Meiling Meloncon and Olivia Munn)

Olivia Munn was recently cast to play the purple haired telepath in "X-Men: Apocalypse". Who also happens to be a martial arts master. It will be fun to see this role finally come to life (fully) with hopefully psy-blades in hand.

Jubilee/Jubilation Lee

(Katrina Florece, Key Wong, and Lana Kondor)

Another recent casting sees Lana Kondor slated to bring Jubilee into the mix of things. With the possible changes to continuity (we all know why by now), will we see Jubilee having a bond of sorts with Wolverine in place of Rogue?

Siryn

(Shauna Kane)

It was a very small role, but everyone knew who she was based on her deafening sonic scream. Siryn is/was apart of this movieverse. With her father likely out of the picture now, maybe she will come to the forefront.

Blink/Claire Ferguson

(Fan Bingbing)

Blink was a character who almost needed live action film (and CGI) to truly show her powers to fans. Where in comic books it was a simple "blink" and the victim would be "cut up" and "teleported". Looked much better on the big screen than in print.

Sunspot/Roberto Da Costa

(Adan Canto)

His appearances haven't been  great for the character. First as only a name on a list in "X-2: X-Men United". And then during his full appearance in "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" he's part of the team fighting Sentinels and mainly being on the losing end. However, with the events of that film, Sunspot is available to appear again if needed.

Warpath/James Proudstar

(Booboo Stewart)

Booboo might agree, "It's better than Twilight". Well, we will all agree for him.

Danielle Moonstar

(-uncredited)

Apparently, she was one of the forms taken by Mastermind, and was confirmed to be Danielle Moonstar.

Doug Ramsey

(Layke Anderson)

Like with Moonstar, this was apparently one of the forms taken by Mastermind while manipulating Xaviers thoughts.

Leech/Jimmy

(Cameron Bright)

Although hated by mutants like Magneto, due to the serum created to suppress powers were developed from his powers. However, Cameron Bright showed us an innocent boy sheltered from world just looking to be accepted.

Kestrel/John Wraith

(Will.I. Am)

Although the film didn't receive great reviews, it would appear that recording artist Will. I. Am gave us an almost straight from the comics version of Kestrel.

Moira MacTaggart

(Elizabeth Hurley and Rose Byrne)

Hurley had a small post credits appearance which told us Moira was in this movieverse, but Rose Byrne has taken the reigns in all of the characters full appearances, which will include "X-Men: Apocalypse".

Given the size of this movieverse, we'll make it a two-part article. With what you just read focusing more on the "good guys" from the X-Men movieverse, the next installment will focus on the "bad guys". Click HERE to see who they are!

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IS DEADPOOL ABOUT TO OPEN DOORS FOR OTHERS?

In trying to keep with the traditional tone of the character from the comic books, the currently being filmed movie Deadpool is reportedly going to have a R rating.  Which hasn't been the norm with comic book movies, but then most of the characters we've seen thus far don't need any "adult content". Things like language, blood, and violence (and lost of it). These are the things Deadpool is based on, but he isn't alone.

Sure, there aren't many other characters in the Marvel collection that require all three of those, but there are those who require two out of three. Some of the characters have had the R rating before, however, it was with a film company that wasn't Marvel Studios (or Disney Marvel Entertainment). Meaning, the story(ies) and overall quality wasn't there, not like we've seen thus far with Marvel owned and produced movies. Where is all of this going? Simple. If Deadpool is successful, will it entice Marvel Studios to begin to produce R rated movies with the characters they own? Deadpool isn't owned by Marvel, the rights belong to FOX (with the other X-Men and related characters). But, money speaks louder than anything in this industry. If Deadpool draws big numbers, it would show that the rating didn't hinder it, and possibly helped it. So, the question is a valid one. For some it is loaded with hope so that they have a chance to see their favorite characters staying true to form on film. Marvel has been looking to acquire the movie rights to characters every chance that they get. This was the reason why other companies have quickly produced or begun the process with the characters that they own (ie Fantastic 4, Spider-Man, etc). For those unaware, companies have x amount of time to do something with the characters that they own, or else the rights are up for grabs.
How this happened? Marvel was broke in the 90's and had not intentions at the time to produce movies, so they sold the rights to others. Things clearly turned around for the company, and is deep in the movie industry, so now are trying to buy them all back. Which would've been easier, however everyone is aware of the possible value in a comic book film.

Here is a list of characters who could use an R rating regardless of where they are made, even though Marvel has bought back most of them, and is looking to get them all under one roof...

Blade

Marvel now has Blade and others back in the fold. Now what to do with them? Blade has proven before the R rating can work, add better quality all around production who knows how big things could get. With some of the other characters on this list, there is even some cross-over appeal. Perhaps a separate "movieverse" for them would help. Blade could be the centerpiece of it all, given previous success.

Carnage

Sure he is a Spider-Man villain, and we should wait for him to simply appear in a SONY owned film (even though Marvel is "borrowing" rights to Spidey). However, this isn't a typical bad guy from Spider-Man's rogues gallery. He's a crazy, mass murderer that makes Venom look PG in comparison. So, either a solo or collective bad guy film, or a R-Rating for a Spider-Man film is needed for this character to stay close to home.

Ghost Rider

Marvel reaquired the rights, and could produce a PG-13 rated version and still do better. Jokes aside, similar to Blade, R-Rating with all around better production (even more so in this case. NO CAGE for starters) and this character will regain some respect on the big screen. And actually, could be the character to "join" this darker movieverse with that of the Avengers movieverse as he "works" in either light.

Wolverine

Yes, Wolvie can do his thing with a lower rating, and has shown that with more writing/acting focused films both on his own or with the X-Men. But, blood, guts and occasional dismemberment would make for quite the flick. And yes, a Wolverine/Deadpool movie would be insane, but would also need that R-Rating. FOX or Marvel, it would be nice to see. (Both are FOX by the way).

The Punisher

Not only does The Punisher need better production and most notably writing, he really needs the R-Rating. This is a character that shoots first, shoot some more, if anyone survives ask a question, and then shoot them. Although not wanting a direct ripoff, Punisher could be the Captain America of this world given his military background and approach to things. Oh, and Marvel bought his rights back as well.

There are others of course, but best to start with your top dogs to set the stage for a darker, R-Rated movieverse. Use them to even introduce characters who may need the rating, but companies are unsure if the fans are there.


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IS FOX SITTING ON A MUTANT GOLDMINE?

As much as I love the X-Men, in the movie universes, they are second to the Avengers Universe. Quality (production), promotion and box-office numbers. And that is okay, the lighter Avengers Universe needs a darker contrasting one and that can occur with the X-Men over at FOX. I am looking forward to the upcoming "Days Of Future Past" and it's follow-up "Age Of Apocalypse", but I see them as opportunities to expand their universe with solo and team-up spin-off films. There is even an opportunity to do something similar to what the Avengers Universe is doing in regards to "Age Of Ultron", and hinting at "Infinity Gauntlet". None of the movies about to be listed need to have really big budgets, they need good writing, directing and acting. The CGI or added effects don't need to be over-the-top grande in most of these cases. So if they "failed" they wouldn't take too much of a hit. I think some or most would work out if they had the right pieces in place like mentioned before with acting, etc.

Some are obvious to their fan bases, some are rumored to be almost ready to shoot or have been for years, some are "just my opinion" and one is the next best thing to "X-Men Vs Avengers" or "Infinity Gauntlet". Here's a list of movies FOX should start taking the Marvel Studios route with...

Deadpool

They gave us a taste in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", and has been rumored to be getting his own solo flick for years now. With the current events happening within the X-Men films, it would be a great opportunity to re-cast and give a new taste of Deadpool, before branching out into his own solo venture. Rumored problem has been the rating, as he would require an "R" or higher. Putting him within the X-Universe gives an opportunity to show him in a ratings friendly way, so to also introduce those who aren't aware of him (there are some). Why not put him in the next one...

X-Force

All this time-travel stuff screams "Cable" and when I think of him, I think of "X-Force". They're giving us "Bishop" thankfully through this events of "Days Of Future Past", but also giving us "Warpath", a X-Force alumni, which provokes wanting this to happen. It is also a good point to launch a "X-Force" appearance before leading to a spin-off. Perhaps a more dark and more adult orientated form of the X-Men. Of course, we'd include Deadpool within all of this, either as a member of an antagonizing enemy before spinning off into his own. Once "X-Force" is established then "Cable" could teleport into his own solo films. If not in the upcoming "Days Of Future Past", but would like to see it stem from the follow-up "Age Of Apocalypse". With the political events in both X-2 and X-3, would've also been an opportune time to launch this team as the anti-Gov't mutants aka the grey area between X-Men and Magneto's Brotherhood.

X-Factor

Having X-Men, X-Force and X-Factor all building up to a larger movie, let's say "X-Tinction Agenda", could add too it all. Big part of the success over in the Avengers movies is that they all connect to each other. These three teams were all different with the mutant aspect being what joined them, so a build up to a grande finale with a common enemy uniting them despite indefferences, could mean big money. If not, then simply move on to another "story arc". But, with so many mutants to cover, it is hard to show them all, as well as continue to use what has worked. Multiple teams could help with this, and simply take what characters have worked for each to make the joint venture. X-Factor also covers the Gov't connection while X-Force is the anti-establishment, and X-Men being an even blend.

X-Men & Fantastic 4

I am not sure how anything related to the "Infinity Gauntlet" could be done with out characters from both of these, and that may not happen when the time comes and Thanos becomes more than just a teaser at the end. FOX should at least attempt to combine these two teams themselves before one day Marvel Studio's is able to do so themselves. There is going to be two different "Quicksilver" characters after-all. Not too sure where villains land in terms of owning rights, and Apocalypse seemingly already being a lock, if the soon-to-be rebooted "Fantastic 4" doesn't begin with him, perhaps they team-up to face Galactus. Or the gods agree to allow Spider-Man into this mix and we have FOX's version of a "Secret War" of sorts.

Solo Spin-Offs

Again, there are so many mutants, and each have their own fan base. Similar to "Deadpool" characters like "Gambit" have also been rumored to be getting their own solo adventures. If not the "team" route, then some solo movies could also build up to a giant team-up (worked for Avengers). Could have "Gambit" and "Deadpool" like mentioned, as well "Cable", a team-up with "Cyclops & Jean Grey", even a "Summers Brothers" movie that includes "Mr. Sinister"? List is endless, and depends on personal preference as to who should get their own movie. But, that is kind of the point, FOX could be cashing in like they are over at Marvel Studio's. Whether it was directly within the story or by simple guest-spots by one or two characters in each film, they can all be "connected" leading to a grand finale.


Endless possibilities as the X-Men are a massive chunk of the character catalog of Marvel Comics. And seems that although we've had 6, soon to be 8 X-Films, it seems as though there could be "more". I know not everyone wants to, and it doesn't necessarily mean things will be a success. However, it has helped that every year there is 1-2 of the Avengers related movies out every year, with the Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital releases filling the gaps in between. Announcing that there is already a follow-up to "Days Of Future Past" is a step in a good direction, but again, give us more than just a single X-Men team and Wolvie being the only solo-flick recipient.

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