15 Anticipated Comic Book Films (and Must-Reads Before Their Release)

Shang-Chi Created by: Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin

First appearance: Special Marvel Edition #15 (December 1973)

Shang-Chi’s origins are somewhat complex: With martial arts gaining popularity in the 1970s, Marvel sought to capitalize by licensing an adaptation of the original Kung Fu TV series. When that plan failed, they acquired the rights to Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu, a pulp-era villain, and introduced Shang-Chi as his son, striving to escape his father’s dark legacy. Despite the problematic representation, the character and his series, Master of Kung Fu, benefited from the talents of Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin, who infused the story with action, family drama, and striking artwork.

Essential Reading: Master of Kung Fu Epic Collection: Weapon of the Soul

Carnage Created by: David Michelinie and Mark Bagley

First appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #359 (February 1992)

Venom emerged in the late 1980s as the ultimate Spider-Man antagonist. Eddie Brock, portrayed by Tom Hardy in the films, was a disgraced journalist whose career collapsed after Spider-Man exposed his story about a serial killer’s confession as fraudulent. Later, Brock bonded with a sentient alien symbiote, previously discarded by Spider-Man, and the duo embarked on a vengeful rampage as Venom. However, the 1990s demanded something even more extreme, leading to the introduction of Cletus Kasady, a remorseless serial killer created by David Michelinie and Mark Bagley. Kasady bonds with a more vicious symbiote, becoming Carnage, and is played by Woody Harrelson in the upcoming film.

Essential Reading: Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage, by J.M. DeMatteis and David Michelinie

The Eternals Created by: Jack Kirby

First appearance: The Eternals #1 (July 1976)

The upcoming film is a creative fusion of Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao and the legendary Jack Kirby. After leaving Marvel for DC in 1970 and facing similar challenges, Kirby returned to Marvel and delved into grand, cosmic themes. This led to the creation of the Eternals, a group of advanced beings who evolved separately from humanity and remained hidden until recent events brought them into the spotlight.

Essential Reading: Eternals by Jack Kirby: The Complete Collection, Eternals by Neil Gaiman

Spider-Man Created by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15 (Aug. 1962)

This film, potentially dubbed Spider-Man 3 or even Spider-Man 9 depending on how you tally the series, explores the Marvel multiverse with the aid of Doctor Strange. It brings back familiar Spider-Men and their adversaries from previous iterations.

Essential Reading: While no direct match exists, Spider-Verse showcases a variety of Spider-People traversing different dimensions.

Morbius Created by: Roy Thomas and Gil Kane

First appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #101 (October 1971)

Michael Morbius, a biochemist with a foreboding name, sought a cure for his rare and fatal blood disorder. In a twist of superhero science, his experiments transformed him into a vampire. Initially a villain, Morbius evolved into a tormented antihero, much like Venom.

Essential Reading: Morbius Epic Collection: The Living Vampire

Batman Created by: Bill Finger and Bob Kane

First appearance: Detective Comics #27 (March, 1939)

Robert Pattinson steps into the role of Batman, succeeding Ben Affleck in the DCEU. The film, set during Batman’s second year of crimefighting, features The Riddler as the primary antagonist. With two sequels and a spin-off series reportedly in development, the excitement level may vary depending on your appetite for Bat-centric content.

Essential Reading: Batman: Year Two 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, Batman: The Long Halloween

Doctor Strange Created by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First appearance: Strange Tales #110 (July 1963)

The multiverse continues to captivate audiences, as seen in Loki’s TV series and Wanda Maximoff’s journey in WandaVision. Now, Doctor Strange embarks on his own mind-bending expedition through a myriad of alternate realities.

Essential Reading: Doctor Strange Epic Collection: A Separate Reality (While the film isn’t directly based on any specific storyline, this collection features some iconic and surreal journeys into other dimensions.)

Jane Foster Created by: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby

First appearance: Journey into Mystery #84 (September 1962)

Taika Waititi’s next Thor installment, the fourth in the series, promises a packed storyline. A major highlight is Natalie Portman’s unexpected return as Jane Foster, who may follow her comic-book counterpart’s path by wielding the power of Thor while confronting cancer.

Essential Reading: Thor Vol. 1: The Goddess of Thunder, by Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, and Jorge Molina

The Legion of Super-Pets Created by: Jerry Siegel and Curt Swan

First appearance: Adventure Comics #293 (February 1962)

This animated adventure brings together an extraordinary team: Krypto the Superdog, Ace the Bat-Hound, Jumpa the kangaroo, and Streaky the Supercat. The star-studded voice cast features Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, Natasha Lyonne, Keanu Reeves, and other notable talents.

Essential Reading: Krypto the Superdog, by Jesse Leon McCann and Min Sung Ku

Riri Williams created by: Brian Michael Bendis, Mike Deodato, Eve Ewing, and Kevin Libranda

First appearance: Invincible Iron Man Vol. 2 #7 (May 2016)

Details about the new Black Panther film remain scarce, especially as it grapples with the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman. However, it’s confirmed that key characters from the first movie will return, alongside the introduction of Riri Williams, a teenage tech prodigy. In the comics, Riri creates her own advanced armor, earning the title of Ironheart.

Essential Reading: Invincible Iron Man: Ironheart Vol. 1, by Stefano Caselli and Brian Michael Bendis

Black Adam created by: Otto Binder and C. C. Beck

First appearance: The Marvel Family #1 (December 1945)

Black Adam, one of the oldest yet lesser-known comic book villains, debuted as a foe of Captain Marvel (Shazam) in 1945. Originally an ancient Egyptian with powers akin to Billy Batson’s, he has since transformed into a complex antihero, a direction likely mirrored in the upcoming film starring Dwayne Johnson.

Essential Reading: The Power of Shazam! Book 1: In the Beginning, by Jerry Ordway

Miles Morales created by: Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli

First appearance: Ultimate Fallout #4 (Aug. 2011)

Details about the 2022 Spider-Verse sequel remain scarce, with no official title yet revealed. Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld will reprise their roles as Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy. Beyond that, anticipation is high for a follow-up to one of the most acclaimed comic book films of all time.

Essential Reading: Miles Morales: Shock Waves, by Justin A. Reynolds and Pablo Leon; Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Book 1

Barry Allen Created by: Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino

First appearance: Showcase #4 (October 1956)

With multiverses still captivating audiences (though fatigue may set in soon), the upcoming Flash film starring Ezra Miller draws inspiration from Flashpoint, a DC storyline where Barry Allen’s attempt to alter his past leads to catastrophic consequences and a dystopian alternate reality. The movie will feature Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton reprising their roles as Batman, alongside the debut of a new Supergirl.

Essential Reading: Flashpoint, by Geoff Johns, Andy Kubert, and Sandra Hope

Monica Rambeau created by: Roger Stern and John Romita Jr.

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16 (October 1982)

The Marvels will delve deeper into the Captain Marvel legacy, featuring Monica Rambeau, who played a significant role in WandaVision and held the Captain Marvel title in the comics during the 1980s. It will also introduce Kamala Khan, a Carol Danvers admirer who becomes Ms. Marvel, with her own TV series premiering later this year.

Essential Reading: Captain Marvel: Monica Rambeau, by Roger Stern and David Micheline

Aquaman created by: Mort Weisinger and Paul Norris

First appearance: More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941)

Prepare for an aquatic adventure! While details about the sequel are sparse, most of the original cast and director James Wan are returning. The first film drew heavily from this comic series.

Essential Reading: Aquaman Vol. 1: The Trench, by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, and Joe Prado