In our Funnybooks podcast, we focus on current events, and usually large events.  Most times, the conversations are constrained so that we can fit everything into an hour or so, but here at Funnybooks After Hours the discussion continues to topics not covered, greater questions of events in comic past or whatever else strikes our fancy.

Walking up the alley, you are unsure if this is the right place.  A non-descript door halfway down the alley catches your eye and after a brief scan of the area, you see the marker that indicates that this is in fact the place.  Etched into a brick above the building is a bat symbol with an ‘X’ through the middle and a lightning bolt below it.

Knocking on the door, you hear a grating sound as a man with a luchador mask and vampire fangs opens the door, “What’s the password?” he asks.  “Beak is lame” you reply, nodding as he steps aside.  Visibility is limited, but as you look around you realize that you found the place.  Stepping up to the microphone, the five recliners are set up on a small stage in the back, as the crew eagerly awaits the question that drove you all the way here, to this secret place.

This week’s question:

What was your favorite movie based on a comic book?

Wayne smiles, “You know I really want to go obscure and flex my geek muscle here, but I’m going to be honest with myself.  I am a HUGE Joker fan.  I absolutely love the character and for that reason The Dark Knight is my favorite movie based on a comic book.  I got to finally see my favorite take on the joker walking around on the movie screen.  That was not a Batman movie,  it was definitely a Joker movie and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  A close second for the same reason is Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. I just re-watched the uncut version a few nights ago and was reminded of just how good it actually was.”

Tim nods, “That is a really, really good pick.  I loved that movie, and have only watched it once, just to preserve how awesome I thought Heath Ledger did in that movie.  But I was going to go a different direction with my pick and say Watchmen. This movie was amazing.  It stayed true to the comic (as much as it could) and I thought most of the casting decisions were spot on, particularly the Comedian and Rorschak.

“When I saw this movie, it blew my socks off.  This was a story about the pitfalls of trying to be a hero and save the world.  Even people with good intentions will make decisions hedging on wrong in order to do what needs to be done.”

“I really thought about going with The Dark Knight or one of the Batman animated movies (Mask of the Phantasm and Return of the Joker were both excellent), but I’d really have to say my favorite comic book movie of all time is Batman Returns.” Paul pauses for a moment, “Seriously.  I absolutely adore Batman Returns.  The production values were amazing, the acting in it was perfect all around, the direction, the music, etc.  I know it may not be exactly like the comic, but really, none of the Batman films have been.  But this film just blew me away – it was so tragic and it just felt right.  And I really have to give it to Danny Elfman – this is my favorite Elfman score EVER.”

Aron jumped in, “I am such a whore for Elfman.  His scores made even the worst of the Schumacher Batman films at least listenable.

“Considering the best of comics-to-film, I first thought of The Dark Knight – which is not just a comics movie, it’s damn good movie.  Take away the cape and the funny make-up and you still have a very fine film.  But that’s not my choice.

“My favorite comic book made into a movie is The Road to Perdition. Based on the Max Allan Collins graphic novel of the same name, The Road to Perdition tells the story of a mobbed-up hitman protecting his son from the Boss that wants the boy dead.  The child, you see, witnessed a hit.

“When I saw the movie back in 2002, I was completely unaware of the comic connection.  I just thought it was another Tom Hanks movie.  But it wasn’t.  Our modern day Jimmy Stewart, plays a man who’s career is murder and his passion is preserving the cherished innocence of his son.   This movie hits on all the right notes.

“I’m a sucker for father/son stories.  This is one of my favorite.  I’ve not ever read The Road to Perdition.  But man, the movie is terrific.”

All eyes from the group turn towards the shady characters sitting in the area commonly referred to as ‘The Peanut Gallery’. “Anyone have a different opinion?  Any other questions tonight?”