Sin City is cinematic eye candy.

Sin City is cinematic eye candy.

To celebrate the release of the Fantastic Four: The rise of the Silver Surfer tomorrow, we thought we'd take a closer look at some of Hollywood's best, worst and forthcoming comic book adaptations.

THE GOOD

Superman:
The 1978 movie's tagline read: "You'll believe a man can fly!"...and boy did it live up to its claim. Director Richard Donner's man in tights epic is a movie that serves as a benchmark for tasteful comic book adaptations.
Sin City:
Robert Rodriguez worked meticulously with co-director and comic creator Frank Miller to ensure accuracy in this comic's film translation - and it shows. Visually stunning and brilliantly executed, Sin City is eye candy of the highest calibre.
Batman:
The first installation of director Tim Burton's gothic take on the cartoon strip character Batman resurrected the character after the dire TV series. Dark, fun and featuring a stellar cast, Burton's Batman is a cinematic gem.

THE BAD

Ghost Rider:
A superhero film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Ghost Rider probably looked good on paper, but the end result is a load of baloney. Starring Nicholas Cage as the flame-headed anti-hero, Ghost Rider simply failed to deliver.
Hulk:
Ang Lee surprised everyone when he decided to take on The Hulk, but the result was anything but the brainless run of the mill super-hero fodder.

The CGI was shocking, and the wafer-thin plot made for a decidedly dull movie.
Constantine:
Post-Matrix Keanu Reeves focused his acting efforts on starring in this 2005 film loosely based on the Hellblazer comic book. Sadly, the end result was about as exciting as having root canal treatment.

THE FUTURE

Transformers:
If this film's trailer is anything to go by, Transformers looks set to kick some serious comic book butt when it opens on June 28. The live action film based on the Transformers franchise and toy line is said to be gloriously action-packed and entertaining.
Iron Man:
Based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Iron Man, this movie is slated for a May 2008 release. Starring the fabulous Robert Downey Jr. as the Iron Man, early rumblings indicate that this comic book adaptation will be worth the wait.
Wolverine:
Wolverine, real name James Howlett but more commonly known as Logan in the successful X-Men movie franchise is about get his own big screen outing. Mooted as a prequel to the other films, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is set for a 2008 release.

- NZHERALD STAFF