The fans of comic book adaptations have had a pretty good decade. Between The Avengers movies, the Dark Knight trilogy, and multiple Spider-Man and X-Men films, some of the biggest-grossing action movies of all time have been based on comics. However, not every comic book adaptation becomes a blockbuster and many get overlooked or forgotten completely by the time the next one comes out. Comic adaptations are coming out thick and fast, and with so much forward momentum it’s sometimes worth taking a moment to look back on what’s come before.
We’ve curated a list of seven lesser known animated comic book adaptations that went underappreciated. All the films are based on a comic and worth revisiting the next time you think you’ve seen everything comic movies have to offer!
1) Mosaic (2007)
Mosaic is an animated superhero film about a new character created by Stan Lee. The titular character voiced by X-Men actress Anna Paquin is a nice example of a female superhero being treated seriously and respectfully.
An average teenage girl discovers that she has superpowers and befriends a mentor who informs her of her role in helping to bring peace to factions that have been at war for hundreds of years. It’s an excellent film and if you’ve got a lazy day to kill, do give this piece a watch. A cute little hero fantasy, Mosaic offers quick and enjoyable entertainment.
2) Tales of the Black Freighter (2009)
Tales of the Black Freighter is written by Zack Snyder who often receives a lot of flak from critics and fans over how he crafts his films. However, this film, which is an adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ acclaimed graphic novel Watchmen, is clearly a labour of love. The film’s animation is very detailed and atmospheric, with well-done character designs. The music is appropriately haunting and never overdone, while the writing is intelligent and thought-provoking. Most of the action is well-choreographed and well-paced, keeping the plot compelling and suspenseful.
The film’s plot revolves around a mariner who survives an attack from the dreaded pirates of the Black Freighter, but struggles to return home. Tales of the Black Freighter is an engaging tale that features the vocal talents of Gerard Butler and Jared Harris.
3) Trinity Seven: Eternity Library & Alchemic Girl (2017)
The film’s story begins when Arata inadvertently touches “Hermes Apocrypha,” Lilith’s Grimoire. Suddenly, he is enveloped by a bright white light, and a girl appears before him. She calls herself Lilim, and treats both Arata and Lilith as her parents. At the same time she appears, something changes in the world. The forbidden Eternal Library awakens. In the Library is sealed the ultimate culmination of Alchemy, the White Demon Lord. The White Demon Lord plots to eliminate Arata and the Trinity Seven to usurp the position of Demon Lord. Bristling with untold power, the White Demon Lord attacks Arata, and triggers a desperate crisis where Arata and the Trinity Seven must save the world in this last battle.
Whether you are a Trinity fan or not, this movie is worth a watch! Not a single dull moment during the 55 minutes run time; the cute girls, fan service, gripping plot, sailing boats, and intricate details will keep you hooked. The art, setting, and characters are standard and the soundtrack deserves a special mention. It gets more interesting towards the end and you must definitely get your hands on the film!
4) Gen13 (1998)
Gen13 is based on the comic series published by then independent company Wildstorm Entertainment, but it was never released in the United States due to some business decisions that transpired as the film was being made. The film received a limited video release in Europe and Australia and was aired on the Russian 2×2 channel.
The plot is a bit heavy to get into, but essentially, there’s experimentation, evil scientists, an attempted uprising against the government, and some kids coming into their own with all sorts of unique powers. If you catch the film, you’ll be treated to an interesting look at what some of the properties outside the reach of DC and Marvel forces can do if given the chance in the entertainment industry.
5) Persepolis (2007)
Released in 2007 on the festival circuit by Sony Pictures Classics, Persepolis is an adaptation of the 2000 biographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. The piece depicts the author’s coming of age during the time of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and all the resulting turmoil that came with it. Relatives die, homosexuality is depicted, and other topics like depression and suicide are all put forth for the viewer to take in.
Since its release, the film has not been without its share of controversy. Though critically acclaimed, parents in the United States have attempted to remove it from school curriculum in the state of Washington, and when shown in Tunisia on television in 2011, the station owner was arrested and ordered to pay a fine for “disturbing the public order.”
6) Howard Lovecraft & the Undersea Kingdom (2017)
Young Howard Lovecraft may have defeated the evil King Abdul Alhazred in the Frozen Kingdom, but all is not safe, not yet. There are much darker forces at work and, this time, Howard must protect his father’s journals without the assistance of his most trusted ally, Spot. Instead, Howard must recruit his own father and seek the aid of the studious Dr. Henry Armitage to use the power of the journals to rescue his best friend and family, and vanquish the mysterious forces once and for all!
Based on the graphic novel series by Bruce Brown and Dwight L. MacPherson, Howard Lovecraft & the Undersea Kingdom comes to life because of the phenomenal voice cast. The animation is unique without being clunky or jerky, the story-telling and voice acting is done well and the character development does allow for an organic, and at times, surprising experience of the story.
7) Firebreather (2010)
Based on an Image Comics series started in 2003, the 2010 Cartoon Network TV movie tells the origin story of Duncan, a half-human and half-dragon teenager. Duncan seems to be an average teenager with an overprotective mother who has trouble fitting in at school. But, when he is attacked by a bully, Duncan accidentally reveals his secret – he can breathe fire. He is destined to play a fateful part in the impending war between humans and the monsters called Kaiju. While his dragon father demands he join ranks with the Kaiju, Duncan can’t ignore his human side.
The film is a complete package with the hero struggling with powers, teen angst, and all the other standard tropes you’d expect in an origin story for a younger character. Like most of the films on this list, it too received divided reviews from critics. However, with passing time, Firebreather was praised for its visuals, voice acting, and stunning animation.
