Retrospective 1989

In my book, or at least on my blog, 1989 was one of the most important years for superhero shows. Looking over the year's entries, it also seemed that green monsters were quite popular that year. After all, who doesn't love green monsters?

The Toxic Avenger Part II

A few years after the cult hit Toxic Avenger, Toxie returned and traveled to Japan (karate kid style). The movie did horribly and even the trailer is so bad / offensive that I won't embed it here, but if you must see it: here ya go.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

After Hulk and Thor's successful team up the year before in the Incredible Hulk Returns, Daredevil was ready to do some legal representin'.



The Return of Swamp Thing

"He's got a grudge cuz they turned him to sludge." But "He is turning over a new leaf."



Yeah, pretty much nobody wanted to see this, and so no one did.

Batman

Obviously, Batman was the year's standout. Not only was the movie one of the most successful superhero movies ever made reinvigorating the genre and spawning a slew of Batfilms. Batman also spawned Batman: The Animated Series, itself a highly influential series, as well as other dark takes on heroes such as the short lived Flash series.

Punisher

Marvel's big summer attempt at The Punisher starring Dolph Lundgren fell flat never even making it to theaters.

This fine tradition of Marvel disasters would continue with Captain America and The Fantastic Four before the company finally went on a winning streak some 10 years later with Blade.

The Toxic Avenger III: The Last Temptation of Toxie

As if Toxic Avenger II wasn't enough, 1989 actually delivered two Toxie sequels. Unsurprisingly, this one didn't do to well. Trailer.



X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men

X-Men fans would have to wait a few more years for the acclaimed animated series, but in 1989 they nearly got a series. Pryde of the X-Men was created as a pilot for an animated series which never got picked up. The team consisted of some interesting choices including Kitty Pryde AKA Shadowcat, Cyclops, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Dazzler, Storm, and of course Wolverine.