Superest Superhero Sequels

Its that time of year again. If there is one sure thing in life its that the summer will bring at least one superhero sequel - this year we can look forward to Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, and later in the year Thor: The Dark World. Will they be any good? Chances are yes, but here is the competition of the best superhero sequels ever made.

State of the Upcoming Marvel Movie Slate - 2013 and Beyond

Hoping to build on the success of Marvel's The Avengers which has eclipsed $600 million domestic (nearly $1.5 billion worldwide), movie production of properties based on Marvel characters are moving full steam ahead. Along with Marvel Studio's own post-Avengers Phase 2 plan, there are more movies in development for the X-Men franchise, Spider-Man, and a couple of other new kids on the block. With fresh Comic Con scoop, lets take a look at the current slate of Marvel movie's currently being churned out of the machine.

Retrospective 1994

Proving once again that quantity cannot make up for lack of quality, 1994 produced a veritable heap of superhero shows; unfortunately most have since been long forgotten. Now is your chance to remember them as we flash back to the 90s.

Marvelous Animation Tour - Fantastic Four (1994)

Hoping to repeat the success of 1992's instant classic X-Men animated series, The Fantastic Four received their 3rd animated series in 1994. Although this series lasted just 26 episodes spread over two seasons, it did survive longer than the previous two animate attempts.

The first season is pretty much what did the series in. Even though stories were adapted from classic comic tales including the coming of Galactus, they were just not done very well.

After the poorly received first season, season two received much quality improvement in the form of better animation, less annoying humor, new costume designs, and a new intro song and sequence.





Indeed, the second was markedly improved. The Inhumans became recurring characters and whereas Galactus first season appearance was brutally boring, his appearances in the second season episodes were epic.

Many characters from the Marvel Universe stopped by during the series run including Hulk, the Black Panther, Daredevil, Thor, and Ghost Rider. Alas, The Fan 4 would return yet again in the next decade for another attempt to get a third season.

* The Marvel Super Heroes (1966) * Spider-Man (1967) * Fantastic Four (1967) * The Fantastic Four (1978) * Fred and Barney Meet the Thing (1979) * Spider-Woman (1979) * Spider-Man (1981) * Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981) * The Incredible Hulk (1982) * X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men (1989) * X-Men (1992) * Fantastic Four (1994)

Marvelous Animation Tour - Fred and Barney Meet the Thing (1979)

In 1979, Fred and Barney from The Flintsones "met" The Thing, well they didn't actually meet but they shared a cartoon block. This Thing did not have three fantastic friends. Instead, transformed into the rock-skinned hero by touching together magic rings and reciting the words "Thing ring, do your thing!" after which he was pummeled by rocks.



The next year, Fred and Barney continued to air with The Thing on Fred and Barney Meet the Shmoo.

* The Marvel Super Heroes (1966) * Spider-Man (1967) * Fantastic Four (1967) * The Fantastic Four (1978) * Fred and Barney Meet the Thing (1979) *

Marvelous Animation Tour - The Fantastic Four (1978)

A decade after the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man got the animated treatment, they would return in another animated series... well at least three of them would. Johnny Storm had been independently licensed and was thus not available for inclusion in the series. And, since its hard to call the show Fantastic Four with only three members, a fantastic fourth was created - H.E.R.B.I.E. the lovable robot.

This series didn't fair any better than the previous series, lasting just 13 episodes in the Fall of 1978 though a good number of Marvel villains were showcased during the short run. Of course Doc Doom was in the house, but so were Magneto, and Sandman as a member of the Frightful Four. Don't worry, this wouldn't be the last we would see of the the legendary team...

* The Marvel Super Heroes (1966) * Spider-Man (1967) * Fantastic Four (1967) * The Fantastic Four (1978) *

Marvelous Animation Tour - Fantastic Four (1967)

The Fantastic Four animated series debuted on the same day as the 1967 Spider-Man series, though the Four didn't survive for quite as long, lasting just 20 episodes.

One thing this series got right that a subsequent series did not was the lineup of the team. Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, the Thing, and the Human Torch were all here to battle it out with classic villains such as the Mole Man, the Skrulls, and of course Dr. Doom.

The series also told the epic tale of the coming of Galactus which also introduced the Silver Surfer. This arguably best know Fantastic Four story would be retold in the 90's animated series and in the live action sequel film.

Unfortunately, a catchy theme song is not one of the things that this series will be remembered for.

* The Marvel Super Heroes (1966) * Spider-Man (1967) * Fantastic Four (1967) *

Superest Sequels - 2010

The assembly of Iron Man 2 has necessitated the reevaluation of my superhero sequel rankings (click here for last years list) The top entries remained stable but lower on the list, some of my rankings were shuffled up a bit based on how much I would actually want to revisit the movies. As for Iron Man 2, it definitely wasn't the disaster than many sequels in the genre end up being, but it fell just short of the classics ending up in position #6 (Again, my rules for inclusion consider prequels as sequels, but do include clear-cut franchise reboots).

15. TMNT

Kind of a bizarre sequel, coming 14 years after its predecessor, and also being animated as opposed to man-in-suit. But this is clearly a sequel as opposed to a reboot. The animation actually fit the film, as turtle ninjas were much more believable when they are toons (believe it or not). Leo and Raph had a fantastic rooftop fight in the rain. This incredible sequence really stood out and showcased some fancy animation and cinematic camera movements. Unfortunately, the movie overall was just kinda dull. This one took a big drop in the rankings because I just can't really imagine myself ever having the urge to see it again any time soon. (Better than Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? - Yes)

14. Batman Forever

I will rank Batman Forever above Returns (dropped from this year's list), though over the years they have switched places a number of times. I guess what gives this one the edge for now (giving it the oh so prestigious 14th spot) is that it at least rings truer to the Batman character. The Robin origin in particular is not bad. Val Kilmer as Batman was a step down from Keaton, but still way better than Clooney. I also thought the riddles themselves were fair, and the Riddler's take on being a mirror image of Bruce Wayne was interesting - though pink haired Jim in spandex is a bit yikes. Two-Face on the other hand was irredeemable and fares even worse when compared to The Dark Knight. (Better than Batman '89? - No)

13. Superman 3

Although Superman 3 really doesn't have any business being on any Top anything list, there really aren't THAT many superhero sequels. Besides, the movie is not completely devoid of redeeming moments. After two films focusing on the relationship between smoker-teeth hag Lois, it was great to see Superman going for the upgrade in Smallville with Lana Lang. The main villain of the film being a plain old computer as opposed to Brainiac is a let down, but when the computer turned the villainess Vera into a cyborg... that was some scary stuff. The fight between Clark Kent and Evil Superman in the junkyard was also one of the great superhero clashes in any movie - even if it doesn't really make sense. When that Superman theme chimes in at the end, you can't help but feel excitement! (Better than Superman? - No)

12. Superman Returns

What a gorgeous movie this was. It played homage to the first two Superman films and includes the memorable Superman themes. The airplane rescue was also jaw dropping, but unfortunately, one amazing scene does not a great movie make. All of the Super-stalking and child subplots sullied the hero. The lack of a superhero throw down was also disappointing. Sure, we saw plenty of heavy lifting, but zero punches and that is criminal. And I don't even want to get into the lameness of the Kryptonite island real estate scheme. Sorry movie Lex, you are still lame. After Superman 3 and 4, this was a pretty good return to form for Superman, but they probably should have freed themselves of the 30 year old film baggage and gone for a reboot. (Better than Superman? - No)

11. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

The Silver Surfer did all he could to save this sequel from disaster. I am not sure he was successful, but the character was easily the greatest part of the film "steel"ing every scene he was in, and looking "fantastic." If only the Fantastic Four had had someone to fight other than a cloud or a Ferris wheel, this movie may have been better received. I must also admit to enjoying the power swapping scenes, and the super powered Johnny that takes out Dr. Doom. In spite of everything, the movie gets marks for improving on the original - even if the bar was set awfully low. (Better than The Fantastic Four? - Yes)

10. Spider-Man 3

After a recent rewatching this movie dropped a few spots in the rankings this year. Some of the scenes in the movie were good, but the way they were threaded together was just so sloppy. The alien symbiote's arrival on Earth was a joke, Sandman's backstory (especially his role in the retconned death of Uncle Ben) was horrible, and pretty much everything about Venom was mishandled (no one wants to constantly see Eddie's face). I didn't have a problem with the dark Peter Parker. I just imagine that a Peter Parker amped up on "roids" be a jerk, but he would still be a geek. The jazz club dance on the other hand was jarringly out of place. Sandman's origin and fights were among the movies highlights, at least until he turned into a giant dirt moron at the end. In spite of the flaws, the movie did wrap up the goblin arc in a decent enough manner. Rest in peace Harry Osborn. (Better than Spider-Man? - No)


9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine

The sole prequel on the list (perhaps because its the only prequel in the genre, for now...). The movie lacked the epic feel of your X2, or Dark Knight, but also absent were any cringe worthy moments that often rear their heads in superhero sequels such as dance club sequences (found in BOTH Spider-Man 3 and Fantastic Four 2), costume nipples (Batman Forever and B&R), or not so subtle political statements (Superman 4). The movies biggest offense, much like X3 was the slew of missed opportunities. Deadpool, Gambit, even Emma Frost could add a lot to a movie, but not so much here, especially in the case of Deadpool (getting the old Angel 2-scene treatment). The main element missing was a grand Magneto scale villain. Weapon XI, William Stryker, and Sabretooth just didn't quite cut the mustard for me. (Better than X-Men? - No)

8. The Incredible Hulk

This is a bit of a cheat because Marvel calls this a reboot, but to me it seemed like it could just as well have been a sequel. Hulk ended with Bruce Banner speaking Spanish in Central America, and The Incredible Hulk opened with him a bit farther south, still on the run from Thunderbolt Ross and the Army. Finally, we got to see the Hulk fight a real enemy. Watching him thrash tanks was also fun, but once the Abomination showed up, Hulk actually had a non-canine challenge. Though I enjoyed the dark, slow, physiological build of Hulk, a lighter more action packed follow-up is just what audiences wanted. (Better than Hulk? - Yes)

7. X-Men 3: The Last Stand

X-Men 3's biggest failure was in not living up to massive expectations. Second to that, it took characters in directions different from the comics (and admittedly usually for the worse). But even though they were not all executed well, there are some thought provoking themes under this movies surface and I would wager than if the Phoenix saga had never been told in print, the plot of this movie wouldn't have been so maligned. In my opinion, this film is greatly under appreciated. The additions of Beast, Shadowcat, and Juggernaut were excellent and the whole ending sequence with Jean / Phoenix was pretty amazing. Sure, it could have been better, but this movie avoided the steep decline in quality that befell other 3quels (see Batman Forever, Spider-Man 3, and Superman 3). (Better than X-Men? - Yes)

6. Iron Man 2


Most of the movies on this list are either better than the original, or disasters. Iron Man 2 is the exception, partly because Iron Man 1 was so good, and partly because even though this movie was cohesive and enjoyable, I'm not really sure what it was about. I'm not even really sure who the villain was. There were lots of antagonists (Justin Hammer, Whiplash, Drunk and depressed Tony, Rhodey), but none of them ever really had a substantial showdown with the hero. Its not necessarily a bad formula, but it is unorthodox. When the movie ended it just didn't really seem like there had been a point to any of it. I mean, Iron Man had a new chest piece, War Machine was on the scene, and it was clear an Avengers movie was in the works, but everything else was pretty much status quo. (Better than Iron Man? - No)



5. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

I can't smile without Hellboy 2 getting some much deserved recognition. What an odd choice of a song for the movie, and yet it worked so well. This movie really upped the ante on a solid first movie. The art department did an amazing job designing the troll market and even the actual golden army and the story was pretty interesting and atypical even. Its just goes to show you that some quirkiness never hurts when combined with polished effects and good action. (Better than Hellboy? - Yes)

4. Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 2 kept it simple. It didn't try and give us twice the villains or twice the explosions, it just built on the foundation of Spider-Man. We got to see the characters grow and Doc Ock was a better villain than the original's Green Goblin. The clock fight / train sequence stands out as an action highlight. But the best aspect of this film is that we can really identify with Peter Parker. Spider-Man 2 stole a page from Superman 2 with the hero finally embracing his powers and responsibility. When Peter finally catches a break from MJ at the end, we get to cheer for him. and not just for his alter-ego. (Better than Spider-Man? - Yes)

3. Superman 2

Call it nostalgia, but this movie is just so much fun and shows what a good Superman movie can be. General Zod and his crew were a viable threat for the Man of Steel. They easily stole the show from Lex Luthor and gave audiences a reason to cheer for dude that is practically perfect in every way. The movie has an interesting story as well with Superman deciding if he really wants to be a the hero and then regretting his decision after getting pwned in a dinner by Bubba. The fight on the Streets of Metropolis was high stakes and my vote for the best Superhero fight on film. "Kneel Before Zod" is an all-time great movie line and seeing Zod bested is a delight every time. When so many things are done right, you can even forgive some missteps like bizarre un-Superman powers (super plastic S-shield throw, amnesia kiss, finger beam). (Better than Superman? - Yes)

2. X2: X-Men United

X-Men was good, but no one was prepared for the epic X2. The film seemed like it could be overstuffed like many sequels are, but the additions of Nightcrawler and Lady Deathstrike did not rob the other heroes of their moments. The opening scene of Nightcrawler's White House infiltration is a perfect action sequence and Magneto's plastic prison escape was also awesome. Though the subtitle "X-Men United" is awfully cheesy, seeing the X-Men forced to team up with Magneto, and then be betrayed by him, was great. The film's cliffhanger ending was a perfect final note for this near flawless sequel. (Better than X-Men? - Yes)

1. The Dark Knight

Two years after its release, The Dark Knight maintains its position as the bar by which superhero movies will be measured. Even with two main villains, the movie never suffered from character overload. It helps that both characters were written and played so well. While the action in the film may not be quite up to par with some in the genre, its the characters that make this one great. That is not to say the action is bad, there are some classic sequences, especially the Bondesque Honk Kong abduction. Small problems like the misuse of Scarecrow and questionable bullet reconstruction forensics are minor detractors from the best superhero sequel of all time. (Better than Batman Begins? - Yes)

Onscreen History of the Hulk

Planet Hulk, Marvel's latest animated feature hits stores today. In honor of the Jade Giant, I thought it appropriate to take a look at his prolific onscreen history in the monstrous spotlight.

The Hulk first appeared in 39 seven minute segments of the Marvel Super Heroes animated television series in 1966. His theme song could have used a little work:

To this day, Hulk may be best known for his live-action TV series The Incredible Hulk beginning with a made for TV movie in 1977 and running for 82 episodes until being canceled in 1982.


The cancelled series was followed up with three made for TV movies in the subsequent years. In 1988's The Incredible Hulk Returns Hulk teamed up with Thor.


The next year, in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, it was Daredevil's turn for a Hulk partnership.

Finally, 1990's The Death of the Incredible Hulk ended the series / movies run despite plans to bring Hulk back for a pairing with She-Hulk.

After the live action series ended in 1982, 13 episodes of an animated Hulk series were commissioned.

The animated series was a bit truer to the comic books than was the live action series. Over the course of the season, a number of comic foes and allies, including She-Hulk, dropped by.

Hulk was given a crossover to the Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends in the episode Spidey Goes Hollywood in which he had to fight a robot Hulk.

Following his series cancellation, the Animated Hulk took a decade hiatus, next appearing as a guest star in the X-Men animated series episode The Juggernaut Returns. To be fair, this was actually just a danger room Hulk robot and not the Hulk himself.

In the mid-90's Hulk guest starred on the Fantastic Four animated series as well as Iron Man.


Hulk's look, however, was a tad inconsistent between the two shows.

In 1996, the Green Goliath was finally given his own show once again. The series had no shortage of Hulks. There was Green Hulk, Grey Hulk, She Hulk, and Dark Hulk.

Unfortunately, when the series was retitled in season two from The Incredible Hulk to The Incredible Hulk and She-Hulk, the show also experience a drop in quality and was canceled.

Though there was a blink and you'll miss it cameo of Hulk (in a portrait) in the abysmal Avengers: United They Stand series, Hulk next returned in grand form in 2003's Hulk movie. Unfortunately the movie was not the huge success all were hoping for.

In 2006, Hulk starred in two animated features, Ultimate Avengers, and Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther. He was much more of the threat himself in these films than a traditional hero.

Also in 2006, Hulk and the Thing faced off in the Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes episode Hard Knocks.

In 2008, an older (wiser?) Hulk appeared in the animated movie Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow.

2008 would also mark the return of Hulk to cinemas in the more heroic The Incredible Hulk, the film was just successful enough to make a sequel possible, though we will most likely see this Hulk next in 2012 Avengers live action film.

In 2009 (a "Banner" year for Hulk) , Hulk was the star of the very successful animated movie Hulk Vs. In the first segment Hulk and Wolverine engaged in a no holds barred smack down.

The second half of the feature saw Thor trying to stop a mindless raging Hulk shell.


Wolverine an Hulk were given a rematch in the Wolverine and the X-Men episode Wolverine Vs. The Hulk, an informal sequel to the Hulk Vs. battle.


In 2009, there was no shortage of heroes getting a chance to take on the Hulk as he also made an appearance on the Iron Man: Armored Adventures series episode Uncontrollable.

Lastly in 2009, a nice Hulk joined the line-up of the Super Hero Squad.

Planet Hulk tells the story of space Gladiator Hulk, banished from Earth. Depending on this movies performance, I expect we will be seeing more Hulk animated movies in the future. Hulk Vs 2 perhaps?

Finally, Hulk will be a member of the line-up in the animated Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes set to debut in 2011.

And that my friends was hopefully enough SMASH to get you through the rest of the day.