Shameless Plug Of The Day II

In the wake of the July 20th shooting that left 12 people dead at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, All C’s Collectibles, the town’s only comic book shop, will host a special fundraiser for the victims and the community on August 25 and 26. Both Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) and Matt Fraction (The Invincible Iron Man) will be making in-store appearances and a number of items, including signed books and original artwork, will be up for auction. To learn more and for further updates, check out the Aurora Rise page on Facebook.

Shameless Plug Of The Day

While the Little Lotus Project in New Zealand doesn’t have much to do with comic books or cinema, the organization’s aim to bring arts education to refugee and migrant children along the Thai/Burma border earns a tip of the hat from us. You can learn more about the project and the artists involved here and find out how you can show support here.

Hollywood's Idea Farm

After reflecting back on legendary artist Jack Kirby, Ivan Brandon bemoans the current crop of comic book movies: 


“Today, the comics industry’s seen as a sister to the movie industry, but she’s the sister who carries the mop. Or to use another metaphor, comics are seen as a farm. Scraps of raw idea to be grown and processed elsewhere for “bigger and better” things.”


Brandon’s sentiment seems best reflected by San Diego Comic-Con, where creators appear to pin their hopes on scoring a deal with a major studio while the public gobbles up “exclusive” sneak peek trailers, many for films and shows with no comic connection whatsoever.


(Image: cover of Captain America #193 (January, 1976) by Jack Kirby and John Romita, Marvel Comics)

Norman Alden 1924–2012

Prolific character actor Norman Alden passed away on July 27 at the age of 87. In addition to films such as Tora! Tora! Tora! and Back to the Future, Alden appeared in dozens of television shows including the 1960s Batman as well as provided the voice for Aquaman in the Saturday morning cartoons Super Friends and The All-New Super Friends Hour, both of which were produced by Hanna-Barbera.

(Image: Batman, Robin, and Aquaman in the episode “The Menace of the White Dwarf” (November 24, 1973) of the animated series Super Friends, Warner Bros.)

Stark Spending

Following up on their recent cost analysis of Bruce Wayne’s street fighting persona, MoneySupermarket.com reveals how much money Tony Stark shells out to be in the superhero game.


(Image: Iron Man, Marvel Studios/Paramount Pictures)

A Casting Curse?

The Hollywood Reporter looks at the career ups and downs of actors starring in superhero films during the past 30 or so years. When one considers those who have become icons thanks to their roles on television—Adam West (Batman), Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), Lou Ferrigno (Hulk)—it would seem that typecasting can have its positive aspects. Would anyone honestly remember West today if he hadn’t donned a cowl and instead remained a B-list performer throughout the 1960s?

On This Date: July 29

1946: Republic Pictures released Conquest of Cheyenne, part of its Red Ryder series based on the Western comic strip by Stephen Slesinger and Fred Harman. Wild Bill Elliott once again saddled up for the lead role along with Robert Blake along as sidekick Little Beaver.

1953: Columbia Pictures released the jungle adventure Valley of the Head Hunters, starring former Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller. It was the 12th of the studio’s 16 films based on the comic strip character Jungle Jim created Alex Raymond and Don Moore.

1955: Illustrator Dave Stevens was born in Lynwood, California. In 1982, his pulp magazine-inspired hero the Rockeeter debuted as a backup feature in the second issue of the comic book series Starslayer. Nearly a decade later, the character appeared in the 1991 film The Rocketeer directed by Joe Johnston and starring Billy Campbell and Jennifer Connelly. In 2008, Stevens lost his long battle with hairy cell leukemia and died at the age of 52.

1973: Stephen Dorff was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He protrayed the villainous vampire Deacon Frost in director Stephen Norrington’s 1998 outing Blade.

1982: Allison Mack was born in Preetz, West Germany. She portrayed Clark Kent’s best friend and confidant Chloe Sullivan in the television series Smallville (2001–2011).

1994: New Line Cinema released The Mask, based on the comic book series from Dark Horse Comics. One of our favorite comics adaptations, the slapstick comedy stars Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz (in her film debut), Richard Jeni, and Peter Greene.

2011: Director Jon Favreau’s sci-fi Western Cowboy & Aliens was released. Based on the graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, the film features Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Keith Carradine, Clancy Brown, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, and Walton Goggins.

May We Quote You?

“The life you think you want, Dinah, being a superhero, is not what it’s cracked up to be. It’s dangerous, it’s ugly, it is relentless, and it will wear you down.” – Lori Loughlin as Carolyn Lance (a.k.a. Black Canary) in the episode “Sins of the Mother” from the television series Birds of Prey.


The actress, best known for her role as Rebecca Donaldson in the sitcom Full House (1988–1995), celebrates her 48th birthday today.


(Image: Lori Loughlin in Birds of Prey, Warner Bros.)

Bankruptcy Blunder

Law and the Multiverse considers the corporate shenanigans that take place in The Dark Knight Rises. (Caution: spoilers ahead.)

On This Date: July 26

1945: Helen Mirren was born in Chiswick, Middlesex, England. The Academy Award and four-time Emmy Award-winning actress played retired CIA assassin Victoria in the 2010 action comedy RED.


1959: Kevin Spacey was born in South Orange, New Jersey. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor menaced the Man of Steel as Lex Luthor in Bryan Singer’s 2006 outing Superman Returns.


1968: Olivia Williams is born in Camden Town, London, England. She appears briefly as scientist Moira MacTaggert inthe 2006 superhero film X-Men: The Last Stand.


1973: Kate Beckinsale was born in Finsbury Park, London, England. She portrayed Deputy U.S. Marshall Carrie Stetko in director Dominic Sena’s 2009 mystery Whiteout based on the eponymous comic book by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber.


1979: Mageina Tovah was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was cast as Ursula Ditkovich, daughter of Peter Parker’s landlord, in Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3.


(Image: Kate Beckinsale in Whiteout, Dark Castle Entertainment)

Batarangs Don't Come Cheap

MoneySupermarket.com tallies up what it costs Bruce Wayne to maintain his crime-fighting alter ego.

Acting Catty

Michelle Provenzano offers a brief survey of the actresses who’ve brought Catwoman to life. The character’s wardrobe—both in print and on-screen—deserves a separate look. (Previous coverage of Batman’s threads here.)

(Image: promotional poster for The Dark Night Rises, Warner Bros.)

Shameless Plug Of The Day

On August 25, the village of Herkimer, New York, will host its first-ever Superhero Sprint. Aimed at helping to revitalize the community located 80 miles west of Albany, the non-competitive race has only one requirement: all participates must be dressed as a super hero or villain. Registration is $2 per person (cash only).

(Image: Flash from Cartoon Network’s animated series Justice League, Wanrer Bros. Animation)

The Cartoon Crusader

We somehow missed this interpretation of The Dark Knight Rises trailer promoting a Batman: The Animated Series marathon last week on The Hub.


(Shout-out: Andrew Sullivan)

Chart Art

Pop Chart Lab presents The Myriad Monikers of Gotham’s Villains, a mind-boggling chart devoted to dozens of super baddies—from the Joker and the Riddler to Mister Brains and Calendar Girl—who have plagued Gotham City over the last seven decades. The company’s previous efforts include The Illustrious Omnibus of Superpowers #1 and #2.

(Shout-out: Roy Zemlicka)

(Image: Pop Chart Lab)

On This Date: July 24

1904: Academy Award-nominated composer Leo Arnaud was born in Lyon, France. Best known for Bugler’s Dream, a trumpeting fanfare used in the United States as the broadcast theme for the Olympic Games, Arnaud served the music arranger for 1941 comedy Blondie Goes Latin, based on Chic Young’s comic strip character.

1945: Universal Pictures released Secret Agent X-9, based on the eponymous comic strip created by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond. The 13-chapter spy serial featured Lloyd Bridges as Phil Corrigan (a.k.a Secret Agent X-9) and Keye Luke as Chinese agent Ah Fong.

1945: Linda Harrison was born in Berlin, Maryland. Prior to taking on the role of Nova in Planet of the Apes (1968) and Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Harrison became the first actress to portray Wonder Woman when she appeared in the failed, 1967 live-action pilot Who’s Afraid of Diana Prince?

1951: Lynda Carter was born in Phoenix, Arizona. The actress and singer became an instant celebrity as the star of The New Adventures of Wonder Woman (1975–77) and The New Adventures of Wonder Woman (1977–79). She later played Chloe Sullivan’s mother Moira on the television series Smallville.

1968: Kristin Chenowith was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In 1999, she appeared as Lily St. Regis in the television movie Annie, based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray.

1979: Rose Byrne was born in Balmain, Sydney, Australia. She was cast as CIA agent Moira MacTaggert in X-Men: First Class (2011).

1982: Anna Paquin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Before becoming Sookie Stackhouse on the supernatural series True Blood, the Academy Award-winning actress played the mutant superheroine Rogue in X-Men (2000), X2 (2003), and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).

(Image: Lloyd Bridges and Jan Wiley in Secret Agent X-9, Universal Pictures)

Covering A Theme

Indie music darlings Pomplamoose offer their take on composer Danny Elfman’s theme to the 1989 film Batman.

A Personal Soundtrack

Composer Hans Zimmer is hoping to make listening to a film score a more interactive experience with The Dark Knight Rises Z+, a free app (available at iTunes) which automatically syncs up the soundtrack with what you’re doing:


“So if you happen to be walking or running, the app will know to put on “Action” soundscape; if you’re standing still, it’ll play “Gotham City.” If you’re in a quiet place, you’ll hear “Silence.””

Preparing For Blast Off

Visual effects supervisor Jay Redd explains what it took to recreate the launch of Apollo 11 for Men in Black 3. More making of MIB3 video here, here, here, here, and here.

What Good Is Good vs. Evil?

Alyssa Rosenberg follows up on Jim Emerson’s piece regarding the emphasis on good vs. evil in superhero films:


“Good v. evil is a convenient distraction from having to talk about actual issues, like civilian control of superpowers as a stand-in for the military, or the impact of corporate influence on the scientific process, on which people in the audience might actually agree.”

The Clothes Make The Hero

GQ traces Bruce Wayne’s on-screen attire (and that of his alter ego) over the years. In other clothing buzz, Grace Randolph talks Kryptonian underwear with costume illustrator Phillip Boutte.

(Shout-out: Batton Lash)

(Image: Lewis Wilson as Batman in the 1943 serial of the same name, Columbia Pictures)

A New Superman

Warner Bros. has released its first official trailer for Man of Steel. (A second version with different narration may be found here.) The film, directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill, debuts on June 14, 2013.

The Sweat Set

Make-up artist Donna Premick and hair stylist Taylor Knight reveal what it takes to keep the cast of The Walking Dead looking so grimy.

(Image: Laurie Holden as Andrea and Jeffrey DeMunn as Dale in The Walking Dead, AMC)

Racial Matters

Now that Ben Kingsley appears to be joining the cast of Iron Man 3 as the villainous Mandarin, Mark McDonald looks at the debate surrounding the fact that Kingsley is not Chinese.

(Shout-out: Andrew Sullivan)

(Image: the Mandarin in the episode “Origin of the Mandarin” (November 5, 1994 ) of the animated television series Iron Man, Marvel Entertainment)

Tragedy In Colorado, Ctd

“The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me.” – Christopher Nolan, director of The Dark Knight Rises


Meanwhile, AMC has banned masks and costumes in its theaters.

Cartoon Cars

Star Cars talks with Jason Ybarra, who owns a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles van similar to the one seen in the animated series.

Episode Two features Nate Truman and his customized Batmobile, based on the iconic set of wheels featured in the 1960s Batman television shows. Previous Batmobile coverage here and a Bat gear video roundup here.

Charting The Bat

Seven decades of the gang from Gotham via I Love Charts.

(Image: “From Kane to Nolan: Seventy Years of Bat Evolution” by gonzoblair)

Coming Attractions

Columbia Pictures released the 15-chapter serial Atom Man vs. Superman, directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet, on this date in 1950. Kirk Alyn returns as the Man of Steel in this sequel to the 1948 Superman serial as do Noel Neill (Lois Lane), Tommy Bond (Jimmy Olsen), and Pierre Watkin (Perry White). Lyle Talbot portrays Lex Luthor in the villain’s first live-action appearance.

Tragedy In Colorado

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victims and their families of the theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., earlier today. It’s difficult to process how something as relaxing and enjoyable as going to the movies could ever be linked to such senseless violence. We can only mourn the loss of innocent life and hope that the pain of those still suffering ends soon.


Update: The Huffington Post offers ways you can help those affected.

Move over, Q Branch

Jeremy Scott compiled the hefty clip above that features nearly every Bat-gadget from Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, then emailed Wired regarding the results. Our favorite: Bat stapler.

Looking To Jump Out Of Your Skin?

This fall, the dead—as in those appearing in the comic book and television series The Walking Dead—will rise for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Previous coverage on avoiding zombies here.

Going Bats In Pittsburgh

As the Toonseum readies itself for this weekend’s debut of its Pittsburgh as Gotham exhibition, executive director Joe Wos shares some highlights. The Post-Gazette offers a guide to locations around the city used in the filming of The Dark Knight Rises.

(West Coast comic book fans take note: the Avengers will be hanging out in San Francisco through October.)

(Image: Batman, Dean Trippe)

The Iron Man Chronicles

This past Tuesday, Marvel Comics released part five of “The History of Iron Man,” a week by week review of the Armored Avenger’s colorful career as a lead-in to his 50th anniversary (and third motion picture) next year. Parts one to four may be found here, here, here, and here. A recent peek at Tony Stark’s armor suits here.

(Image: Tales of Suspense, vol. 1, November, 1967, Gene Colan, Marvel Comics)

(Shout-out: Bryan Lee O’Malley)

Poster Boy

The name Drew Struzan may draw a blank stare from the average moviegoer, but you’ll likely find few over the last 35 years who haven’t laid their eyes on his artwork. His painted movie posters, often noted for their realism and nostalgic charm, include Raiders of the Lost Art (1981), Risky Business (1983), The Goonies (1985), and Coming to America (1988) along with the comics-inspired films The Flintstones (1994), Hellboy (2004), and The Walking Dead (2010). As a salute to the artist and his impressive portfolio, filmmakers Eric P. Sharkey, Greg Boas, and Charles Ricciardi have produced the as-yet-unreleased documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster (see trailer above). Sharkey shares his thoughts on the project here and a nice roundup of Struzan’s posters may be found here.

(Images: theatrical posters for Back to the Future (1985) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), Drew Struzan)

If You Can't Say Something Nice . . .

Following a rash of threatening posts aimed a reviewers of The Dark Knight Rises, Rotten Tomatoes considers how to address the issue going forward.


(Shout-out: Andrew Farago)

Too Much Dead?

As The Walking Dead #100 racks up sales and goes on for a second printing, Oliver Sava over at the A.V. Club wonders when horror as entertainment simply becomes gratutitous violence. (Caution: spoilers ahead.)

(Image: zombie by Robert Kirkman, 2012)

A Well-Fed Read

Feeding Ground writer Swifty Lang discusses his narrative blend of werewolves and illegal immigration with Nicholas Yanes. The comic book series was picked up earlier this year for a possible film adaptation.

(Image: cover of Feeding Ground #1, Michael Lapinski, Archaia Entertainment)

On This Date: July 17

1938: Hermann Huppen was born in Malmedy, Belgium. In 1979, he created the post-apocalyptic comic book Jeremiah. The series later served as the basis for a television show  featuring Luke Perry and Malcolm-Jamal Warner that appeared on Showtime from 2002 to 2004.

1952: David Hasselhoff was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Way before Samuel L. Jackson boarded the Helicarrier, the Hoff donned an eyepatch and chomped a cigar as Marvel Comics’s top super spy in the 1998 television movie Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

1980: Don “Red” Barry died in North Hollywood, Calif., at the age of 68. He took the reins in the 12-part serial The Adventures of Red Ryder, the first of 24 cowboy romps from Republic Pictures based on the popular Western comic strip by Stephen Slesinger and Fred Harman.

1988: Summer Bishil was born in Pasadena, Calif. She played Princess Azula in director M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 film The Last Airbender, based on the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender.

2004: Pat Roach died in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England, at the age of 67. A professional wrestler-turned-actor, he played Lord Brytag in the 1985 sword and sorcery adventure Red Sonja.

Birth Of The Batcave

It’s unlikely that the cast and crew of the Columbia Pictures serial Batman, released on this date in 1943, gave any thought to the 15-chapter adventure having much cultural significance. But, in fact, the production, directed by Lambert Hillyer (best known for Dracula’s Daughter, the 1936 sequel to Universal Studios’s Dracula), would be noted not just as the first film adaptation of Batman, but also for the influence it exerted on key elements within the world of the Caped Crusader.

In 1941, Batman housed the Batmobile in an old barn connected to Wayne Manor via a secret tunnel beneath the estate (Detective Comics #48). The following year, Batman #12 made reference to “secret underground hangers” which served as the masked hero’s base of operations. When the movie serial’s second chapter “The Bat’s Cave” appreared in the summer of 1943, it offered the first real look at Batman’s subterranean refuge which was accessed through a secret passage behind a grandfather clock in Wayne Manor. At the end of October, Batman co-creator Bill Finger began one of the Dark Knight’s daily comic strips entitled “The Bat Cave!” By January of 1944, the Batcave had made its way into the comic book escapades (Detective Comics #83).

Bruce Wayne’s trusted butler and valet also received an overhaul shortly after the serial’s premiere. When the character of Alfred first appeared in the spring of 1943 (Batman #16), he was hefty, bald, and clean-shaven. At the start of the new year (Detective Comics #83), he sported a thin physique and trimmed mustache similar to that of actor William Austin, who portrayed the loyal man Friday in the serial. With a few minor exceptions, Alfred has retained the look ever since.

Coming Attractions

On this date in 1997, Walt Disney Pictures released the Tarzan parody George of the Jungle based on the 1967 animated series of the same name by Jay Ward Productions. The cast features Brendan Fraser as the loincloth-clad hero, Leslie Mann as his love interest Ursula Stanhope, Thomas Hayden Church as Ursula’s fiancé Lyle van de Groot, Richard Roundtree as jungle guide Mr. Kwame, and John Cleese as the voice of George’s talking gorilla friend Ape. In 2003, George of the Jungle 2, a direct-to-video sequel, was released with Christopher Showerman taking over the lead role.

Suit Up

Last week saw a small colony of Batmobiles arrive in San Diego, followed by an array of Tony Stark’s Iron Man armor. The display’s centerpiece featured a new suit that’s slated to appear in the next installment of the Armored Avenger’s film franchise.


(Image: Iron Man 3 display at Comic-Con International, Marvel Entertainment)

On This Date: July 15

1952: Celia Imrie was born in Guildford, Surrey, England. She appeared as the school matron in the 2007 comedy St. Trinian’s and its 2009 follow-up St. Trinian’s II: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold.

1952: Terry O’Quinn was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Prior to his role as John Locke on the television series Lost, the well-known character actor played Howard Hughes in The Rocketeer (1991) and General Omar Santiago on the short-lived series Harsh Realm (1999).

1973: Brian Austin Green was born in Van Nuys, Calif. He took on the part of Superman villain John Corben (a.k.a. Metallo) in several episodes of the television series Smallville. 

1963: Brigitte Nielsen was born in Rødovre, Denmark. In 1985, the six-foot-tall model and actress portrayed the lead character in Red Sonja, based on the Marvel Comics swordswoman created by Roy Thomas. Near the end of the same decade, she was cast as Jennifer Walters (a.k.a She-Hulk) for a film that never materialized.

(Image: Brigitte Nielsen as She-Hulk, Marvel Entertainment)

Tensions Run High At Comic-Con

And we’re not referring to the Eisners. As always, The Onion has the scoop.

Superhero Workplace Safety

Batman may seriously want to reconsider using his cape to glide. Physics majors will find more in-depth reporting here.


(Image: Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Warner Bros. Animation)

Dead And Alive

AMC has released a new trailer for the third season of The Walking Dead, which is set to return on October 14.

Third Time's Not Always A Charm

On October 8, 1999, the television series Harsh Realm debuted on the Fox Network. Loosely based on the Harris Comics series by writer James D. Hudnall and artist Andrew Paquette, the show centered around Lt. Tom Hobbes, who undertakes a mission into the military training simulation known as Harsh Realm to despose of “General” Omar Santiago, who has begun taking over the virtual world and plans to eliminate the real one. The cast included Scott Bairstow, D.B. Sweeney, Rachel Hayward, and Terry O’Quinn.

Chris Carter, who made a name for himself as the creator of both The X-Files and Millenimum television series, developed the short-lived show (it was canceled after only three episodes aired) and was successfully sued by Hudnell and Paquette who were not properly credited in its creation. In the end, Carter may have found the show’s title prophetic since it derives from faux grunge speak slang term for ‘bummer.’

(Image: promotional photo for Harsh Realm, Fox Network)

Baton And Arrow

Composer Blake Neely discusses of the score for the upcoming series Arrow with executive producers Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg. The show, based of the DC Comics character Green Arrow, will debut on October 10.

Hot Wheels

Warner Bros. will present the premiere of The Batmobile, a new documentary focused on Batman’s super slick car, on July 12 at Comic-Con in San Diego. (A special broadcast is also slated for July 16 on The CW.) In addition, all six versions of the Dark Knight’s ride will be on display. Bleeding Cool offers a peek for those unable to be in America’s Finest City this week.

Finger Paints

Nail Party USA, a blog devoted to fingernail art, showcases designs inspired by Dan Clowes’s Ghost World. More CBC favorites here, here, and here.


(Image: Nail Party USA)

Coming Attractions

Twentieth Century Fox released The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen on this date in 2003. Lossely based on the eponymous comic book series by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill, the story focuses on a group of fictional literary characters from the Victorian Era—including Allen Quatermain, Dorian Gray, Captain Nemo, and Mr. Hyde—tasked with finding out who’s attempting to start a war between Germany and Great Britain. Directed by Stephen Norrington, the film features Sean Connery, Shane West, Stuart Townsend, Peta Wilson, and Neseeruddin Shah.

Dateline: New York

Earlier this week, the 10-year-old Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art (MoCCA) in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood announced an immediate closure of its gallery location. As we await word on further developments, museum representatives remain optimistic as to the nonprofit’s future:


“It’s not dead. I promise you, it’s going to exist,” said the museum’s chairman and president, Ellen S. Abramowitz, adding that its educational, exhibitions, programs, and festival will continue.

The Month Of The Bat

In anticipation of The Dark Knight Rises, Bobby Acosta has declared July to be Batman Month and has launched the first in a series columns devoted to stories best suited for readers new to the mythos surrounding the Caped Crusader. 

(Image: cover of Batman: The Long Halloween trade paperback by Tim Sale, DC Comics)

Shameless Plug Of The Day

Tom Brevoort, Marvel Comics Senior Vice President of Publishing, has been spreading the word about a Hero Initiative fundraiser in memory of Mark Gruenwald and Mike Wieringo. More information may be found here about the Hero Intiative and how it helps comic creators that are down on their luck.

Follow The Money

Maggie Barrett checks in with Amanda Berry, an assistant professor of literature, on what’s behind the recent tide of comic book-inspired movies:


“During the last 5 years, Hollywood studios have released 21 films adapted from comic books” said Berry, who will teach the course “Narrative and the Comic Book” at American University this summer. “While all but four of the 21 films generated a profit, the amount of money made by extremely succesful comic book movies vastly outweighs the small losses by a margin of 8:1”