Millions of comic book readers around the world can often feel disappointed and short changed when they see their favourite superhero character portrayed on the silver screen. This is normally because there are notable differences between the comic and film which they find difficult to overlook. Due to the recent string of Marvel films, we have compiled a comparison list of popular Marvel characters, which looks at the similarities and contrasts between the cinematic and printed selves. We’ve created our own list comparing the Hollywood movies to the nostalgic comics:
Iron Man
There is no denying that Robert Downey Jr. has done an excellent job bringing Tony Stark to life in the Hollywood films. That being said, there are still differences between the two characters that should be noted. Completely different from the comic books is Pepper Potts and Stark’s relationship; in the films, they develop a romantic relationship and become partners, yet in the books, Pepper actually falls in love with Stark’s assistant, Happy Hogan. Another difference is J.A.R.V.I.S. In the films, this character is an AI that helps Stark run his lab and suit in the films, whereas in the comics, Jarvis is really the family butler.
The Incredible Hulk
There have been many Hulkfilms invade our screens, some good, some bad, but here we try and note the differences between the movies and their comic book counterparts. In the 2008 Hulkfilm, Mr Blue is a colleague of Banner’s called Dr. Samuel Sterns. However, in the comics, Mr Blue is actually Betty Ross’s codename to help her keep in touch with Banner when he was on the run. Moreover, Dr Samuel Sterns in the comics was a human who experienced a similar gamma radiation accident to Banner, and was therefore turned into The Leader. In the 2003 film, Banner’s change into the hulk came about due to his work at a university, yet in the comics it’s because he was caught up in some gamma radiation from military testing.
Professor X
The infamous leader of the X-men, Charles Xavier, has also undergone some changes in his transition from comic to the big screen. First up is his relationship with Mystique; in the latest films, it has been portrayed that Mystique was like a sister to the professor, and spent much of her early life with him, yet in the comics they aren’t nearly that well acquainted. Another relationship change can also been seen between the professor and Jean Grey. In the films they are shown as devoted mentor and student, with an almost fatherly/daughterly dynamic to their closeness, yet in the comics Xavier is secretly in love with Jean.
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As expected, some aspects of character development is lost in translation when the comic book/character is moved onto the big screen. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped a successful string of Marvel films that have, for the majority of each depiction, stayed true to their comic book original. That being said, some portrayals have been more accurate than others, and it is the latter which has tended to cause controversy among the die-hard comic fans.
