Have any of you noticed the number of movies coming out lately that are based on comic books, cartoons, or toy franchises? In the past year alone we've had Ghost Rider, 300, T.M.N.T., Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Spider-Man 3, Transformers, Underdog and soon Stardust. This is an exciting trend that Hollywood has brought upon us - the popularity of the comic book film!!

   Yes, the '70's and '80's did have the Superman franchise; and the '80's and '90's had the Batman franchise, but it wasn't until the release of the first X-Men movie did we see that these kind of films could be really cool! We've also seen the swing from a DC Comics dominated film era to a Marvel Comics dominated film era, with all three X-Men films, all three Spider-Man films, the Hulk movie and both Fantastic Four films. 

   But Marvel and DC aren't the only comic companies to make the leap to the big screen. Dark Horse's Hellboy and Sin City come to mind, not to mention 300 earlier this year. And what about The Mask from several years ago? Dark Horse has had its fair share on the silver screen's spotlight.

   Now, let's not forget the other mediums that we geeks love, like say - cartoons. The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo have both made the leap to the silver screen. And who can forget Robin Williams as Popeye? With all these successes, is it any wonder that Underdog has had the Hollywood treatment? Even cartoons based upon toy lines are movies now. Transformers is a very hot movie at the moment; and it's had a toy line, a cartoon, and several comic books based on it. Not to shabby if you ask me!

   With all that I've mentioned, there are still even more comic book movies in the works. The X-Men franchise will be spawning both a Wolverine film and a Magneto film. Not only will there be a third Fantastic Four movie, but a Silver Surfer film as well. The Hulk will be getting a makeover with a new cast and new director. I'm really excited for Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man. Both the Batman and Superman franchises are getting the sequel treatment. And we may finally see Alan Moore's The Watchmen make it to the silver screen!! Exciting times indeed to be a comic book fan!!

   With all the drivel that's out there right now, is it any wonder that Hollywood has turned the pages of comic books to save itself? The flashy costumes, awesome powers and sheer fun of super heroes really lends itself to the film medium. And isn't that what most characters in films are anyway? James Bond, John McClain, Rocky Balboa and Indiana Jones are just Hollywood's for ray into superheroes without actually doing superheroes.

   The comic book tends to take a fanciful look at what's going on in society, while letting us suspend our disbelief long enough to enjoy a good story. Movies do the sames thing. It is so wonderful that these two mediums can meld themselves so well as to enhance each other. The end result? We, the consumer benefit. So, next time you take off to your nearest metroplex, try that comic book movie. You just may be pleasantly surprised.

   So, 'till next time - this is "Manic Mike" Marcotte saying: Keep your eyes open and your ears open, but above all else, keep your hearts and your minds open. C YA!!! Mozzarella!!!