Hello CBMers!!!
Costumed heroics and family fun seem like a perfect, and fitting union on the big screen. Certainly, many comic book characters are excellent representatives of such. Some even encapsulate the qualities many would like to find in their role models. However, not all comic book characters are cut from the same cloth. Try as they might to censor and make a character more family "accessible", a handful of comic book characters just do not fit that mold. Oftentimes, certain aspects of such a character will be lost when trying to shift them from mature themes to more family oriented themes. Some characters just require the realm of an "R" rated film in order to fully be realized. Some stories truly thrive in a more profane tone. With only one, I believe, successful "R" rated comic book movie being Watchmen, maybe the potential is still untapped. So, this is a Top Fours article to address comic book series or characters I believe require that "R" rating.
SPAWN
Not so long ago, ok, around about the 90s, there was a massively popular Image comic book series entitled Spawn. Spawn was an antihero who seemed to borrow other superhero looks to make up his design.(Venom-like mask, Dr. Strange-like cape, and chains like Ghost Rider's) The series had a reputation for containing mature and violent elements and themes. Elements that you would never see Captain America tackling in the pages of his comic books. It also delved into the realm of violence and redemption, themes I believe work better for a mature audience. An atmospheric adult animated Spawn series, which saw some success, led to a feature film. The filmmakers, in an attempt to maximize profits I'm sure, toned down several of the characters more scandalous attributes in order to get the lower rating. That film was a disjointed often forgotten affair, which I'm also sure was hindered by budget restraints. In today's market, 90s nostalgia is creeping in and out, perhaps signaling the need for a Spawn reboot. Although, I don't think you could go the kid friendly route. Spawn should feature the violent and more mature themes, the recipe that made the comic book series a success. It stood out and gained notoriety for those things alone, it's probable that it could achieve similar succes in today's comic book movie realm.
DEADPOOL
A character the fans of Marvel comics have been begging to be featured in a comic book movie. Deadpool is a very popular and unique character. Like other characters on this list Deadpool rose to fame in the 90s, man the 90s saw the rise of some violent and extreme comic books. A killer and comedian, who habitats best surrounded by more obscene themes. Inherently violent, Deadpool can not only dish out violence with an array of deadly weapons, but he can also take it; thanks to his healing factor. As well, his humor works much better when structured with adult wit and profanity. Plus he didn't become the 'merc with a mouth' by reciting poetry, unless you're a fan of profanity laced poems. His only film appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine is almost an insult to the comic book character we've all known and followed.
PREACHER
Those crazy 90s, not only did they give us Spawn, but they gave us this odd little tale. Preacher was a self contained series that featured a lot of religious elements and a TON of mature ones as well. Preacher followed the story of a small town preacher, inhabited by an antichrist-like being, in search of help from God. While it deals with religion it's filled with profane and offensive material. Obscene characters like Arseface, fittingly named based upon his appearance, also a villain known for his 'animal loving', and a brutally violent Nazi influenced nemesis; are just a few of the obscene characters in this title. Rumors abound that there may even be a movie soon. A tricky subject I'm certain, but in order to capture the essence of the comics it's going to need a hard "R" rating.
WANTED
Yes, I know there was a Wanted movie not to long ago. But it barely had any resemblance to the comic book it was "based" upon. The film was not that bad either with some pretty good performances that helped most to forgive the great liberties it took. The only aspect that survived the translation seemed to be the character's names. The actual series contained odd adult oriented homages to multiple comic book standards and elements. The main character was thrust into the world of comic book super villains as his recently "deceased" father introduced to his Legion of Doom-like group. A group that has rid the world of superheroes and now fight amongst themselves for control of the world. In the popular world of todays comic book movie, the mature oriented semi-parody of super villain tropes could really work. Or maybe we really need the big screen version of Fukwitit.
Maybe the temperature is just right for an "R" rated comic book movie to find success. One things certain, it needs to be good. Can't go wrong with some of these choices.
Thank you greatly to all those that took the time to read through this. Thank you. Thank you. Good day.