Chew the Fat: Comic Books as the Source Material!

Note: In the following discussion, there may be some slight SPOILERS to the recent superhero movies, particularly Avengers:Infinity War.  We will try to steer clear of any major revelations, but if you are sensitive to any "spoilery" activity or images please tread cautiously.   This topic is not about the movie plots specifically but about the influences from comic books on specific shots or scenes in the movies.

Martinex1: As I've watched recent Marvel movies including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and Avengers: Infinity War, I have noticed scenes or images that had to be influenced from comics from the Silver and Bronze ages.  Surely there have always been key plot points that follow the tracks of the comics; even lesser movies like The Fantastic Four have had to rely on the source material to tell the story.   Today I am talking about something perhaps more subtle in the movies - the brief instances that cause a bit of deja vu.  A character says or acts in a way that really reflects his comic book personality, or a glimpse of a setting seems to have jumped off of a comic panel, or a bit of action could have come from a comic cover - these are the things I am referring to.  

Sometimes the thought that pops into my head is not even related to the specific series that the movie is based on.  Why would the Avengers remind me of an obscure DC issue?  Or why would Thor seem like another character entirely?  Today let's explore and discuss the influence of comics in general as a source to the movies.

I started thinking about this a few days ago when I posted on our Twitter account that often (specifically in Thor: Ragnarok) Thor seemed more like Hercules from the comic books.  His joy of life and humor and eagerness to jump into battle seemed more like Herc than the sometimes thoughtful and brooding Thor from the comics. Even when dealing with tragedy, the Thor of the movies is less full of vengeance and more accepting and optimistic about the future.  Also some comic images came to my mind.  Thor has partaken in his share of beer and mead, but Hercules always seemed more the reveler.  And a very brief glimpse of Thor on Grandmaster's homeworld reminded me of the cover of Bob Layton's Hercules comic.  Take a look...

 

Now I admit that can be total coincidence, but it goes to show how influential comics can be on the cinematic art or at the very least how pervasive they can be to my interpretation of the film.

In Infinity War, Captain America's brief confrontation of Thanos had to be based on the scenes from the Jim Starlin and Ron Lim comics.  Even though Cap was not in his classic togs with his iconic shield and there was little or no dialog during the fight, there was just that glimmer of idealism and strength that Cap exudes while confronting unbeatable odds.  The directors captured that courage and strength of conviction well.

 Thematically, that is pretty on the nose.  But for something a little more obscure take a look at the final images from Thor: Ragnarok.  The Asgardians evacuate in a giant ship only to be dwarfed by something much larger and ominous.  Here is a look at that parting shot.

The escape craft is in the foreground and behind it is a monstrosity that practically blocks out the stars.  Does that seem familiar to you?   Well it did to me!  It reminded me specifically of Avengers Volume 1 Issue # 167, in which the S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier and Nick Fury call the Avengers for help.  The team views the Hellicarrier on their video monitor but there seems to be no sky behind the ship; they pan out to reveal the gigantic ship Drydock which is occupied by the Guardians of the Galaxy.  The comic does not have Asgardians or Thanos in it, but I have to believe the below George Perez image was referenced.

My final example is rather random in that it has no story connection to the Infinity War, the Avengers, the Black Order or any specifics of the movie story,  But when I saw the giant alien wheels unleashed on the warriors and team in Wakanda during the climactic battle, I immediately thought of the Blackhawk comic and the frequent appearances of the Warwheel.

Boy, that crazy thing sure made a lot of appearances (and even in re-crafted covers).  It may have no connection whatsoever to the movie, but it was the first thing that popped into my head when seeing the scene on the silver screen.

So that type of connection is what I would like us to chat about today.  Let's Chew the Fat! What do you think about my examples, and what other instances in recent films had you excited because of their reference and recognizable nature?  Cheers!