2018 has been an incredible year for comic book films. Disney, Warner Bros, Fox and Sony all brought films to the table and combined to create a special 2018 for fans around the world. Avengers: Infinity War and Aquaman took comic book visuals to another level. Black Panther and Spider-Verse carried a higher message and inspired countless. Venom and Ant-Man and the Wasp provided popcorn fun for families while Deadpool did the same for adults. Simply put, this year’s roster has been great. For the Farooqi Bros and I, it has been a pleasure covering all of them for ComicBook Debate. When coming up with a definitive ranking, we took each our our individual lists and amalgamated them to create one list that represents us. It’s worth pointing out no film this year was bad and there is merit in each released this year.
7- Ant-Man and the Wasp
CBD’s Score of Ant-Man and the Wasp- 2/5
Ant-Man and the Wasp was the final film for Marvel Studios in 2018. While not a bad film, it was a disappointing one. The one thing that hurt this film most was its own predecessors. In a year where Marvel released incredible films, Ant-Man and the Wasp simply doesn’t hold up. Where Black Panther took audiences on a mythical journey to Wakanda and Avengers: Infinity War took the stakes to a new level, Ant-Man and the Wasp brought nothing new to the table. Ant-Man and the Wasp simply felt uninspired compared to the rest.
6-Deadpool 2
CBD’s Score of Deadpool 2– 2/5
Much like the entry before it, Deadpool 2 kinda came and went without much noise. The film followed up with larger stakes, a better villain and stronger supporting characters but didn’t have the originality of 2016’s Deadpool. While Ryan Reynolds perfectly embodies the character, the franchise is starting to feel stale. When the jokes aren’t landing, the character tends to fall flat and the film starts to drag. The film simply left a little more to be desired for the bros and I. Like Ant-Man and the Wasp, Deadpool 2 is not a bad film, it just didn’t stand apart.
5-Venom
CBD’s Score of Venom–2.5/5
Venom is the most divisive comic book film of the year. While contemporary critics blasted the film, audiences fell in love with it. Venom dominated the box office, bringing in over $850 million worldwide. The film is defintely not perfect but the bros and I had an absolute blast watching it. There is a sense of humor that bleeds out of this film both intentionally and unintentionally that just makes it work. While it is nowhere near the top 4 comic book films of 2018, it certainty made its mark with fans and audiences alike. For listeners of The Farooqi Bros podcast, we go into detail on what made this film click with audiences. Feel free to give it a listen here.
4-Black Panther
CBD’s Score of Black Panther-4.5/5
If there is one word to describe Black Panther, it’s iconic. Black Panther is the cultural icon of 2018 and the most important comic book film released this year. The film took the MCU to new heights with an incredible cast, a unique villain in Killmonger, and a story that took audiences by storm. Black Panther inspired millions around the world, and it proved that audience want more diverse storytelling and heroes. The film sparked the Black Panther Challenge, a charity event in which CBD was involved in. Being part of a project that allowed the bros and I see the faces of 450 kids was special. One of the Farooqi Bros, Sameer, has this film at the top of his list, citing its dedication to craft, incredible score and groundbreaking premise. We expect Black Panther to have a presence at the Academy Awards this year.
3-Aquaman
CBD’s Score of Aquaman – 4.5/5
James Wan’s Aquaman was special for many reasons. Jason Momoa shines as Arthur Curry and alongside a great cast, the film has impeccable visual effects. Seeing Atlantis come to screen was like seeing a comic book come to life. Choosing between Black Panther and Aquaman was tough for the bros and I and we were split down the middle for the majority of our debate. Eventually, the nod went to Aquaman for its third act. The film is grand, epic and visually stunning, becoming one of the strongest entries of the year. One of the Farooqi Bros, Omer, had this film at the top of his list. If you want to hear the bros and I talk about this film in length, you can listen here.
2-Avengers: Infinity War
CBD’s Score of Avengers: Infinity War –5/5
Avengers: Infinity War didn’t just feel like a regular comic book film, it felt like a comic book event. Much like reading a culmination story with all your favorite heroes, Avengers: Infinity War felt bigger than most films in the medium. What really made this film special was Thanos. The film does an amazing job telling his side of the story to get the infinity stones. The character was quickly proven to be the most dangerous foe in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the first scene alone. Impeccable visual effects made Thanos even more believable and his final snap caught audiences around the world. For the Farooqi Bros, Avengers: Infinity War is a favorite. All of us had this film in our Top 3 of the year and in our Top 15 all time. Thor’s entrance to Wakanda still brings chills and gave us everything a fan could want. While it will be interesting to see how it will age after the events of Avengers: Endgame, there is no mistaking the complete domination of Avengers: Infinity War.
1-Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
CBD’s Score of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse –5/5
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is not just the best comic book film of 2018, it is one of the greatest comic book films, period. If you go back and listen Podcast 1, the bros & I discussed what comic book films might surprise us and completely take over, Spider-Verse being chief among them. Not only did the film meet expectations, it surpassed them. Spider-Verse took Miles Morales seriously and always kept him the center of attention. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is special, written as a love letter to the character of Spider-Man. Audiences follow Miles Morales as he meets multiple Spider-heroes while figuring out his own destiny. The combination of great writing, an impressive soundtrack, stunning animation and believable voice acting makes Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse the best comic book film of the year.
What do you think of our list? Agree? Disagree? Comment below and let us know your list. Thank you for a wonderful 2018!
-The Farooqi Bros
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