"Angelicomics' Top Ten Moments of Transformation In Comic Book Film"

     Some film adaptations of our favorite graphic novels don't turn out the way we expect them too; and who's to say whether a film is bad or not. What one person likes, another hates; but usually we can all agree that they are entertaining. This week I wanted to look at, what I believe are top 10 moments of transformation in comic book film; these are the moments in film when a character or characters reach a point of realization. If you have never heard of "The Heroes Journey," or "Monomyth," this is a cycle that Joseph Campbell comprised in 1949 that lists a cycle that many writers follow to this day regarding the structure of a story. This cycle had been around way before Campbell solidified it, but to keep it simple we will focus on his diagram. So what I have done is post a diagram of "The Heroes Journey," to see if you can pick up on the moments of transformation of the characters. Now I do warn you there are spoilers if you have not seen these films, and I do apologize for some of the poor quality of these clips; they were all taken from Youtube and I give full credit to the owners of the material. So be prepared to be astonished as we navigate "Angelicomics' Top Ten Moments of Transformation In Comic Book Film."

#10 "The Dark Knight"

      I think it can be argued that the connection between Batman and the Joker as an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object is one of the most accurate depictions of their relationship. In this scene there are actually two moments of transformation; the moment the people on the boats decide not to blow one another up is one and then again when Batman chooses to save the Joker is the second. Both moments bring the Joker into a realization that he was wrong; and even though Batman says he knows "There wont be any fireworks," I think its safe to say he didn't know for a fact that they wouldn't pull the trigger. In his own words, "Sometimes people need to be rewarded for their faith."

#9 "Spider-Man" (2003)

      Such is the life of a super hero; contrary to popular belief, the hero doesn't always get the girl. Here we see our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man realizing that "With great power comes great responsibility" (for the millionth time), and he even has the love of his life throwing herself at him. Of course we all know that heroes have to make sacrifices and so Peter rejects Mary Jane. However, if you notice after he walks away there is that one blip where it appears that Mary Jane realizes that Peter Parker is in fact Spider-Man; she doesn't, but still a moment of transformation for them both? I think so.

#8 "Constantine"

      Speaking of sacrifice, what would a hero be if he didn't sacrifice life and limb for those in need. Here we see John Constantine, dead, and being dragged off to Hell by Lucifer. But wait, is that a moment of transformation? As our "Wild Stallion" (Bill and Ted reference) is desperately being pulled away, a moment of transformation comes over Lucifer! What a shock it must have been for him to be upstaged by a mortal. Not only in this clip do we see Constantine transformed by ascending into Heaven, but we get a humorous scene that pisses off the Devil.

#7 "300"

      This scene from 300 can be somewhat controversial, but we see multiple transformations here as well. First we see Leonidas transformed by the realization of what truly matters to him as the reason for his sacrifice, and then we see Xerxes transformed into a lesser being that was once thought to be a god. This plays along with the theory that "If you make God bleed, people will stop believing in him," it stands to be very true here. The idea that your life flashes before your eyes when you are about to die is also a trans-formative moment as we see here Leonidas calling out to his Queen, but then refers to her as his love, making it that much more personal.

#6 "V For Vendetta"

      There are so many moments of transformation in this film it was hard to choose; but for Eve there would be no moment that would come close to her personal transformation. What we see happening here is exactly what V says is happening. By taking away Eve's fear, she has overcome her greatest obstacle and become transformed in the process. At times in stories we can see the transformation more clearly when a physical change has occurred; in this case we get a bald Natalie Portman.

#5 "X-Men: First Class"

      Sometimes transformations are not for the better, as seen here by the anti-hero to become villain, Magneto. We are witness to the grizzly death of Sebastian Shaw, who killed Eric's mother at the beginning of the film. What is great about this scene is that we are able to see Eric take up the mantle of his enemy, by taking his helmet, and he uses Shaw's coin against him. A very trans-formative scene indeed.

#4 "The Punisher" (2004)

      I really love this movie; I don't care what anyone says. The Punisher is such an emotionally driven character and for the most part of the movie, transformations are what seem to drive Frank Castle away from a hero and more into psychopath. However, this scene, near the end of the film, we hear his declaration that he has now become transformed and ready to kick some butt.

#3 "The Crow"

      The Crow was one of the earlier films on this list, and sadly it was Brandon Lee's final film after a tragic misfire on the set. Here we see Eric Draven's character freshly plucked from the grave with his new crow like powers of perception. Earlier in the film he is shambling around the city trying to make heads or tales out of why he is here. In this scene it all comes full circle; some moments of transformation happen earlier in the story, but most happen later which drives for a climactic finish. Make no mistake this is one of the best comic book film adaptations out there and this scene serves as a witness behind the Crow's drive for justice.

#2 "The Avengers"

      The Avengers was one of the highest grossing films ever nade, and so I couldn't not use it. Right before the films climactic, and coolest, scenes we get Bruce Banner's transformation, physically and mentally. He says to Captain America that he is "Always angry," which makes us realize that he has come to terms with himself, and that he is prepared to stop denying who he really is. This transformation sequence serves as another moments in the teams realization that they have finally become unified and fit to take up the title of the Avengers.

#1 "Batman Begins"

     I used this clip in one of my earlier blog posts and for good reason; I get goosebumps every time I watch it and want to jump out a window, (with proper protection of course). The moment that Batman, indirectly, gives up his identity to Rachel, we see him become transformed by removing the burden of withholding his secret from someone he loves. This is very much the opposite of the Spider-Man clip we saw earlier on the list, but still serves as a very satisfying transformation.

     Well there you have it; this has been "Angelicomics' Top Ten Moments of Transformation in Comic Book Film." I hope you all have enjoyed the list, and with a little luck learned something. I would love to hear your comments and thoughts below; and remember to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angelicomics or by clicking the picture below to be notified of updates to our blog. Until next time.