X-MEN (2000+)

When the worst thing to complain about was that, costumewise, they ditched purple for black leather, that’s not bad. What matters with the mutant story is the “outsider” mentality, and the conflicting urges to belong (Prof. Xavier) or violently break away from humanity (Magneto). And I think the Hugh Jackman as Wolverine question is settled by now.

BATMAN/DARK KNIGHTTRILOGY (2005+)

The “big reveal” in the final act of The Dark Knight

Rises was no surprise to my teenage son, who’d read the comics and knew who Ra’s al Ghul’s progeny wasn’t. Good enough for me.

WATCHMEN (2009)

IRON MAN (2008)

Change Asians to Afghans, and beef up the louche arrogance of Tony Stark by about 1,000 watts (courtesy of Robert Downey Jr.), and you have a textbook comic to film adaptation.

SUPERMAN (1978)

Is there a more faithful graphic-novel-to-film adaptation? The contemplative nature of the whole thing may not have been what non-fans were expecting out of a superhero movie. This — and arguably V For Vendetta — are Alan Moore visions that made it to the screen unvandalized. If you’re going to make someone omnipotent, best to soften his character and give him a sense of humour — lest we fear him. Christopher Reeve was the best Superman for that reason, and Supes I and II at least were sheer fun.