One Of The Most Overlooked Comic Book Movies

Now, it is a well known fact that even though the 20th century gave us some great CBM's, it was a slow start and did not have as nearly as many movie that the 21st century has granted us. Us comic book fans had to treasure whatever form of adaptation we got. So it seems that everything from that era would be remembered. But there seems to be one movie that everyone consistently forgets.

I am, of course, talking about Creepshow. Directed by George Romero, written by Stephen King, with makeup effects by Tom Savini, it was a love letter to the classic Tales From The Crypt/Vault of Horror/Haunt of Fear EC comics. Some of the top names of the horror genre making a movie that was an homage to some of the greatest horror stories ever written? This had some major potential. And did it live up to it?

Heck yeah it did! Creepshow is a great, over the top comic book/horror movie that reminds me why I am a huge fan of both genres. It is intentionally campy and over the top, but unlike some movies that go too far with that tone, Creepshow sucks you in and never lets you go. I feel like a little kid again when I watch it. I've always said that most horror movies are like giant comic books. Think about it. When you watch those old Universal monster movies, there is just something about them that has that wonderful, comic book feeling.

I'm not saying that all horror movies are like comic books. To me, I don't think the Exorcist is a comic book-y movie. I don't think that Paranormal Activity, or Saw has that comic aspect to it. But, to me, movies like Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Evil Dead (among others) have that aspect of comic book fun to them. So do movies like Night of the Living Dead and Godzilla. To me, the horror genre and the comic book genre have always sort of been a perfect pair. So it would make sense that there would be a movie that took it all the way and completely combined the elements of comic and horror.

And not only did Creepshow do that, it felt exactly like an EC comic come to life. Even more so than the actual Tales From The Crypt show, in my opinion. There is real love and effort put into this movie, and it shows.

A few years later, there was a sequel. Creepshow 2 was considered by many to not have lived up to the original. However, I enjoyed it because it kept the aspect of the comic book, even going so far as to have the wrap-around scenes be animated. I liked the first film the best, but I enjoyed the fact that Creepshow 2 knew it was a big comic book, and embraced that fact.

So that is why I think Creepshow is a great comic book movie. It is a wonderful homage to the fantastic EC horror comics that I personally love. It has both horror and comic book elements, and they work hand in hand perfectly. You could tell that Romero, King, and Savini truly loved those comic books, and I have to say, their movie pays them the utmost respect.

What did you think of Creepshow? Comment below, and let me know!