James Gunn, a self-professed aficionado of comic books, has landed a dream role as the co-chair of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe). While his Guardians movies have undoubtedly garnered widespread acclaim from audiences, fans eagerly anticipate discovering which superhero films Gunn deems as the pinnacle of excellence. This exciting opportunity allows him to bring his expertise and passion to the forefront.
While the writer and director have worked with both comic powerhouses, his favorite comic doesn’t seem to belong to any of them. Gunn recently collaborated with GQ to unveil his personal ranking of beloved comic book movies. He took viewers on a journey to discover his top picks within the vast realm of superhero cinema.
James Gunn Picks His Top 5 Comic Books
What adds a fascinating twist to Gunn’s rankings is his inclusion of Oldboy and A History of Violence in his top 5. Gunn acknowledges that many people are unaware that the 2003 film Oldboy is actually based on a comic book. He highlights this lesser-known fact, emphasizing the hidden gem status of the movie within the comic book film genre.
“It’s based on a manga, and it’s a Korean film. It reinvented action and it really ushered in the new era of Korean cinema, which has continued to this day,” Gunn said about Oldboy.
Regarding David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence, Gunn candidly reveals that during his initial viewing of the film in 2005, he had no prior knowledge that it was an adaptation of a graphic novel. Gunn’s admission highlights the film’s ability to stand on its own merits, captivating audiences even without the prior context of its comic book origins.
“I really was influenced by ‘History of Violence.’ I was influenced by the way that it didn’t play like an action movie. You don’t look at it and say, ‘Oh, that’s an action movie.’ But if you watch the way Cronenberg shoots the action sequences in the movie, it’s really spectacular and really deft.”
James Gunn Believes Both Films Are Masterpieces
James Gunn holds both Oldboy and A History of Violence in such high regard that he considers them masterpieces. However, he acknowledges that including them on his list might be seen as cheating, as they do not fit the conventional mold of what is typically regarded as a modern-day comic book movie.
When it comes to Gunn’s personal top 3, he stays closer to the genre he loves. Topping his list are Deadpool, Superman, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. These choices align more closely with the traditional expectations of comic book movies, showcasing Gunn’s appreciation for their unique storytelling and superheroic elements.
Gunn emphatically states that, in his opinion, there hasn’t been a superior superhero movie to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He goes on to praise the film, asserting that it flawlessly maintains its quality throughout, with every moment delivering excellence. Additionally, Gunn extends honorable mentions to Iron Man and V for Vendetta.
Source: GQ
