Iron Man: Best CBM trilogy?

Iron Man: Best CBM trilogy?

After watching the much anticipated trailer for Iron Man 3, I give my thoughts on why Iron Man can dethrone The Dark Knight as the greatest comicbook movie trilogy ever.

Editorial Opinion
By EdgyOutsider - Oct 23, 2012 07:10 AM EST
Filed Under: Fan Fic

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE The Dark Knight trilogy. But, I think it's possible it's going to be dethroned soon by Iron Man. Being a big fan of the first two Iron Man films and loving the trailer for the much anticipated third film, here are reasons why I think Iron Man can be the best comicbook trilogy (should they decide to keep it a trilogy, I hope they do).

Protagonist



Everybody loves Tony Stark. I didn't really know or care much for Iron Man until I saw the movie, then I absolutely fell in love and apreciated the character more. The second film, in my opinion, only enhanced his popularity. As he says in the Avegers, "Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist". That is who the man behind the suit is. We like the character, we know who he is, what he is capable of and we have fun watching him. Don't get the wrong idea, everyone likes Bruce Wayne too. Iron Man 3, we see Tony in a much darker, more serious place. There might be humor in places in the movie but not as much as in the first two. Iron Man 3 is going to be the movie where, shit goes down.

Marketing



Yes, marketing as well all know helps puts asses in seats. This has always helped the movie and is a big part of it. Iron Man really amps it up when it comes to marketing. The first movie helped because he was a new hero. Now, it's pretty much garunteed that if Iron Man is in the movie, people will see it. I'm not trying to predict the future. But, Iron Man 3 is going to put even more butts in seats considering with the darker tone, people are going to wonder about the movie. Which means that they will see the movie. I can only hope the movies success will be greater than Iron Man 2. Which brings me to my next point.

Iron Man 2



People give this movie so much crap. In a way, I can see why. But overall, I think people should see that this is a good movie. It's nowhere near as good as Iron Man. But it's still a damn good, fun movie. Which was the goal for the first two movies. They were meant to be fun, family friendly movies. I never necessarily liked the idea of a hybrid villain of Crimson Dynamo and Whiplash, but it worked. It was darker than the first, but was still a fun movie. I have yet to see a valid point on why Iron Man 2 is a bad movie. It's the weakest of Phase One, but it's not bad.

Director



Jon Favreau for Iron Man 1 and 2, Shane Black for Iron Man 3. Jon Favreau did a great job at making the debut for Iron Man. They got a great director to bring the character to the big screen for his first two adventures and it worked. Shane Black, I only know him as the writer of the Lethal Weapon movies. So, I know what he is capable of in the sense of writing. I've never seen Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. I want to though because it looks really good. I think Shane Black is definitely going to pick up where Favreau left off and is going to make the most of it. They got talented people for the films, but talent isn't everything. They were careful and Favreau was a good start and Black is definitely a good replacement. Hopefully, the movie is as good as it looks.

The End?



Is Iron Man 3 the end of the Iron Man film series? It's possible and I am one who hopes it is. Not because I don't like the movies, cause I most certainly do like them. I prefer it to end in a trilogy because I think Iron Man 3 should be the end of the story. We have a solid story throughout the films, an entertaining and good protagonist, solid villains and I think Iron Man 3 is the perfect opportunity to cap it all off. You have the Extremis storyline being based off of, you have a great villain in The Mandarin (anybody else notice the ten rings in the trailer?), it's a darker movie, Tony's world is being taken from him. They've taken one of Marvel's most lighthearted and fun characters and movies, stripped it down and put his back against the wall "Dark Knight" style.

Overall: It all really comes down to prefrance in some ways. For me, I think The Dark Knight trilogy is brilliant. The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises are both two of the best comicbook movies to date. But, I prefer Marvel's movies over DC and always have. I've prefered Iron Man both as a character and the movies to Batman. I think Iron Man is going to be one of the greatest comicbook trilogies out there, again should they keep it a trilogy. What do you think? Comment below, be respectful.
A.I. - Artificial Ironman: An all original WHAT IF...
Related:

A.I. - Artificial Ironman: An all original WHAT IF...

Is IRON FIST Coming Back? Finn Jones Seemingly Teases Iron Fist On Intriguing Instagram Post
Recommended For You:

Is IRON FIST Coming Back? Finn Jones Seemingly Teases Iron Fist On Intriguing Instagram Post

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2
Darklypse
Darklypse - 10/23/2012, 8:17 AM
Well, well done, now the Batards and Nolanites are going to rip you a new asshole. Besides, I hope Rises (which I hate) has as little influence as possible on this film. Don't want more of this "Bwaaa what will break first ferggt you spirrrrriiiit or bodeh!?"
BIGBMH
BIGBMH - 10/23/2012, 8:45 AM
I do think Iron Man 3 has a good chance of being a better trilogy closer, but overall Nolan's trilogy will probably come out on top. IM2 and TDKR both dropped the ball so that's probably a tie for me. I'd say Batman Begins narrowly edges out Iron Man and Iron Man 3 probably wont top TDK. Batman: 2; Iron Man 0
That's me going at it tentatively with my assumption of where the movies rank in their respective series. (obviously i don't know where IM3 will rank) Going at it in terms of order, you've still got BB with a victory over IM, TDK crushing IM2, and possibly IM3 beating TDKR.
Batman: 2; Iron Man 1
Of course that's just my opinion on the quality and speculation. If Iron Man 3 knocks it out of the park and delivers a brilliant conclusion, it could elevate the trilogy maybe enough to beat Batman. Right now, I'd say having a movie as incredible as TDK is the ace in the hole that makes the Nolan trilogy difficult to top.
AgentZero
AgentZero - 10/23/2012, 9:02 AM
What does marketing have to do with a movie being good or not ?
It doesn't matter who's directing or which vilain is in the movie. It's all about the story and the entertainment value.
It seems to me that you wanted to write a quick editorial after the trailer was released.
If you're gonna go this way, let's call Twilight the best saga to being adapted on film after Harry Potter.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 9:55 AM
Who knows if this will even be a trilogy. Withthe way the marvel universe is going i cant see them ending the ironman films. I believe they'll recast, as hard as it will be they'll have to keep going like james bond as there is no end in sight for the mcu
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 9:56 AM
to answer the title, NO.
Preston
Preston - 10/23/2012, 9:59 AM
First of all, I think that the term trilogy shouldn't be used for three loosely related chapters (a series), but for three closely linked chapters with a highly detailed plot (see: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings).

A true trilogy should feel like one long movie when watched in order, not like a bunch of separate episodes. If the director, writer, and producer didn't have enough forethought to plan all three movies at the same time, it shouldn't be referred to as a Trilogy.

There is yet to be a true CBM trilogy.

Iron Man movies are episodes and so was the Dark Knight, regardless to what their respective marketing machines want to call them.

Now, if you want to pit episodes against episodes:

1). Iron Man > Batman Begins
Iron Man launched The Marvel Cinematic Universe and reignited RDJ's career; historically it's one of CBM's greatest films. It did better at the box office. It had a better plot, villain, and story than begins. It brought the fun to comic book movies (out went the black tights that had permeated comic-book movies since Batman '89).

Batman Begins didn't do or say anything new. It just corrected the Schumacher era/error. It wasn't 'till the brilliance of the second movie that Batman shined.

2). Iron Man 2 < The Dark Knight
Iron Man 2 dropped the ball with watering down the plot, weak villain, and the Iron drunk dance were horrid.

The Dark Knight was/is up for debate as one of the greatest comic book film of all time. It's also the only movie were Nolan and company tackle one of Batman's best known villains head on. The movie gives us a glimpse of what the Nolan-verse could have been. Unfortunately, Nolan decided that he liked tackling the more obscure villains in order to tell stories that were as uncomic-booky as possible (what has been referred to as Swat-man).

Pure Speculation:
3). Iron Man 3 > The Dark Knight Rises
Iron Man 3 has Mandarin played by Ben Kingsly. Mandarin is the Joker in the Iron Man comic (or villain number 1). It has a script and is directed by Shane Black.

The Dark Knight Rises was complete rubbish. After the amazing movie that was the Dark Knight, Rises was a huge disappointment filled with lost opportunity. It added nothing to the Batman mythos or comic book movies. It was as disappointing as Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. As a diehard Batman fan, it was heart-wrenchingly bad.

So, Iron Man. It's the era for Marvel Movies. It must feel great to be a Marvel fan.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:29 AM
LEVITIKUZ, I know that wasnt drected at me and i wont explain how it was rubbsih becasue i dont think it was i'll just say i found little enjoyment watching TDKR. I was surprised by how bored i was during that film, when it was good such as the bane batman fights it was very good but i guess i expected more considering how much i liked TDK. I have no bias with regards to marvel and Dc i believe both TDK and Avengers can lay claim to the title of best in the genre but i was hoping to add TDKR to that list.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:31 AM
Wormwood, Dont you think the Spiderman films broght fun to omicbook films before ironman?
Preston
Preston - 10/23/2012, 10:32 AM
@LEV

Comic Fans and Movie fans are two different species, mate.

Movie fans don't care about the characters the way that fans are invested in these characters. When you blow thousands of dollars on comics, you learn to love the mythos, and the studios just come and rape the characters that you love on screen.

It's like watching a relative get mangled in front of your eyes (without having the power to do anything about it).

If you aren't a comic reader, I don't expect you to understand.

But I'm a comic-book fan first and a movie fan second.

The movie's that aren't true to the core of the comic mythos tends to unleash our wrath. We don't like our characters exploited for money.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:35 AM
It's like watching a relative get mangled in front of your eyes (without having the power to do anything about it).

-----------
Thats sad for some if it is like that
aresww3
aresww3 - 10/23/2012, 10:39 AM
Iron Man 1, overrated

Ironman 2, load of shit

Robert Downey Jr arrogant twat, who happens to be an annoyingly good actor.

Iron Man as a character boring.


His villains - load of shit.


Batman Begins - best CBM to date.

Dark Knight - Villain saved a film with a lot of plot holes Over all 8/10

Dark Knight Rises - Chose wrong villain -really boring and overrated. Although Catwoman was a million times better than scarlett.

Batman - One of the coolest villains of all time

his villains - Ras, The joker and scare crow, were compelling to watch

all in all your a Marvel Fanboy who doesn´t know what he´s talking about.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:43 AM
My version is someone who is stronger and smarter than Batman.

-------------

How can your version be what wasnt established for years in the comic. The lackof venom didnt affect me but you said B&R killed bane but based on you not liking venom you've never accepted bane as he is in the comic. My version of lizard is a guy in a lab coat, lizard dna is overkill.
Preston
Preston - 10/23/2012, 10:45 AM
@Name

Spider-man's outfit was light. But, Parker wasn't the wise-cracking awkward jokester from the comic. You know the geeky guy, over his head, behind the mask telling jokes to control his nerves (his defense mechanism). Raimi made him emotional, and not funny.

I loved Spider-Man 2. It was the perfect CBM. It outshines it predecessor at every level.

And, I thought that the Amazing Spider-Man (2012) was a step in the right direction (shows a ton of promise) after the mess that was Spider-man 3.

I liked Spider-Man (2002) because it gave us Spider-Man, but I can't get past the Goblin looking like a Power-Ranger.


Iron Man was way more humorous. And, it doesn't detract from the fact that it launched the Marvel cinematic Universe.


Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:46 AM
My version is someone who is stronger and smarter than Batman.

add venom is overkill to make my point make sense.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:49 AM
Wormwood i get what you mean. i was just refering to the excitement of the spiderman films and the daylight battles making it considerably lighter than pre ironamn films, daredevil, xmen, batman begins, hulk. Fantastic four films were fun but underwhelming. If you only ment title charcaters personality fair enough.
Name
Name - 10/23/2012, 10:51 AM
LEVITIKUZ,thanks for not coming back with a aggresive attitude due to my mistake in not including all your quote, i do understand where your'e coming from more now.
EdgyOutsider
EdgyOutsider - 10/23/2012, 10:52 AM
aresww3: You must be the only person on this site who thinks Iron Man is over rated, and that Batman Begins is the best. While I respect your opinion, I don't respect you. How do I come across as a Marvel fanboy who doesn't know what he is talking about? I made an editorial how I think it is possible for Iron Man to be the best trilogy for comicbook movies. POSSIBLE. I also never bashed Nolan's films in the editorial. I even said that they are brilliant.

Here is some advice, don't be some punk ass that everyone on the site hates. Believe me, when I started out, I use to be one. Now look at me, everyone may not agree with me BUT, I give them respect and they give back.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 10/23/2012, 10:58 AM
@ LEVITIKUZ
Happily. The Dark Knight was at the time, the most successful comic book movie, and the most successful movie of 2008. 2008 was a damn good year for movie-goers, with Robert Downey Jr starring in four films, three of them big hits. Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino was outdone by Kung Fu Panda and Wall-E, not to mention Harrison Ford's return as Indiana Jones and a less-than stellar James Bond movie.

2008 broke the bank for many movie-goers, not just the ones who love comic book movies. To earn such critical acclaim as well as dominate the box office by a landslide is not only impressive or remarkable, it's inspiring.

Fast forward four years. Riding on the coat-tails of the Dark Knight's success, the Dark Knight Rises pulled in a large audience pleased with what they had saw. Non-fans were invested, curious to see how such an awesome trilogy would end, and then there's the actual fans who felt committed to the series already - they basically HAD to see it.

Domestically, the Dark Knight Rises made far less than the Avengers, and only 38 million more than Hunger Games.

Let's compare conclusions. It's altogether expected, especially if the sequel beforehand was phenomenal, that it will make the most in the series because people want to see how it ends.

Harry Potter: 1.3 billion
Transformers: 1.1 billion
Lord of the Rings: 1.1 billion
The Dark Knight Rises: 1.07 billion
Toy Story: 1.06

Then you have the inevitable comparison, which is to the Avengers. Since Marvel has deemed it the end of "Phase 1", it could be referred to as the end of a series, although we know otherwise that it is the beginning of an era of crossovers.
the Avengers: 1.5 billion

So while I wouldn't myself refer to the Dark Knight Rises performance as "rubbish", it should have done better.
Preston
Preston - 10/23/2012, 11:04 AM
@Equinox

Guillermo del Torro should direct Batman; we agree on that.

There are tons of reasons why The Dark Knight Rises sucked. Nolan's inability to choose an interesting character, plot, development, filled with cliches, etc. The fact that it was a big FU to the fans.

But, I'm not saying anything new, and fans have stated numerous reasons that go beyond rapping the source material. The arguments tend just to go in circles. Nolanites argue one way and fans argue the other.

A nolanite and a true batman fan don't see eye to eye. We shouldn't even be clumped in the same category with one another

1). Did you forget 99 reasons Why The DrakNight Rises Sucks ???

2). Review:The Dark Knight Rises Sucks The best part are the comments.

3).


It might surprise you to find out that there are people that can look beyond the smoke and mirrors created by the WB marketing machine.

Tainted87
Tainted87 - 10/23/2012, 11:14 AM
NOW... as for Iron Man on the path to dethroning The Dark Knight trilogy...

It's possible. I'm not even going to factor in the gross, because it won't make anything close to Batman.

Still, the trailer was exciting, it was fresh, and it demonstrates humility from Shane Black by understanding how trilogies work.

What do I mean by that? Well here's how trilogies usually go.

1. Character gets a call to action, is introduced to the major players in his or her continuity, and commits to the role of hero or villain. Godfather, Star Wars, Spider-man, Batman Begins...

2. Character goes through a crisis of faith as his or her lifestyle takes a pounding by the consequences of that previous commitment, and suffers loss and betrayal. Godfather, Star Wars, Spider-man, the Dark Knight...

3. Character explores elements from his or her past as the story comes full circle to open old wounds and build new friendships, having settled the previous catharsis and committed fully to his or her role. Godfather, Star Wars, Spider-man, the Dark Knight Rises...

Shane Black is going in this direction, and it is inspiring to see a screenwriter who will not try to veer off and push in things that don't belong. I daresay Christopher Nolan wouldn't have the same humility if he entered a series at its final chapter.

Both the Iron Man movies entertained me more than the Batman movies combined, so I have faith.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 10/23/2012, 11:15 AM
@LEVITIKUZ
Oh I know it's not, otherwise Transformers... yeah, not even going to say it.

But under your criteria, I didn't give personal opinions :)
superotherside
superotherside - 10/23/2012, 11:31 AM
I've always liked the Marvel movies better than any of DC's, it's not that I dislike the characters at DC but I always thought that Marvel's characters were closer to the comics when they came to film.

At any rate, I hope this film is good and that this trilogy is labeled better than TDK trilogy. But I will say I hope it doesn't end here. He needs to be in the Avengers movies but on his solo movies naturally, I don't think we need an Iron Man movie for at least the next 5 years but after a while, he could come back with his own movie again. Like a new writer taking over a comic book etc. Give us something new for 5-8 years then bring Iron Man back to the big screen. I think people will be fine with a casting replacement by then as well.
tonytony
tonytony - 10/23/2012, 12:06 PM
The 2nd iron man film was garbage. My hope is that this is better. But nowhere near same league as batman. You must b 12-15 to write this garbage.
GoILL
GoILL - 10/23/2012, 12:09 PM
X-Men trilogy owns all. ;)
Happy11
Happy11 - 10/23/2012, 12:12 PM
Iron man 2 is terrible face it. Tdkr is good but you feel underwhelmed the first time but improves with more views. Iron man and BB were great because we didn't expect the films to be good. We place so much hype on these films that you are going to feel let down.
JDUKE25
JDUKE25 - 10/23/2012, 12:14 PM
No, all of Iron Man's villains so far have been absolute crap. The first movie was great until the final battle.

Batman has had Ra's, Scarecrow, Joker, Two-Face, Bane, and Talia. 5/6 were awesome.

I'm just hoping we don't get another Iron Man vs Iron Man end battle in 3.
Preston
Preston - 10/23/2012, 12:15 PM
@Equinox

I think a Guillermo del Torro's Batman would put the Nolan-verse to shame. Del Torro says he likes Monsters, there are plenty of monsters to choose from in Batman (starting with the Joker). Plus, nobody can match his Gothic sensibilities. I would like to see Jon Hamm as Batman and Daniel Day-Lewis as Joker. Imagine that!

However, we still disagree about the Nolan movies. I'm still not sure how you can justify the script of DKR:


1). I think that DK was Nolan's most comic-book inspired movie (not DKR). It had a guy dressed as a clown, and another with half his face burnt off. Plus, unlike the other two, it was fun.

The biggest disservice was that instead of continuing the more comic inspired story-line (fantastical villains); Nolan went back to characters nobody cares about.

When you have a huge rouge's gallery of interesting top tier villains (possibly the best of any superhero), and you waste a movie (or in his case two) on crap. You deserve an a$$whooping.

2). The worst part about DKR was that Nolan didn't show us Riddler, Penguin, or even showcase Scarecrow, or Catwoman [as main villains]. He went with a bogus plot and some third-tier villains. Plus, he stripped Batman of his motivation [made him an arthritic loser/quitter and stupid].

Nolan should have either continued bringing to life other major villains, or moved aside like he intended after the second movie (and death of Ledger).

3). I think you are right with comparing Spider-man 3 to DKR. I think die-hard Spider-man fans walked out of the theater with the same taste in their mouth that I did.

p.s: If Del Torro gets the directing gig, I'm throwing a party. You are invited.
jessepostal
jessepostal - 10/23/2012, 12:26 PM
Maybe marvel could remake im2?? That'd be nice, and a first!
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 10/23/2012, 12:34 PM
Iron Man 2 was far from terrible. It was fun, it was cool, and it moved the story a bit. Was it a masterpiece? No, but I still saw it twice in the theater. It doesn't need "redeeming", it just wasn't as good as the first movie.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 10/23/2012, 1:09 PM
@Equinox
I was MAD when I left the theater to TDKR. I'm sure that wasn't the first time that's happened before, but I can't remember the last instance. There are so many things I couldn't stand, it's hard to find a starting point... maybe.

Batman doesn't quit. People love to bring up the other "TDKR" as a counter-argument, but that's like suggesting the Blob is a cannibal, Doctor Doom has goat legs, Hawkeye killed Black Widow, Tony's a mutant... because the Ultimate books portray that happening. You can't regard it as the main continuity. You can cherry-pick bits and pieces like other stories have already done from it, but it's not THE Batman.

After Batman Begins (ironic title), only in his sophomore year, Batman has already figured out a retirement plan. They even have Harvey verbalize it: "he doesn't want to do this for the rest of his life, how could he? He's looking for someone to take up his mantle." When that plan to give up Batman falls on it's head (literally), what does he do? He retires anyway. In fact, he retires for EIGHT YEARS.

Now that might work in Frank Miller's TDKR, but you have to keep the same circumstances. Here, suddenly the police have the expert ability to actually stop organized crime, making Gotham City completely unrecognizable. Unlike the material, where Gotham falling so far into a treacherous urban wasteland of senseless violence that it drives Bruce out of retirement, The Dark Knight Rises has a sparkling Gotham City. I reason that if Gotham can get that clean and crime-free, then it is not Gotham.

It actually undoes exactly what The Long Halloween's bittersweet ending had going on, what The Dark Knight had the potential to become. In The Long Halloween, Gordon and Batman are triumphant, but only because Harvey managed to eliminate the gangs after he himself was turned insane. And it isn't so much of a victory because the generation of organized crime passed on to another, more sinister generation - ruled by the Joker, Penguin, Ivy, Scarecrow, Mad Hatter... the "freaks".

I might have been able to get over the stupidity of the characters that followed, had it not been for that. And the thing that incensed me the most? After Gotham is "saved", Bruce retires once more.

BrittaMoline
BrittaMoline - 10/23/2012, 1:27 PM
Absolutely!
superotherside
superotherside - 10/23/2012, 1:39 PM
LEVITIKUZ Ra's al Ghul not being immortal, Bane not using actual venom. Those are just a few things. The franchise tries to run away from the superhuman aspect yet ultimately relies on it. Such as he couldn't heal from that back injury like that etc.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Nolan's Bat flicks, I'm just saying the Marvel movies do some things a bit better. Hopefully they'll continue to do that.
Minotauro
Minotauro - 10/23/2012, 3:54 PM
Marvel shills at it again, making claims with skewed opinions and logic. Since @youngman already destroyed this article with stats to back up the facts. I'll go ahead and help out

Batman Begins:
RT - 85% (grade B)
Imdb - 8.3 #104 Top 250.

Dark Knight:
RT - 94%(grade A)
Imdb - 8.9 #8 Top 250.

The Dark Knight Rises:
RT - 87% (grade B+)
Imdb - 8.6 #29 Top 250.

Ironman:
RT - 94% (grade A)
Imdb - 7.9

Ironman 2:
RT - 75% (C = AVERAGE)
Imdb - 7.1

Ironman 3:
?
?

So lets not jump ahead of ourselves and start beating your chests anytime soon.
CPBuff22
CPBuff22 - 10/23/2012, 9:34 PM
Iron Man trilogy is far better than the Nolan Batman Trilogy. Other trilogies better than Nolans include Spider-Man, Back To the Future, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, X-Men, Blade

I mean all of the above Trilogies have at least two good movies in them. Only good Nolan Batman film was Begins.
ArtisticErotic
ArtisticErotic - 10/23/2012, 11:29 PM
Ironman 1= Average

Ironman 2= Trash

Ironman = ??


Batman Begins= Really Good

The Dark Knight= Greatness

The Dark Knight Rises= Average to moderate



1 2
View Recorder