As Hollywood invades, Comic-Con keeps its quirks

Not everyone is thrilled with the comic book trend in Hollywood. “This kind of merger has been gestating at least since the comics renaissance of the 80s, when comics gained a new respectability, as comic book shops served not only kids but nostalgia-minded baby boomers with money to burn,” says Christopher Sharrett, a film professor at Seton Hall University, via email.

"Instead of Superman and Batman capering about in long underwear, you can finally show them in tricked-out gear doing amazing stunts, courtesy of CGI, previously possible only on comics pages," he says. "Since comics characters are owned by the same conglomerates that control studios (think Warner Bros.), we can figure on an endless stream of superpowered – and fairly infantile – movies for the foreseeable future," he says.

Mr. Sharrett calls it "part of the dumbing-down of cinema in its hyperactive, effects-driven phase.” But this misses a more meaningful subtext to the growing acceptance of and passion for the comic book in all its forms, says Robert Ray, Head of Special Collections at San Diego State University, who has shepherded a longtime comic book collection.

“This is the beginning of a modern mythologizing,” he says, “one that says much about who we are and where we are going.” He suggests that Hollywood actually comes to Comic-Con not just to use the restive energy of the fan base for mere advertising purposes, but to tap into the creative spirit that underlies it.

“It became the gathering spot for all of Hollywood during the summer because film directors, stars, and executives need ideas, inspiration, and myths – something Comic-Con has never been short of,” he says. "Sit with any of the attendees of Comic-Con today and you are likely to hear as much about the near-future reality of human body transponders as you will about the challenges of transportation to the Comic-Con Convention.”

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• POW! ZOWIE! Scholars discover the comic book.
• As 'Iron Man 2' showtimes fill up, Hollywood hunts next comic book hero

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