It's nearly halfway through 2017 and there have already been incredible comic book movies such as Wonder Woman, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Logan. The three major releases left, will Marvel or DC rule at the movie theater?
Marvel's Releases
While there has only been one MCU film with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Marvel has had a great year so far thanks to that and Logan. And it looks like the streak could continue with the two films still on the docket.
First is Spider-Man: Homecoming from Sony and Marvel Studios. This will be the first film under the deal Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures worked out following the disappointing response to 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Peter Parker got his proper re-introduction in 2016's Captain America: Civil War played by fresh-faced Tom Holland, aiding Tony Stark in his attempt to capture Captain America.
While there may have been initial concerns about fatigue surrounding the web-slinger's standalone movies, that first appearance quickly erased those fears. Tom Holland garnered immediate praise for his portrayal of Peter Parker, with many fans and critics considering it the best portrayal of the role to date. The newest film also looks to provide the truest version of the character as he looks to balance high school with his desire to prove he belongs on the Avengers. With Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Michael Keaton joining as the villainous Vulture, it looks to tear up theaters when it releases July 7.
Then, Thor returns for his next film, Thor: Ragnarok. The third film in the series will launch Thor into an adventure that looks like it will throw the Asgardian into a more cosmic inspired adventure.
Thor's films, while fun, haven't been the most memorable of the MCU films, with Thor: The Dark World generally regarded as one of the weaker in the franchise. However, the first trailer for Thor: Ragnarok caught fans by storm — showing a colorful and crazy journey. Thor will go on as he fights to stop Cate Blanchett's Hela from bringing about Ragnarok to Asgard. This, however, won't be a true stand-alone film, since Thor will be joined by the Hulk on the journey — thanks to an injection of the Planet Hulk storyline into the film.
Taika Waititi's style is clearly all over this film, with a unique blend of action, humor, and color apparent throughout all the marketing material released thus far. This could easily make it one of the top comic book films for 2017 if it lives up to the hype when it releases Nov. 3.
DC's Juggernaut
While DC only has one film left on the calendar, it could be the biggest one of them all. Despite a rocky start to the DCEU, it looks like the universe might be finding its feet after the overwhelmingly positive response to Wonder Woman. And while Marvel got The Avengers out first, the original superteam from DC will finally make its big screen debut with Justice League.
The next film in the DCEU will see Batman and Wonder Woman try to assemble a team that can protect the earth from unthinkable threats following the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Once assembled, they will find themselves pit against Steppenwolf and his army of parademons .
This is the team-up that fans have been waiting years to see on the big screen. The Justice League first debuted in 1960, bringing together DC's greatest heroes to battle threats to great for them individually. Granted, the team is based more on the New 52 version since it will include Cyborg, but with this finally happening is really great. The first looks at the team-up film have also done a lot to help build hype for the movie, giving a first real taste of the heroes in all their superpowered glory. Not to say the film hasn't still been victim to rumors or even tragedies behind the scenes.
That said, this could prove to be the film that rules over the rest of 2017's comic book movies if it can live up to the hype when it releases Nov. 17.
