10 standout comic-book movie characters in 2018

There are a handful of characters from the comic books to look ahead to in 2018.

2018 will be full of action-packed movies, containing characters from comic books. On top of Avengers: Infinity War and Deadpool 2, but there will also be newcomers like Aquaman and Black Panther. If you’re a fan of comic book movies or just action movies in general, you’re going to have a great 2018.

However, among all of these movies, I see plenty of outstanding characters. Characters that are going to put on great performances, but also new and unknown comic book characters that are going to shock the world. Here are the ten characters that I know will raise a lot of eyebrows and.

Image Source: Marvel Digital Comics

10. Miles Morales (Animated Movie Voiced by Shameik Moore)

Many thought that Miles Morales should have gotten the nod for the 2017 Spider-Man movie instead of Peter Parker. While Miles Morales has gained a lot of momentum since his introduction back in 2011, you can’t tell the Miles Morales story in theaters without first telling the Peter Parker story. Thankfully, Miles will get his own animated movie at the end of 2018. This is a chance for the Miles Morales franchise to take off. Not only that, Marvel hasn’t produced many great comic book cartoon movies in years. The movie’s success could breathe new life into the Marvel cartoon franchise.

9. Luke Cage on Netflix

Mike Colter will be reprising his role as Luke Cage and SWEET CHRISTMAS I can’t wait. Luke’s debut hit the world like an asteroid. The Netflix series was full of black heritage. Things like why the n-word is still an ugly word regardless of who uses it, every title of the show being a Gang Starr song, and mentioning the importance of Crispus Attucks were reasons that got me excited. On top of that, Mike Colter brought the character to life. Now that Colter has played the role in a full season and in Netflix’s Defenders, I expect more from him in this upcoming season. Look for Luke Cage to take a major leap when it comes to who his character. He will be stronger physically and mentally, have a bigger impact on how he’s perceived in his community, and he will hopefully make people like Iron Fist. Also, I’m sure there will be some…coffee as well.

8. Illyana Rasputin (New Mutants)

When The New Mutants trailer debuted it shocked viewers. A horror comic book movie?  Yes, and this is a great idea and Illyana Rasputin is the perfect character to star in this movie. Illyana (Magik played by Anya Taylor-Joy) has access to a level of Hell called Limbo. She has used this access to summon demons to Earth, transport to Limbo, and has used a plethora of magic spells. All of these things can make for a scary movie experience. Illyana has the potential to be one of the best or most memorable characters of the year.  Since a lot of casual fans don’t know much about her, she can fly under the radar and surprise everyone.

7. Erik Killmonger (Black Panther)

No superhero is great without a strong villain to fight. And Erik Killmonger is going be that villain in Black Panther. Killmonger is also my pick for villain of the year. He has the fighting skill to compete with T’Challa. In fact, T’Challa has never beaten Killmonger in a fight. Killmonger may not have the intelligence that T’Challa has, but he makes up for it by being great in the art of persuasion. Killmonger could sell sand in a desert. When he gives his first speech to the people of Wakanda (which I’m sure he will) he is going to leave the audience with goosebumps. I fully expect Michael B. Jordan to put on such a great performance that it warrants Oscar consideration.

6. Thanos

We all saw the small sample sizes of Thanos. He was there at the end of Avengers, Avengers: Age Of Ultron and in the preview for Avengers Infinity War and also in Guardians Of The Galaxy. But, believe me when I tell you, you haven’t seen anything yet. Thanos is one of the premier Marvel Comics villains.

He’s taken Thor, Hyperion, and The Hulk’s best shots and was still standing. In the movies, the Avengers have NEVER faced a villain with this much intelligence, strength on top of having a superior military mind. What Thanos is going to do to the Avengers is going to be unforgettable. Look for Thanos to kill at least one Avenger or at the very least a side character.

5. Mera (Aquaman)

Mera is another character that is going to show the world how amazing she is. Mera (played by Amber Heard) is tough enough to fight anyone. When you can control the seas and hit someone with a title wave with increased density, it’s to be expected. In Injustice, she even held back a title wave Poseidon (the Greek God of the Seas) himself was controlling. I may only know a little bit about her, but what I do know shows me that she is going to shake the world with her skill and personality. She doesn’t need Aquaman to be great. She amazing all by herself.

4. Jessica Jones (Netflix)

Everyone’s favorite drinking, cursing, fighting superhero is coming back to Netflix in 2018. Jessica Jones (played by Krysten Ritter) will be reprising her role and I couldn’t be happier. Not only did she have a great season one for her show, but she was a standout character in Defenders. Season 2 of Jessica Jones will have all women directing season 2 of her show. This will help empower her character. After two great showings, there’s no way Jessica Jones will disappoint viewers. Hopefully Jessica will actually fly in this season and not just jump really high.

3. Deadpool

Let’s call it like it is. The public relations department for the Deadpool movie is easily the best in the game. They know how to get people excited about a movie almost half a year before it comes out. On top of that, we are constantly treated to random posters, videos, and all sorts of random things to keep our minds on The Merc with a Mouth. Ryan Reynolds has taken a character and turned him into a money-making machine. Deadpool 2 has been the most anticipated sequel we’ve had in years. OK, that’s probably Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but Deadpool is a close second. We are going to get exactly what we want from Deadpool; action, jokes, and probably a look at Deadpool’s bare,  scarred butt. What more could you ask for?

2. Aquaman

Jason Momoa is going to make sure that no one ever makes another Aquaman joke again. Who cares that he can talk to fish when he can kick the crap out almost anyone. Aquaman may not be a box office hit opening weekend, but it’s going to be in the theaters a long time due to fans talking about how good it is. If the way Mamoa played Aquaman in Justice League is any indication of how he plays this role, we are in for a treat. And that was just a small sample size. I can’t wait until we get him as Aquaman in a starring role. 

1. Black Panther

Chadwick Boseman is going to show the world why he is everything that Batman is and more. Fighting skill, intelligence, wealth, royalty, and compassion on top of it all. We have never seen a character like T’Challa on screen and he will be unforgettable. In fact, we’ve never seen a country like Wakanda on screen. Everything we saw in Captain America: Civil War is nothing compared to what we are going to see in Black Panther. Avengers: Infinity War may have the hype and Deadpool may have the jokes, but T’Challa is going to show them all what it means to be the perfect superhero. You hear it here first. 

Next: 10 characters Infinity War can introduce

What characters do you expect to stand out? Let me know in the comments below.