Previously, this editor has written about the comic book movies that should never be made, the ones that don’t have any appeal other than short skirts and a paycheck for Uwe Boll in the works. But what about those comics that deserve a chance and just haven’t gotten it yet? Stories of triumph and tribulation that deserve time on the big screen with talented writers and directors behind the helm? Perhaps these have already been green-lit, or are in talks, or are even in post-production, but there are some stories that deserve the Batman Begins/Spiderman 3 treatment.

1. WonderWoman – I can’t think of another female superheroine that deserves her own movie more. We’ve been forced to choke down such drivel as Catwoman and SuperGirl back in the 80’s, and a kitschy 70’s television show about Linda Carter prancing around in a star-spangled bathing suit. Give us Themoscera and give us some good knuckle-crunching face blows from a strong female lead.

2. Top Ten – Alan Moore’s universe where everyone is a superhero is a unique twist on the entire genre, and is certainly something that deserves to be on the big screen. Beyond magical powers, tiny toys, and massive blue men, Top Ten deals with the fact that super heroes are as much people as you or I. And if Alan Moore doesn’t like his books being made into movies, well he should stop writing such wonderful comics.

3. Green Arrow – Yes, there have been rumors that this has been in the works for years, but I’m afraid it isn’t the Oliver Queen that I want to see. I don’t want to see him as the rich boy millionaire he was for years, I want the cynical, hard-hearted Ollie who defends the real people on the streets. Now that would make a damn good movie. Especially if Black Canary makes an appearance.

4. The Sandman – Ah yes, Neil Gaiman’s claim to fame. How can this keep getting overlooked when it’s a classic and a franchise waiting to happen is beyond me. Especially with what they can do with computers these days in the name of backgrounds and supernatural abilities for actors. I would be pleased to even just see the first book of the series turned into a movie, just to see the Sandman brought to life.

5. Witchblade – Aside from the stereotypical too-skimpy to be of any use armor, the Witchblade series would make a better movie than it did a short-lived television show. With the strong storylines that would give women a superheroine to really connect with, this comic would definitely be a successful movie.

6. Captain America – Yes, this has been attempted, but like other characters getting a second stab at life through the writing and directing that has made comic book movies Oscar contenders, I think this could have some justice done. Besides, Captain America is so adorable with his 1940’s era politeness and gentlemanly demeanor. You just want to pinch his cheeks.

Of course, some of these are probably already in the works, because if a slightly educated rube such as myself can see that there are money-makers out there, so will the people who brought us such gems as Super Mario Brothers the Movie. Let’s just all hope that if these movies are made as they should be, the Academy will finally grit their teeth and admit a story about someone in a cape is just as good as one about a former professional wrestler, or two cowboys in love.