Five films you didn't know were based on graphic novels

March 5, 9:18 AMMovie ExaminerRyan Pratt

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WatchmenMovie.WarnerBros.com

Most people now know the new blockbuster film Watchmen is an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name. However, a few weeks ago, many people had no idea. And besides fanboys, no one thought it was soon to be the craze it’s become. Now, bookstores around the nation struggle to keep the "lengthy comic book" on shelves. There are Watchmen toys, t-shirts and video games. You can even watch and listen to the story on iTunes, DVD or Blu-ray in an innovative “book-on-videotape” form. Watchmen is everywhere.

If you were one of those uneducated and unaware, you're not alone. In fact, most people had no idea these films were based on comic books and graphic novels either (including me):

Road to Perdition (2002) - Based on a graphic novel based on a Japanese manga comic, the story follows Michael O'Sullivan (Tom Hanks, Big), a ruthless but honorable hit man, who is betrayed by his mobster employers and is forced to flee with his young son on a violent quest for revenge. The story is set in the American Midwest during the Great Depression and draws upon several historical figures. The film was one of the first graphic novel adaptations created by acclaimed movie stars and directors, which resulted in a masterful piece of story-telling.

A History of Violence (2005) - Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the story follows the owner of a diner (Viggo Mortensen, The Lord of the Rings) who quickly becomes the focus of outsiders after killing two robbers in self-defense. Though the first half of the film is faithful to the source, the remainder of the film takes many liberties with the story. The better version is on paper.

Timecop (1994) - Based on the two issue comic book of the same name, the story is set in a futuristic 2004 where a Time Enforcement Agent (Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bloodsport) breaks the laws concerning time travel in order to save his wife. It remains Van Damme's best acting performance (not to be confused with “good”) and highest grossing film, grossing over $100 million worldwide (keep in mind The Dark Knight recently broke the $100 billion worldwide gross barrier).

From Hell (2001) - Based on the graphic novel originally published in 1997 by Alan Moore (Watchmen), the dark but enlightening story is about the identity and motives of legendary serial killer Jack the Ripper. However, the film (starring Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean) and the novel have very little in common apart from character names and a few basic plot elements, and is part of the reason Alan Moore has distanced himself as far as possible from his recent film-adaptation Watchmen.

American Splendor (2003) - Based on the author, Harvey Pekar (Paul Giamatti, Sideways) of a series of autobiographical comic books and graphic novels of the same name first published in 1976. The stories in American Splendor concern the everyday life of Pekar in Cleveland, Ohio. The film is one of the highest acclaimed comic book adaptations ever (including a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on RottenTomatoes.com).