Then And Now: The Evolution Of Your Favorite Onscreen Superheroes

We live in a time when it feels like superhero movies hit the theater every month. Am I getting sick of it? Well, hell no!

Growing up as an avid comic book reader and Saturday morning cartoon viewer in the 80’s and 90’s, you can just imagine I’m always delighted beyond measure whenever I hear new movies or TV series are being made for some of my favorite spandex-clad champions.

Sure, not every superfilm or superseries out there is a masterpiece but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a definite pleasure for me to see that superheroes have officially become ‘cool’ and a very accepted part of pop culture.

Besides, there were times when these characters looked really cheesy. Back in the days, the effects weren’t as good and the costumes were, well, really terrible-looking.

Browse below and enjoy a quick look-back:

#1. Hulk (1978 and 2012)

In a time when CGI tech wasn’t around yet, it was only Lou Ferigno who can play the role of the Green Goliath.

#2. Thor (1978 and 2015)

The old version looks more like a Viking than a God of Thunder.

#3. Wolverine (2000 and 2013)

Hugh Jackman did age well, didn’t he?

#4. Superman (1948 and 2016)

For those who hate the new Superman costume, would you rather have the old one?

#5. Catwoman (1966 and 2012)

Can we all agree that Julie Newman rocked the catsuit better than Anne Hathaway?

#6. Spider-Man (1977 and 2016)

In the immortal words of Tom Holland: “Hey, everyone!”

#7. Batman (1943 and 2016)

The old one looks like a bad costume from a Halloween shop.

#8. Joker (1966 and 2016)

Can’t argue that the Jared Leto Joker looks really, really scarier!

#9. Wonder Woman (1975 and 2017)

Honestly, I can’t decide which one I like better.

#10. Hulk And Thor (1988 and 2012)

If you’ve seen the recent Avengers film, you know what happens next.

#11. Doctor Strange (1978 and 2016)

Benedict Cumberbatch, baby yeah!

#12. Captain America (1990 and 2016)

Who’s the better Cap between Matt Salinger and Chris Evans? We think the answer is pretty obvious!

#13. Power Rangers (1993 and 2017)

Speaking of which, I can’t wait for the new movie.

#14. Robocop (1987 and 2014)

Vintage wins this round I think. The new suit reminds me more of the Nolan Batman than Robocop himself.

#15. Nick Fury (1998 and 2012)

Since the Ultimate Marvel Nick Fury was inspired by Samuel L. Jackson, it’s just right he played the role, too.

#16. The Flash (1990 and 2016)

In case you haven’t been watching the new CW series, John Wesley Shipp (left) plays as Henry Allen, the father of Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen/The Flash (right).

#17. Supergirl (1984 and 2015)

They both look super!

#18. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1993 and 2016)

Mascots and practical effects vs CGI and motion capture.

Now was that fun or what? And yeah, thank goodness for modern effects and CGI, right?

Go share this post with your other superhero-loving friends!