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With the "Watchmen" movie filling up the genre news, I thought I'd list some of my favorite films based (or at least loosely based) on comics and graphic novels.

Although there are probably many more fine films based on the rich source of comics, graphic novels and manga, I'm only including those I've actually seen and enjoyed and were based on English language works.

Another caveat. I've never had the patience to read comics myself ... too many pictures, not enough words for my taste. So, the list below is based on the merits of the movies themselves, with no preconceptions derived from being a follower of a particular comic or graphic novel.

1. V for Vendetta (2005) -- Directed by James McTeigue and produced by Joel Silver and the Wachowski brothers, who also wrote the screenplay, this film is adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in a near-future dystopian London, the story follows the mysterious V, a freedom fighter seeking to effect socio-political change while simultaneously pursuing his own violent personal vendetta. Acting was superb and the underlying message was powerful and relevant to today's times.

2. Batman (1989) -- I know there is a strong contingent of folks who don't like Michael Keaton's portrayal of the caped crusader, but he's still my favorite. There is something about his ability to portray strength and vulnerability that I really like. Directed by Tim Burton, one of my favorite directors, this film nicely took the camp out of Batman that it had been saddled with since the TV series of the 1960s.

Now, don't get me wrong, I loved that series, but I also found this darker version very compelling. Jack Nicholson was in his element as The Joker, too. Brilliant casting there. Prince's music sometimes seemed out of place, but maybe that was the point, for The Joker, too, was out of place.

3. Superman (a.k.a. Superman: The Movie) (1978)M -- Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, this film took a relative unknown actor, Christopher Reeve, and catapulted him to fame. He embodied the persona of Superman well -- on the one side a bumbling reporter, Clark Kent, and on the other the man of steel.

Gene Hackman was excellent as the genius -- and somewhat cowardly, Lex Luthor. This film really showed the main stream how powerful the stories found in comics could be. The first sequel was also very good ... a rarity in films.

4. Men in Black (1997) -- I was quite excited when this came out. I had read about men in black during my UFOlogy days in high school and was intrigued that someone had created a story around them. And pairing Will Smith's amiable goofiness with Tommy Lee Jones' stolid, almost Dragnet-like, by-the-bookness, was sheer brilliance. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this movie was based on the Men in Black comic book series by Lowell Cunningham, originally published by Aircel Comics. This movie was equal parts action and humor ... a very good mix.

5. Constantine (2005) -- Based on Vertigo Comics' Hellblazer book, this film got a lot of flack from die-hard fans of the source material. Of course, having no experience with the source material, I was forced to judge the movie on its own merits and I believe it did very well.

The bits and pieces of the story built upon each other, reaching an end that was satisfying and in character. I loved the twists at the end, when the Devil's own pride was used against him. And having an angel be the bad "guy" for the "right" reasons? Very cool. I also loved the overall look and feel of the film; the juxtaposition of Hell and Earth were nicely done.

6. Tank Girl (1995) -- This film, I've found, is an acquired taste for most, although I took to it right away. I loved its overall silliness. I loved the sound track (and still have it on CD). And I loved Malcolm McDowell as the villain. He's very good at that ... despite is angelic, boyish face. I'll admit that there are parts of the film that leave me wondering what it’s all about, but I still enjoy it in re-runs. Directed by Rachel Talalay, the film is based on the Tank Girl comic book, created by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett.

7. Spider-Man (2002) -- Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, this film was superbly directed by Sam Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire in the title role. Maguire seems to be in his element as the teen turned hero, bumbling through the agonies of high school, dealing with the death of his uncle and coming to grips with new super powers endowed by the bite of a spider. This film, and its sequels, really raised the bar of Spidey films, especially when compared to the TV show of the late 1970s. It created a Peter Parker with much more depth. Plus, the Lucy Lawless cameo (if you blink, you'll miss it) was such a treat!

8. Iron Man (2008) -- Fun. Fun. Fun! Directed by Jon Favreau, the film is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Robert Downey Jr. (lookin' mighty fine with a goatee, I might add) stars as the title character, the superhero alter ego of billionaire industrialist and master engineer Tony Stark. Again, you might notice a pattern here, this film blends action and humor well.

I guess that although I like to see fun fights and things go boom, it doesn't do it for me as well as it does when it is done with a little dose of humor.

9. Bullet Proof Monk (2003) -- Playing Chow Yun-Fat and Seann William Scott against each other was unpredictable, entertaining and the best part of this film. Directed by Paul Hunter, it is loosely based on the book by Michael Avon Oeming. O.K. This film wasn't high art, but it was very entertaining and had some really interesting things to say about fate and faith.

10. Judge Dredd (1995) -- I'm not a big fan of Sylvester Stallone, so this movie wouldn't have had a prayer to make it on this list if it weren't for Rob Schneider. He is hilarious and how he plays against Stallone's mono-syballic Judge Dredd kept me entertained throughout the film. Directed by Danny Cannon, the movie is based on the Judge Dredd strip in the British comic 2000 AD.