From Superman to Green Lantern - Comic Book Superheroes Take Over Hollywood

Superheroes in costume who fly, appear out of nowhere, and often have the impossible task of saving the world have always enthralled young and old alike. 2011 and 2012 have a neat line-up of superheroes trying to woo the box-office.

Superman

Not surprisingly, Superman is number 1 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes. Born on planet Krypton and rocketed to Earth by his father just moments before the planet's destruction, this superhero is raised by a small-town farmer to have a very strong sense of morality. The bespectacled, soft-spoken reporter Clark Kent transforms into the costume-clad superhero whenever humanity is in danger. Superman started the tradition of sporting his logo on his chest, a trend copied by subsequent superheroes. His logo or 'S shield' is the iconic symbol recognizable the world over. The next Superman installment Man of Steel starring Henry Cavill in the lead, will open in 2012.

Batman

This superhero, unlike others, does not possess any superpowers. He makes use of science and technology, intelligence, detective skills, money, physical strength, and martial arts to wage a war on injustice. He has a secret identity - that of Bruce Wayne, an American industrialist and philanthropist. Getting into his bat-themed costume, Batman fights crime in the fictional Gotham City with occasional assistance from Robin, Batgirl, and police commissioner Jim Gordon. His formidable vehicle - the batmobile assists him on his exploits. Batman is Number 2 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes. The next movie from the Batman series is The Dark Knight Rises starring Christian Bale, scheduled for release in 2012.

Spider-Man

Peter Parker, a freelance photographer for the Daily Bugle turns into the web-slinging Spider-Man when crime and injustice beckon. As Peter Parker he often grapples with self-doubt, rejection, and loneliness making him the most identifiable of all superheroes for youngsters all over the world. His special powers include super strength and agility, the ability to cling to most surfaces, and to shoot webs and swing from them. Number 3 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes, Spider-Man will be seen next in The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield, set to release in 3D in 2012.

X-Men

A team of mutants is trained by Professor Xavier to use their special powers for the good of mankind and to prove to the world that mutants, too, can be heroes. They are called X-Men on account of the 'X-Gene' they possess that is absent in normal humans. Wolverine, a member of X-Men, has been voted Number 4 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes. The latest in the X-Men series is the movie X-Men: First Class released this June. Made as the prequel to X-Men, it recounts the relationship between Professor X and Magneto.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Steve Rogers, after being ruled unfit for military service offers himself for a secret research project. The experiment turns him into the super-soldier, Captain America, who carries an indestructible shield and fights for American ideals. Number 6 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes, Captain America will hit screens in July 2011 in the movie Captain America: The First Avenger.

Green Lantern

The Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, is bestowed with a mystical green ring with otherworldly powers. The ring is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe and gives the user great control as long as he has the willpower to wield it. Hal Jordon is also made member of an intergalactic squadron to protect the Earth from aliens. Green Lantern takes the Number 7 spot on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes. Released on 17 June, Green Lantern has Ryan Reynolds in the role of Hal Jordon and is in 3D.