Publisher: AiT / Planet LAR

I got excited about reading Hench when I heard Danny McBride was going to star in the big screen adaptation. But really Danny McBride is not the reason you will be stoked about the movie once you read this graphic novel. It takes a decidedly different angle on the superhero genre and presents the perspective of a henchman who works for supervillians. The motives behind henchman Mike Fulton's life choices are great fodder for graphic novel and film alike (which is not always the case...yeah, I'm talking to you, Hollywood). The heroes and villians here are largely just takes on established DC and Marvel characters but it's their irreverent origins and backgrounds that will make you laugh. You may find yourself really feeling for Mike as well, as he struggles as a single-parent trying to support his sick child. Adam Beechen has written a winner here and I don't think anyone who reads it will argue.

Movie notes: It is definitely dope that McBride looks just like artist Manny Bello draws Mike Fulton, and I'm hoping we get some similar comedic stars cast for the heroes and villians of this tale. I think Andy Dick would be a good fit for the sadistic villian known as Pencil Neck. It's promising to hear Eastbound & Down writer Shawn Harwell is scripting this feature with McBride. I see it like this - Seth Rogen (who's known for comedies) is trying to adapt a serious comic book, the Green Hornet; while McBride (also known for comedy) is making the smarter move and adapting a superhero story that is supposed to be funny.