In new DC original animation, Batman: Soul of the Dragon, we are transported back to the swinging 1970’s for a supernatural martial arts extravaganza. To celebrate the new release, we have rewound the clock to bring you some of the best Superheroes of the 70s’.
Batman: Soul of the Dragon is available on Digital now, and arriving February 15th on Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray Mini Figure and DVD.
Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)
An original story set during the 1970s’, this Elseworlds adventure follows Bruce Wayne as he trains under a master sensei. It is here that Bruce, along with other elite students, is forged in the fire of the martial arts discipline. The lifelong bonds they form will be put to the test when a deadly menace arises from their past. It will take the combined efforts of Batman, world-renowned martial artists Richard Dragon, Ben Turner and Lady Shiva, and their mentor O-Sensei to battle the monsters of this world and beyond!
This animation has had a full 70s’ martial arts movie makeover. There is a real retro feel throughout, captured through the animation style and music, with vintage character designs and a funky score that will make you want to hit the dance floor.
Superman: The Movie (1978)
If you’re after something super-nostalgic, where better to start than with the very first of the Superman films? The origin story inspired by the comics follows Kal-El, a child sent to planet Earth by his scientist Father when his home planet, Krypton, is on the brink of destruction. Raised by farmers, and now going by the name Clark, he discovers he is a little different from those around him. Flitting between his identity as the villain fighting Superman, and mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent.
When released, the use of visual effects and storytelling was considered ground-breaking. Over 40 years later, it still ticks our boxes and is top of the list when it comes to essential superhero movies of the era.
Doctor Strange (1978)
With several adaptations of Doctor Strange being released since the 70s’, it’s safe to say that this particular hero has come a long way, but let’s take it back to when it all began. Set in New York City, the film follows Dr. Strange (Peter Hooten) a psychiatrist who becomes the new Sorcerer Supreme of the Earth to battle an evil Sorceress, Morgan le Fay.
The somewhat questionable special effects ring true to their time, as tackling on-screen magic was fairly foreign during this decade, and the electronic score by Paul Chihara is sure to transport you back to the psychedelic 70s’.
Spider-Man (1977)
Decades before the 2002 film hit our screens, this original film served as a pilot for the 1978 television series, The Amazing Spider-Man. Freelance Photographer and science buff Peter Parker discovers he has superpowers after he is bitten by a radioactive spider. Taking on the costumed alter ego of Spider-Man, Peter uses his newfound strength and agility to stop an evil mind controlling Guru in his money grabbing schemes.
This greedy Guru is an original character, rather than an iconic comic book villain, which appeared to be a popular trope for the 70s’-era superhero movies, making Spiderman star of the show.
The Fantastic Four (1978)
Many of the much-loved 70s’ Superheroes came to the screen in the form of a TV series… queue The Fantastic Four. Now known as one of Marvel’s most popular super teams, these half-an-hour episodes followed a slightly different looking foursome, Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing and robot H.E.R.B.I.E. (who also appeared in other TV shows – Ed), who replaced the Human Torch (because of a “rights issue” – Ed). The plots stayed true to the original comics (minus the character switch up) as the four fight off world-dominating villains.
Featuring reoccurring foes, Doctor Doom and Mole Man, and retro cartoon colours throughout, if it’s nostalgic animated goodness that you’re after, this is sure to take you straight back to the 70s’.
