When most people think of superhero movies, they think of Marvel Studios. When most people think of Marvel Studios, they think of the Avengers — the superhero squad consisting of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Hawkeye and Black Widow — and their string of box office-topping and family-friendly action films. Though this team mastered the art of the comic book-to-movie adaptation, they by no means invented the art itself.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past"Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer LawrenceDirected by: Bryan SingerGrade: A-The best comic book films are able to toe the line of fun and absurdity. Bryan...