People always worry that the movies they’ve waited for, based on novels or comics they’ve read, aren’t going to be exactly what they dreamed of.

It’s natural. You become so engrossed in a story, a group of characters, that the adaptation makes you nervous. While that fact is true to me, the book-to-movie adaptation is especially important to a key group of people that have been making the movie industry millions of dollars: The comic aficionados.

About a month ago, when I was researching a story about Free Comic Book Day, I learned something new. Brent Thurston, manager of Crash Comics, started making a list of all of the television shows and movies that had been made from comics and graphic novels. The list was staggering.

So it’s no wonder why comic fans are more protective when their favorites get to the big screen. Most of the diehards have been reading the same story since they were kids, with all of the details memorized and all of the characters becoming part of their lives. They have shirts and memorabilia. And they want their movies right.

So far, the 2011 releases seem to be doing just the trick.

“Thor” has been described as one of the best comic-related movies to ever hit the big screen. “X-Men: First Class” is getting rave reviews. And there are more coming with the release of the third “Transformers” in two weeks and “Captain America” following close behind.

Of course, there have been small issues here and there. Little inaccuracies, things that weren’t pinpoint, spot on correct and from the comics, are almost even fun to find. But when it comes to plot, action and the entire atmosphere of the comic world, directors are hitting that spot on.

Listen, I have just gotten into this whole world. Comic books have really only hit my radar in the past two years. But the success of the movies doesn’t surprise me. And the fact that every time one is released, I have to wait in a ridiculous line at 12:01 a.m. with people who are dressed in the super hero best doesn’t surprise me either.

But let’s be honest. Tonight, when I get to see “Green Lantern” for the first time, I will be there. I will be ready to analyze. And I may even be wearing green.

Contact Corianne Egan, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8652.