The new action movie Afterburn, which hit theaters on August 22, 2025, and expanded widely on September 19, 2025, has sparked curiosity among fans about its origins. Many are wondering if the film is adapted from a comic book series. The short answer is yes. The movie draws inspiration from the Red 5 Comics series of the same name, created by Scott Chitwood, Paul Ens, and Wayne Nichols. However, the film takes creative liberties to establish its own identity as a live-action adventure.
The Comic Book Roots of Afterburn
The Afterburn comic series was first published in 2008 by Red 5 Comics. The story is set in a world devastated by a massive solar flare that wiped out technology and civilization in the Eastern Hemisphere. In this dangerous new reality, treasure hunters venture into ruined lands to recover valuable artifacts for powerful clients. Key items like the Mona Lisa and the Crown Jewels are among the prized targets. The comics include elements like mutants and fantastical adventures, which provided a rich foundation for the film adaptation.
The movie adaptation, directed by J.J. Perry, stays true to the core concept of the comics but makes some changes to suit the big screen. For example, the filmmakers decided to reduce the more fantastical elements, such as mutants, to give the story a grittier and more realistic feel. Instead, the focus is on practical action sequences and real-world locations, like those filmed in Slovakia.
Director J.J. Perry mentioned the influence of movies like Mad Max and Book of Eli but emphasized that Afterburn is more of an action-adventure film with problem-solving and treasure-hunting themes.
How the Film Adapts the Comic
The movie version of Afterburn follows Jake, a former soldier turned treasure hunter, played by Dave Bautista. He is tasked with recovering the Mona Lisa before it falls into the wrong hands. Along the way, he teams up with freedom fighters like Drea (Olga Kurylenko) and Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). The film also features Kristofer Hivju as the warlord Volkov, who is after the same prize.
While the comics served as the initial inspiration, the film’s production took a long time to get off the ground. Development began as early as 2008, with actors like Gerard Butler and directors like Antoine Fuqua initially attached to the project. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that filming finally began under the direction of J.J. Perry. Dave Bautista not only starred in the film but also produced it through his company, Dogbone Entertainment.
The production faced challenges, including a tight shooting schedule of 42 days and budget constraints that required creative solutions. For instance, some scenes were filmed in the same locations but shot from different angles to save time and resources. The movie was filmed primarily in Slovakia, a location chosen for its unique and less-filmed landscapes, which added a fresh visual appeal to the post-apocalyptic setting.
Fan Reactions and Reviews
The response to Afterburn has been mixed. Some viewers enjoyed the film as a fun, action-packed popcorn flick, while others criticized its writing and visual effects. On platforms like IMDb, reviews range from highly negative to moderately positive. Some fans appreciated the performances of Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as the well-choreographed action sequences. Others felt the story was predictable and the dialogue lacked depth.
One IMDb reviewer called it a “low-budget B-movie” but acknowledged that the cast and action sequences make it an entertaining watch for those looking to switch off and enjoy themselves.
Despite the divided opinions, the film has managed to generate buzz, especially among fans of post-apocalyptic adventures and comic book adaptations.
The Bottom Line
Afterburn is indeed based on a comic book series, but it stands as a separate creative work that adapts the source material for a broader audience. The film simplifies some of the comic’s more fantastical elements and focuses on delivering high-stakes action and adventure. For fans of the comics, the movie offers a new take on the story, while newcomers can enjoy it as a standalone post-apocalyptic thriller.
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Credits: imdb.com
