Apocalypse wow

“The Omega Man” (1971)/ “The Last Man on Earth” (1964)

To get a complete picture of how much “I Am Legend” succeeds or fails, it’s best to view these two previous adaptations of Richard Matheson’s original novel (also named “I Am Legend”).

In “Last Man,” Vincent Price takes on the scientist role opposite mutants portrayed as vampires vulnerable to garlic, while “Omega” features Charlton Heston fending off albinos clad in monks’ robes who can be killed by bright light (yep, you read that right). They’re both fairly cheesy, but finish on memorable notes of despair.