Fellowship Reviews: August 2011

For What It's Worth: Advice to Comic Shop Owners and Employees

My home base - Comic Book Craze :)

With all the Super Hero movies coming out and the impending release of the 52 new DC titles (starting with Justice League #1 tomorrow), there may be (hopefully) new readers coming. I felt I should give some suggestions to comic shop owners and their employees. This is not directed to any store, even though I recently received crap service. So, without further ado, how to treat people coming into your store...

1. Acknowledge my existence - Seems stupid to say that, but it's nice for someone to say hi to me as I come in. Remember, I'm there to spend money. Don't you want my money?

2. Ask if you can assist - It shows that you care whether you do or not. It's common sense. I shouldn't spend 15 minutes in a store trying to find something, then turn to you because you can't figure out that I need help. Unless the store is busy, I expect to be asked if I'm looking for something in particular. In most cases, I'll say no thanks and keep browsing. But there maybe a chance I am looking for something. If I have to wait 15 minutes to be asked (IF I'm asked) if I need help, I'm out of the store - possibly for good. And I'll bad mouth you. Especially now that I blog. You have been warned.

3. Know something of what you sell - You don't have to know what issue number that Superman proposed to Lois Lane, but if I ask about a particular trade paperback, don't give me a glazed look telling me "I know crap." You'll also lose my business. If you don't know, you don't know, just don't give me a "deer in the headlights" look, okay? Look, I've been reading comics for over 30 years! I know a lot of stuff. I'm not challenging you, I'm asking if you have something in stock. There will be people coming in looking to you for advice of what book to pick up. BE HELPFUL! KNOW OF WHAT YOU SPEAK! This could be a regular customer unless you screw it up.

4. Be appreciative - Thank me for coming in, whether I bought something or not. If I didn't buy anything, don't make me feel like I have wasted your time. You never know, I might come back (unless you pissed me off). I remember who did and didn't.

Comic shops are struggling. If you own a store, you don't need me to tell you that. You know. You more than likely know and practice everything I posted above. The places I frequent give me great customer service. But someone didn't, otherwise I wouldn't have done this piece. Think about it.

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For What It's Worth: Will Ghost Hunters Lawsuit Help Fables?

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that NBC/Universal is appealing a decision regarding a lawsuit brought back in 2006. Parapsychologist Larry Montz and publicist Daena Smoller claim that, between the years 1996 to 2003, they approached NBC with the concept, scripts, and videos for a show based on a team of paranormal investigators going to haunted locations. The show Ghost Hunters appeared October 6, 2004. If I understand this correctly, NBCU was found in breach of implied contract because a screenplay was submitted and accepted for review.

Now, how does it apply to Bill Willingham's book Fables? The comic, which the premise is fairy tale characters living among us in the modern world, was shopped around the networks for a possible TV series. No one bought the rights. However, this fall we will have not one - but two TV series with fairy tale connections! First is Grimm, which is a police-procedure show which sounds like a long expansion of the first arc of Fables. Second is Once Upon A Time, where (gasp) fairy tale characters live in the modern world! In this case, they have vague (or no) memories of their magical past.

Reading the comments from the creative minds of Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis makes me sick. They claim that they have read "an issue or two," but their show is different. BS! They say they got the idea back in 2004, two years into Fables run on DC/Vertigo. They are quick to point out that there was a Red Riding Hood movie out and Snow White and the Huntsman in production. I'll be quick to point out that they aren't set in modern times in a modern city.

Look, these shows may be good. I won't give them the chance. Not when the real deal is still out there to be given a chance.

For What It's Worth: All Hail the "King!"

Today would have been Jack "King" Kirby's 94th birthday. He left us back on February 6, 1994. Despite what some people say, he is the co-father of Marvel Comics. He help create the following: the original X-Men, the Fantastic Four (based off of his Challengers of the Unknown for DC), the Avengers (and the founding members), among others. He co-created Captain America back in 1941 with Joe Simon. For DC, he created the Fourth World saga (the New Gods, Mister Miracle, etc.), the Demon, Kamandi, OMAC, and the Kobra organization (not to be confused with G.I. Joe's COBRA).

While we've had some incredible writers, artists, and creators come into the comics industry, no one has matched Kirby. More than likely no one will. He is missed.

All Hail the King!

For What It's Worth: Who Makes Up Marvel's Trinity?

This question has been asked before, heck we even briefly discussed it on our last broadcast. Who does make up Marvel's Trinity? Well, to lay down the ground rules, let's look at DC's Trinity...

In order by chronological order: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. All have stand the test of time, all very popular, and easily identifiable. You look at a picture or drawing and you know who that is. I'm not sure where the whole Trinity thing came from, but it's pretty much accepted that these three are DC's Trinity.

Now, let's take what I have mentioned regarding DC's Trinity as a basis for Marvel's version...

Longevity - Here is a list of heroes that have been going strong since the 60's: Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor. Captain America came back in the 60's and has been around since. I do not include the Fantastic Four or original X-Men as they were more known in the group than a solo character like the others (and the DC Trinity).

Popularity - Well, the above characters still fit, but the likes of Wolverine, Punisher and Deadpool are just as popular. All have solo books and even movies (well, Deadpool's movie is on the way).

Easily Identified - Once again, the original list (Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America, Daredevil, Hulk, Iron Man) fits. Wolverine might be on this too because he is highly visible. Punisher and Deadpool, while identifiable in the comic book world,aren't so much to the general public.

So....with all that said, who would I say would make up Marvel's Trinity?

Spider-Man, Captain America and the Hulk

How sold am I on these choices? Spider-Man 100%, Captain America 99%, Hulk...90%. I could possibly be swayed by arguments for Thor or Iron Man (maybe even Wolverine...MAYBE), but this is the trio I think fits the Trinity. It's funny, I see some parallels between the two trinities...

Cap/Supes - the natural leader that everybody aspires to be.
Bats/Spidey - kind of the every man, the loner who seems to be on all the teams
WW/Hulk - the under-appreciated hero (and both having problems with live action adaptations)

Well, for what it's worth, that's my trinity. You agree? Disagree? Have other suggestions?
Let us know!

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For What It's Worth: To Digital Download Comics or Not...(Well, You Get The Idea)

I have been asked if I have ever considered buying comics digitally instead of going to the local store and buying a hard copy (or I've heard them called floppy as well). The answer is I would not and here's why...

One - I enjoy the experience the way things are right now. I like driving up to the store, seeing friendly faces, picking up my books, and sit and chat with people for a couple of hours regarding comics, local sports, movies, etc. I miss out on all of that if I just buy the download, read it, then discuss on a message board. Not that it's bad, in fact I encourage discussion on our Facebook page. But it's just not my thing.

Two - I spend a lot of time on the computer - whether it's real world work, or stuff for the website or show. The last thing I want to do is read a comic book on the computer (or phone). Now, don't get me wrong, there are good webcomics out there that I read, but I just don't want to read DC or Marvel (or the others) that way.

Three - I like holding the book and experiencing it the way it has been done for all my life. Sure, things have changed, but it's still the same experience to me. Yeah, it's old man syndrome there, so sue me.

If you want to buy and read the downloads, great! You're reading comics and that's all I care.

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For What It's Worth: An End of an Era

Tomorrow, Action Comics #904 comes out and with that an era has come to an end. Action Comics, Detective Comics, and Batman are...were the longest running comics in history. These books were never cancelled, restarted, then return to the original number like Superman, Wonder Woman, and most of Marvel's books.

The last of the old guard: Detective #881, Action #904, Batman #713

Just think about it...Detective Comics started in 1937, Action Comics in 1938, Batman in 1940. Twelve Presidents have taken office in that time span. When the books started, television shows were rare, and you got your news and entertainment from the newspaper and radio. Now you can do all three on a computer or your phone!

The new guard: Detective Comics, Action Comics, Batman

I am cautiously optimistic about what DC is about to do, but it saddens me these books won't hit the magic number of 1,000. From all indications, there are no trap doors to jump back if this is a complete mess. However, they could possibly go back to the DC universe we all know right now and go back to the original numbering, but that's just not right. The achievement would be as hollow as going back to the original numbering to hit milestone # 600. Only worse.

We shall see...

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For What It's Worth: Could This Be an Event from Marvel for 2012?

This teaser image has started to appear on several blogs with a note saying that this will be explained this weekend at the Fan Expo in Toronto. If you're going it's the "Pint O'CB" (how cute, a take off of Joe Quesada's "Cup O' Joe") Saturday 5:30pm (local time I assume) in Room 714.

Assuming that this is indeed an event...stop it, please. I'm tired of the mantra "Gimmicks, Events, and Deaths" that Marvel seems to be living by these days. STOP IT! The worse thing is these books sell. As Les is fond of pointing out, "they are called Marvel Zombies for a reason."

Look, for the record, I don't bleed Marvel red, nor DC blue. I'm a comic reader and fan. It just seems that Marvel is scared that if they stop what they are doing, the readers will immediately get bored and go somewhere else. Maybe they should worry about doing a comic that has a good story, good art, at a good price, and comes out regularly (no delays). DC should take note of this as well.

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For What it's Worth: The Batman Movie Reboot - Bring in Robin

I've been thinking about the eventual Batman film franchise reboot that we will get after The Dark Knight Rises. I want to see something different this time. So, I figured what we need to do is bring in Robin, the Boy Wonder. Now, before you start shaking your head and groan, hear me out. We've pretty much seen the lone, brooding vigilante and it's getting old. I mean, I enjoyed the Nolan and Burton films (that's the only ones I'll mention), but it's time for a change.

The focus of the first film should be setting up Robin. We know Bruce's origin by heart, and it still can be mentioned as an exposition, but it's Dick's story. And....(drum roll) no super villain. We can worry about which member of the rogue's gallery will appear later. You have Haley's Circus, you have the Flying Graysons, you have Boss Zucco (who's the baddie in this) and you have Robin.

Here's another bold suggestion, cast a teen actor. Don't get someone who's 30 to act like he's 20. Don't think will work, huh? I've got two words for you....HIT GIRL.

No one seemed to have a problem about a tween putting on a costume, cursing like a sailor and killing bad guys left and right in the film Kick Ass. As a matter of fact, I heard no complaints, and in the days of the internet, I think I would have heard/read some if they were there.

Now, the issue with the costume. I love the original version, but you can't have a hero run around in black armor and his sidekick running around with no protection for the arms and legs. Batman: The Animated Series, Teen Titans Go!, and Young Justice cartoons had Dick running around in what essentially is Tim Drake's uniform. While I love the outfit, I look at it and say it's Tim, not Dick. Even the movies which I will not speak it's names used a variation of Tim Drake's outfit. My suggestion: use the concept art by Alex Ross -

It captures the classic look, but is more protective and isn't based on another character's outfit. He even muted the colors so Robin can hide in the shadows better.

Well, that's what I would do, but what do I know? What are your thoughts?

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For What it's Worth: My Marvel's Retroactive

With this week's back of DC's Retroactive Comics coming out tomorrow finishing the 80's and halfway through the project, I was thinking what would happen if Marvel did the same thing. So, with that in mind, I came up with my dream teams for certain Marvel titles for the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s....

1970s
The Amazing Spider-man - Gerry Conway and John Romita Sr.
Captain America - Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema
Daredevil - Gerry Conway and (?, all of the Dardevil artists from the 70s aren't with us anymore.)
Uncanny X-Men - Chris Claremont and John Byrne
Fantastic Four - Marv Wolfman and George Perez
The Avengers - Roy Thomas and Neal Adams

1980s

The Amazing Spider-man - Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz
Captain America - J. M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck
Daredevil - Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli
Uncanny X-Men - Chris Claremont and Marc Silvestri
Fantastic Four - John Byrne
The Avengers - Roger Stern and George Perez

1990s

The Amazing Spider-man - J. M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley
Captain America - Mark Waid and Ron Garney
Daredevil - David Mack
Uncanny X-Men - Scott Lobdell and Joe Madureira
Fantastic Four - Walt Simonson
The Avengers - Kurt Busiek and Steve Epting

Well, that's my $.02. This was kinda fun. I might expand the DC line and do more Marvel titles. What are your thoughts?

For What it's Worth: Why Not an Invaders Movie?

I know I'm not covering any new territory here, but seeing Captain America: The First Avenger and the teaser for The Avengers, I've started thinking again about a movie adaptation of the World War II super hero team The Invaders. I figure, "Why not?"

But, how would you handle it? Do you take the same approach as the Avengers? What I mean is - the lead characters having their own movie, then the team-up? Or do you just throw them all together? And what about film rights? Who owns what? According to one report, Universal may no longer has the rights to Namor, the Sub-mariner. The other question is Jim Hammond, the android known as the Human Torch. Now, 20th Century Fox has the rights to the Fantastic Four's version of the Human Torch (once played by current Captain America - Chris Evans, but you knew that). So, can the code name be used in the Invaders movie? They could just call him "Torch" or by his given name of Jim Hammond. The character has already been introduced into the Marvel movie universe by his cameo in Cap.

The Human Torch in Captain America; his appearance in the "Marvels" miniseries

As to the other members, well you've already introduced Bucky, then you have Torch's sidekick Toro (also a human torch), the speedster Spitfire (Lady Jacqueline Falsworth Crichton), and Union Jack (Lord James Montgomery Falsworth), an adventurer and British government operative.That will be the core group. To add more will crowd things up a bit.

As to who should write the script, I don't know, by Roy Thomas should write the story. As far as I'm concern, he is "Mr. Golden Age," having written stories for the Invaders, the Justice Society of America, All-Star Squadron, and it's various offshoots based in the 1940s time period. But who will direct? Easy - Joe Johnston. Clearly, he has found his niche: World War II heroes. He directed Captain America: The First Avenger and the Rocketeer (as I've said before, a VERY underrated film). He is still under contract for one more movie from Marvel. Hmmm...

Will this happen, probably not, but it's fun to think about it. On the other hand, I never thought we would see an Avengers movie.

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For What it's Worth: Clothes Make The (Super)Man

OK, time to weigh in on the Man of Steel's suits that are a part of DC's relaunch.

First off, for the record, I am not in favor in the costume change, but no one asked me (not even my FB friends at DC). However, we are getting it, so let's move on. Before we begin, there is one thing that's bugged me from the previous origins of the suit. It's something that's basically been lost over time except for people who read the books WAY back when. In the Pre-Crisis days, Superman's costume origin was REALLY weird. The material came from three blankets that were wrapped around baby Kal-El in the rocket sent to Earth. When the time came to create the suit, they showed how indestructible it was by one taking a bullet from a rifle, another one taking stabbing from a pitchfork, and the third by having dynamite placed under it. YET, Martha Kent was able to unravel it to created the suit and cape. O......K.

Now, to the current situation, I kind of like the first version (or the Bruce Springsteen version as it's been called). I'm assuming Martha has very little costuming experience, so creating something like the classic suit may be A LITTLE DIFFICULT. So, a shirt with the S shield, blue jeans, worker (or farmer) boots, and the ONE blanket as his cape. I know fans have a problem with this, but it's essentially Conner's outfit except the T-shirt is blue and "the cape."

Now...the armor. I have a theory, but it's probably wrong. Remember, Krypton orbited around a red sun, which made it's citizens ordinary just like us. So, if there was war or conflict on the planet, it was more than likely they wore armor - not the robes or outfits we've seen back in the silver age. Could the suit be his father's armor, since it bears the family crest (meaning the S - which is now part of lore ever since Superman: The Movie)? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe they haven't thought about it. Who knows? Maybe time will tell. That's what I'm holding on to until told differently.

Do I like it? It's OK. I wish the belt was yellow and not red. The absence of the trunks doesn't bother me. The collar thing for all of the Justice League is supposed to represent royalty. OK, whatever.

Look, these are cosmetic changes, the real thing we need to hope for are good stories. We'll see here in a few weeks if that's what we'll get.

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For What it's Worth: The Man of Steel Costume

Earlier today, I posted the image of Henry Cavill in the "suit" from the upcoming Superman-reboot film Man of Steel. I've been reading the reactions and analysis, so I've gone back to look at it closer. The prominent response is "It's the new suit," meaning the new costume from the DC relaunch that will happen next month. I disagree. If anything, it maybe a combination of the two. Bear with me...

Here is a comparison of the suits. Both drawings are done by legendary artist George Perez. The one on the left is the classic suit, the right - the relaunched version. Similar, but very different.

Here is the image again from this morning. OK, my evidence that it is not the new suit:

The boots are the classic design.
The neck is not covered up as it is on the new design.
The belt buckle (yes it's hard to see that) looks round. The new design is the same shape as the logo.

Here's what's different from the classic suit:

Look at the end of the sleeves, hard to tell what's going on there.
The belt (again hard to see) seems to be shaped like the new design.
Not sure if the red trunks are there (despite what people say).
There seems to be some kind of design there on his left thigh. Not sure what it is.

All in all, it's probably a combination, or something totally different. We'll get a better idea once more pics start showing up. But that's my $.02.

For What it's Worth: How Long Will Syfy's Alphas Last?

I am enjoying Syfy's new series Alphas. It's not perfect, but it's a good show. I like the characters and the writing has been good. Not too many complaints...

However, I've been thinking, "how will things get resolved?" What I mean is Dr. Rosen and company at some point will have to find out what is going on at Binghamton Mental Hospital and what can be done about it. It would be interesting to know the game-plan by the creators. Most shows have a five-year plan, however they can be cancelled after episode two (Lone Star anyone?). The ratings seem to be OK and steady. But will it get a second season? Too early to call, but to me there is the dilemma. Do you stretch the mystery of the hospital and the other Alphas to a second season (that you may not get), or try to resolve everything this year and worry about next season when (or if) it gets here? I'm not sure, but I guess that is why I'm here and they are there.

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For What it's Worth: Perry White Isn't White

Wow! Seeing response to Laurence Fishburne being cast to play Perry White in the Superman reboot Man of Steel is...sad. The negative feedback to the fact that the Perry White character is white and Mr. Fishburne is not is incredible. There may be several possible reasons why Man of Steel could fail, but a black actor cast to play a character that is originally white won't be one of them.

This is not the first time this has happened. NO ONE was upset when Billy Dee Williams being cast to play Harvey Dent in the 1989 Batman film. To be fair, everyone was complaining about Michael Keaton cast as the title character that no one may have noticed until the movie came out. There were several things wrong with the Daredevil movie, but Michael Clarke Duncan being cast as Wilson Fisk A.K.A. The Kingpin was not one of them. On the flip side DB Sweeney was cast as Terry Fitzgerald in the movie adaptation of Spawn. The character was black in the comics. Where was the outrage? Oh right, Spawn - nevermind. I know there was a little outrage regarding the Green Lantern they know from the Justice League cartoon wasn't the lead of the movie, but that's people not knowing more about the character and his history.

I like the choice. Mr. Fishburne is a good actor and will do a good job with the material he's been given.

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