As I think I’ve mentioned here before, my son Cody is a very skilled comic book editor, currently working for Devil’s Due, where his Major Project of the moment is a continuation of the cult-favorite Jericho TV series. Jericho, Season Three: Civil War is a six-issue mini that comes out November 25th: the first issue—co-written by Jericho writer/producer Dan Shotz and another of the show’s writers, Robert Levine—continues exactly where the series left off when it was unceremoniously yanked by CBS a couple of years back. I’ve been privy to the unfolding creative process and I can safely say that, if you’re one of the millions of hardcore fans of the show, you will love this. The interior art is by Alejandro F. Giraldo. Below is the first issue cover by Scott West.
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While I’m plugging away, I should also mention that the first issue of Casper and the Spectrals, the Casper update I’m editing for Ardden Entertainment, hit the stores this past week. It’s a fresh, fun reimagining of the Casper mythos, with a story by yours truly, Brendan Deneen and Todd Dezago, a terrific script by Todd and equally terrific art from Pedro Delgado. We’ve worked hard to make our Casper a smart, all-ages comic book and I suspect that it will be enjoyed by kids—of any age—with a fondness for the Friendly Ghost.
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Speaking of plugs—well, hair plugs—I recently stumbled across a site that may be one of the weirdest I’ve ever encountered on the web. Yes, I know that’s saying a lot, but just click here and tell me that you don’t agree. As this essay (one of the few posts from my Amazon Blog that hasn’t vanished into the merciless depths of cyber-space) will attest, I’m a total Shatnerd—but an entire website devoted to Shatner’s hairline? As Kevin Costner observed in Oliver Stone’s JFK: “We’re through the looking glass here, people.”
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I’ve decided that the time has come to finally write about my long-ago encounters with John Lennon, so be on the lookout for “Meeting Lennon, Part One,” which will be appearing here before Thanksgiving. Promise!
©copyright 2009 J.M. DeMatteis
I don't think there is any part of William Shatner that doesn't have its own site by this point.
ReplyDeleteThat would be very funny, Rob, if it wasn't so
ReplyDeletetrue. The internet can be a strange and disturbing place sometimes!
You can't go wrong with Todd. That guy could infuse the phone book with charm (and maybe even a site devoted to Shatner's hairline).
ReplyDeleteEarlier this year Todd had a short stint on the Marvel Adventures Spider-Man line. Issue #48 is one of the funniest, most charming comics I have ever read. He really is the perfect choice for an all ages appeal, because my son was cracking up, too! A perfect fit for revitalizing Casper.
Look forward to reading it.
David
No arguments from me, David! Todd has a wonderful light touch...he keeps things breezy and yet always grounds his stories in real, well-defined characters. I was delighted that I could rope him in for our Casper project.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Aarden, I picked up the final two issues of "The Mercy Wars" and I loved them. I was wondering if Aarden had any plans to print a second edition in TPB or another edition of the Flash Gordon 75th Anniversary that's advertised.
ReplyDeleteDavid
The Mercy Wars hardcover collection will be out any second, David. We'll be doing a softcover, as well, but I can't say when just yet. The softcover of the 75th collection will be out later this month.
ReplyDeleteThat's great news. I checked on amazon yesterday, and for some reason, I mistakenly thought the hardcover collection of Mercy Wars had already been released and was out of stock. I looked just now and it says you can be notified by email as soon as it's available.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
David
Thanks for asking, David. Ardden is a new, young company...and it's easy for us to get lost in the shuffle. Readers like you, who make an effort to seek out our books, are PROFOUNDLY appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou're off to a great start product-wise. I mean, who doesn't love Flash Gordon to begin with, and what a fantastic revitalization of a solid concept. Casper looks to be great as well.
ReplyDeleteI'll do everything I can to get these stories and spread the word.
And thanks for plugging Casper. I don't live close to a comic store, and that means I often miss stories the first time around.
David
Thanks again, David: VERY much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI finally picked up Casper yesterday, and wow, that is a great comic.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping when this miniseries is complete, Todd and crew are on board for more.
David
We'd love to do more with Casper, Wendy, Hot Stuff and all the characters in the Casperverse, David. If sales -- and licensors -- permit, we will. And you can bet we'll do everything in our power to keep Todd along for the ride. He knocked it out of the park with this one.
ReplyDeleteWow! That shatner site is epic. The thoughtful examination is almost frighteningly obsessive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for turning me on to it. JRC
"Frighteningly obsessive" is totally accurate, JRC.
ReplyDeleteYou have to wonder what motivates someone to do something like that!