Tuesday, November 20, 2012

HERE COMES AUGUSTA

Just a short one to remind one and all that tomorrow, Wednesday, the first issue of The Adventures of Augusta Wind hits the stores, courtesy of those fine folks at IDW Publishing.  You can read a short preview of the book right here.  After all these months of talking about Augusta as a work-in-progress, I'm amazed and delighted that we've moved from the realm of imagination to the realm of manifestation.

I also want to wish everyone who follows Creation Point an incredibly Happy Thanksgiving.  Enjoy your family, your friends, be sure to eat a little too much—and have a wonderful day of gratitude.  Yes, life can be bumpy sometimes, and the world can seem a scary place, but I suspect we've all got a lot to be grateful for.  I know that I do.

26 comments:

  1. Damn! Dematteis, my comic shop's pull list went out on Sunday, and I forgot. Oh well, I suppose I can ask if they can order one for next week.


    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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  2. Thanks, Jack. I'm very excited about, and proud of, this series: hope you enjoy it!

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  3. If I may change gears for a moment:

    It's funny about comics, up until a certain point it always seems like there is a title that perfectly captures a time.

    Even pre-comic book days had this in the pulps. The Shadow was the perfect manifestation of peoples frustration with society. If you looked lived in the city , then you saw that crime was everywhere, and if you didn't that was all you heard about. With 1/4 of the population out of work and countless others being mistreated and underpaid crime took a huge upswing. And with the startling new weapons like the tommy-gun people felt powerless. So along came ol' Kent Allard to avenge the innocent with the same lack of pity or remorse that criminls show.

    Sure Captain America symbolized the sweeping patriotism surging in the country, and Namor was catharsis, smashing New York and acting out the impotent rage of a suffering nation. And Batman contained the same true elements as the Shadow. But the 1938 - 1945 were owned by Superman. First the Depression, then World War 2, Someone had to come along and give hope to those facing seemingly unconquerable foes. And who better that Superman.

    Obviously the post-war years were all about the Spirit. Those late 40's and early 50's tales perfectly captured the mindset of the nation. A desired return to normality, yet still wanting excitement. I can think of quite a few tales that actually involved former GI's coping with life back home. The humor and often forgotten dark tones of the stories tapped directly into the nations consciousness.

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    1. II especially resonate with what you say about Superman, Jack. I remember what a revelation it was when DC collected the earliest Superman stories in hardcover, back in the 80's or 90's. I'd never read them before and they blew my mind. The story where Supes takes on the army in order to get them to demolish and then rebuild the Metropolis slums is, in its primitive way, one of the best comic book stories ever.

      Of course the shiny, chiseled DC Comics of the latter 50's really captured that era -- and Marvel WAS the 60's, transferred to cheap paper.

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  4. Them along come the E.C. books. At a certain point "sit down shut up and live the American dream" gets a little old. Of course the Sci-fi (schlocky as it was), the dark crime, and horrific horror books were a type of release for people. Finally shining a light on darker elements of of human nature in a time when things seemed so sanitized. But, of course the "impact" tales in Shock Suspenstories were the hardest hitting of all. Not allegory, not metaphor... these were the actually were the dark things. But this had it's time... and it passed.

    Now it was Superman's turn again. The Silver Age Superman came about and captured the hope and excitement of the atomic age. It seemed the the Man of Tomorrow had finally become the man of the present. All those zany advetures didn't seem quite so off back then. Anything seemed possible.

    BUt the old mast give way to the New, and here comes Marvel. It's hard to tell if it should be the F.F> or Spidey though. Sure the F.F> was more mind blowing, and it had all the excitement of the silver age Superman, but with a realistic family-life unit, but Spider-man reflected the growing angst of the baby-boomers.

    Conan was perfect for the early 70's. The cynicism brought about by various reasons, seeped in the interest in mysticsm of the flower children made this very appealing. The

    In the 1980's, just as Conan, still popular, but, maybe not as resonant Daredevil gets a shot in the arm. Suddenly the crime epidemic pouring out of every major city is spotlighted. The rising cynicsm left over from the 70's increases, the hippies have become even more disillusionment. People want something new... or possibly old. They want someone who will kick ass, they want someone who has a need to fight crime. Suddenly altruism seems untrustworthy. D.D. may be an every man, but now he is an angry everyman.

    The X-men then shift gears, from simply the most popular to zeitgeist. The anger, no longer based solely on crime, but seemingly everyone. The eras paranoia that everyone may be out top get you and traditional values may be all that can save us... except they are carrying here own set of problems. Is it any wonder that the X-folk constantly found themselves in no win scenarios facing constant misfortune. Not to mention with things finally getting better for many people (though not all, AIDS epidemic and hate anyone?) it is only natural to shine a light on what's left and to highlight the birth pains.

    I have plenty more to say, but short on space. More than happy to elaborate.


    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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  5. Well, anyway, I thought that it was an interesting topic.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

    P.S. I meant to add that to the previous, but forgot.

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  6. I mentioned the Marvel's 60's stuff, as well as Conan, E.C.and few others in another post, I don't know if you just didn't post them or haven't read them. The point is that I didn't forget.



    Jack

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    1. Hmmmm. That post didn't show up. Or if it did it got buried somewhere. I'll look around for it. Sorry!

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    2. Found and posted, Jack. Thanks for sharing your insights. Do you have a blog of your own? If you don't, you should!

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    3. I do not, nor do I have any plans to create one, but there are some articles I did for the Detroit Hub floating around their website (under a different name) even one based off of an interview with current comic hot-shot geoff Johns. But,here is something to think on: It seems a lot of beloved comic stories that are one-and-dones, stories all start off the same way... we just needed to fill space. Obviously, the reason is that editors are less strict for these either back up or one off stories. I'm sure there are other reasons as well, but I'm also sure they all come down to the fact that creators get to flex their creative muscle. This also happens in less popular books... right up until word gets out and editors take note. What a shame that neither Marvel or DC recognize this and put out an anything goes book with any character and any circumstance. Sure Marvel Fanfare and Marvel comics presents sort of touched on this... but not really.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack


      P.S. don't kid yourselves this Thanksgiving, if mashed potatoes ever got the chance they would kill you and everyone you ever cared about.

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    4. I think you'd create a fascinating blog, Jack; you've always got interesting insights and a unique view of the world. One of these days I hope you change your mind and start one.

      For the record: I'm a big fan of one-off, stand-alone stories...even in the context of an ongoing series. It's becoming something of a lost art. (Shameless Plug: I've got a sweet little stand-alone Spider-Man story coming up in AMAZING #700 next month.)

      Potatoes aside, have a VERY Happy Thanksgiving

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    5. Someone once told me modern bloggers are reminiscent if not the direct descendents of pamphleteers. Now one might here that and think of Thomas Payne. However, that was in absence of other opinion media. Either way I think of those guys that all of us born before 1994 remember who would stand out on street corners handing out weird or out right offensive political pamphlets. Now, I am not saying that all bloggers are in that category, but I'm am deathly afraid of me being l;umped in with someone who is handing out papers reading "Why the Jews and Blacks killed Kennedy." Like I said, I don't take that view of all bloggers... or even most, but I'm far more paranoid about me. Also, I don't really trust computers. And isn't it more fun to have these discussions face to face, granted in examples like you and I talking about this it would be nigh impossible but if I were to ramble on like I do in front of a theoretical group of people it would be face to face. But if ever I do change my mind you'll be the first to know. But, until that day, this is the closest I'll come http://blog.thedetroithub.com/2012/09/11/geoff-johns-comic-books-and-the-long-reach-of-detroit/ There are more on the site, but don't let the pen name fool you... it is me. But then again, maybe (and this is a very likely one) I just don't find essentially writing essays to be great entertainment for MYSELF (no disrespect to those who do). Also I am a somewhat private person who doesn't enjoy divulging too much about themselves. And lets not forget, in your case you were already a pro-writer. You had an audience who knew where to come for your thoughts and in contrast knew what they where getting from you.

      I think the best example of a great overshadowing fill-in is Roger Stern's "The Kid who collected spider-man." When I found out it was an after thought my mind was blown. I don't even remember the main story. But that back up[ tale really tugs tour heart the first time you read it. Another great one-in-done is Fantastic Four 605. A true love letter to Ben Grimm. It was the same writer as the previous story and the next, but after a giant blow out story withe the calestials and Multiple Reeds and world shattering consiquences... it was a great cool down. Easily my favorite Fantastic Four story in the past 5-6 years. Ns McDuffie and Waid (along with Hickman other stories) were all pretty to really good. Sort of Similar to how the Galactus trilogy id beloved... but "This man This Monster" is REALLY beloved. I'm sure i can think of other great examples.

      And what do you mean potatoes aside? I love eating mashed potatoes... I just doin't feel guilty about the spud-slaughter.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    6. Looking forward to reading your article, Jack. And grateful that you enjoy the "pamphlets" you read here at Creation Point enough to keep coming back for more discussions!

      Enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving! All the best -- JMD

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    7. Hope you enjoy it. It probably isn't the best thing I've written, nor even the best on the site, but it is the first I did and the only one about comics.


      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    8. I did indeed enjoy it, Jack. Hope to see more articles from you in the future!

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  7. I think 60's marvel Captain America may have reflected the entire generation gap perfectly. Steve Rogers may have been from another time... and absoutely showed it, but he was also young (he couldn't have been more than 26 mentally when he was thawed) and that showed to. And in no issue better than #122. Seriously dig it or it's Essentials out, those first five pages are a man in turmoil, and Stan Lee at his best. Torn between his generation and his age. Youthful optimism married to the sobering reality of his generations war experience... and none of the time to buffer the two that the rest o his generation had. And entire social issue, rocking a nation, seemingly affecting every aspect of life, all wrapped up in one man.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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  8. Hey J.M happy thanksgiving up there! We do not celebrate it here in Brazil for obvious reasons, but I thank you for the wishes and say the same for you and family! Crapland seems quite interested in "bad" super hero comics and not in the GOOD comics (Martian Manhunter and Justice League are GOOD ones). I am waiting my copy of The Life and Times of Savior 28 though.

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    1. Thanks for the good wishes, Daniel! Hope SAVIOR 28 arrives soon.

      And Happy AUGUSTA WIND #1 Day! (Sorry. Couldn't resist another plug.)

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  9. The Day Before Thanksgiving and just picked up AUGUSTA WIND #1. Will probably read it tomorrow before the relatives descend. Thanks for a lovely holiday gift J.M., and I hope you and your family have a yummy Turkey Day!

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    1. Thanks for supporting the book, Eric. Hope you enjoy it...and hope that you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  10. I'm something of a traditionalist, JMD, so I celebrated AUGUSTA WIND #1 Day by reading...AUGUSTA WIND #1.

    Great stuff! Big on action, cool names, mystical subtext, and striking visuals.

    And is it just me or is there a slight resemblance between Dr. Warden and Mr. J M DeMatteis?

    --David Walton

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    1. There might be, David...but it's just a coincidence. (Unless, in describing the character to Vassilis, I was unconsciously describing myself!) In any case, I shaved my beard off last week, so I'm not a comic book therapist any more. (How long the beard STAYS off remains a cosmic mystery for now. If it was up to my wife, it'd stay off forever.)

      Glad you enjoyed the first issue. I'm very proud of it; but, knowing what's coming, I can honestly say that AUGUSTA gets better with every issue. Hope our readers agree!

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  11. Given the circumstances, it's probably best if you stay retired from comic book therapy! I don't think you, Michael Ellis, Vicent Santini or any of the other usual suspects had Augusta's best interests at heart there...:)

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    1. Funny thing is, a dozen or so years back I had a small crisis and pondered giving up writing. One of the career paths I was considering? Therapist. But then I realized that I could never walk away from storytelling. It's not just in my blood, it's who I am.

      Of course, one career path I didn't consider was becoming an Omniphant!

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  12. Hey J.M , I posted a review written by William Timothy Lukeman on Amazon. I am owing my own review, but every time I feel like writing my own review I recall this one, which is excellent by the way.William Timothy Lukeman. http://zlogdan.blogspot.com.br/2012/11/jm-dematteis-brooklyn-dreams.html

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    1. I've seen Tim's review, Daniel...and it's one I really appreciate. Tim has been following this blog since the Amazon days and he's a terrific guy. Thanks for re-posting it!

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