Wednesday, January 9, 2013

STANDING AT THE WINDOW

The other day, very reluctantly, we stripped the Christmas tree—it was like saying goodbye to an old and dear friend—and took down all the decorations around the house.  It was time to surrender to the reality that the holidays were over and that 2013 had arrived, in all its newborn mystery.  So I stand here at the window in early January, peering through morning mist at the year ahead, wondering what's in store.  One thing I know is that I'll be doing some traveling:  despite my mild Convention Phobia, I've signed on to be a guest at WonderCon at the end of March, Texas Comicon in June and the Baltimore Comic-Con in September.  I've also got some more Imagination 101 writing workshops in the planning stages—including one at Modern Myths in Massachusetts and an online incarnation.

And, of course, there's my primary business:  storytelling.  I'm busy wrapping up The Adventures of Augusta Wind (issue #3 is out today; we're hoping we can kick off another Augusta mini-series later in 2013), beginning my run co-writing (with DC head honcho Dan Didio) Phantom Stranger (my first issue of PS is also out today), getting ready to start work on The Edward Gloom Mysteries with the amazing Mike Ploog, looking forward to seeing the first of my Teen Titans Go! episodes hit Cartoon Network in the spring.  As always, there are other fascinating projects brewing—in comics, TV, film and books—but I won't know till the year is farther along which will manifest and which will go back into the drawer, waiting for God's timing to be just right.  I've learned, over the years—and it wasn't always an easy lesson—that His timing is much better than mine.

And now—to work!  I've got twelve brand-new months to fill up with stories!

©copyright 2013 J.M. DeMatteis

47 comments:

  1. Between ASM #700, Augusta Wind, and now Phantom Stranger, it is great to see you back in the comic shops on a regular basis. I picked up AW #3 and PS #4 today and couldn't remember the last time I brought home two DeMatteis comics in one day. Looking forward to your work in 2013!

    Your fellow Brooklynite born and raised,
    Eric L.

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    1. You're right, Eric, this is the first time in a while I've had multiple comics coming out within weeks of each other. Being a freelancer you just flow with the work...right now the comics flow is a little stronger, so that's where I'm going. Hope you enjoy the stories. I just finished my second PHANTOM STRANGER script—it's a massive cosmic battle with the Spectre—and it was a blast.

      Say hello to Brooklyn for me: I haven't been there a long time!

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    2. Sadly, I haven't been back to Brooklyn in awhile either, as I am pretty contained to Manhattan these days. But I recall discussing on Twitter with you that our childhood homes were within blocks of each other near Ocean Ave. It was always one of the reasons that Brooklyn Dreams resonated so much with me. I am still hopeful that you bring Imagination 101 to Brooklyn (or at least NYC) one day!

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    3. Yes! I remember that Twitter chat!

      I'd love to bring IMAGINATION 101 to NYC and I'm still exploring venues; in fact I'm having a discussion about it next week. Fingers crossed!

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  2. I agree with Eric! Been a fan since MoonShadow and it's great to see so much productivity, it's inspiring.

    Thanks so much, J.M. Love the blog.

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    1. You're incredibly welcome, Tony. And thanks for sticking around all these years. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. All the best -- JMD

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  3. Mild convention phobia? How so if I may ask?

    Also, if you were to bring Imagination 101 to NYC I would try my hardest to make it because it's still something I want to do.

    I still want to do a story consultation, but that might have to wait for the new job.

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    1. I'm not a big fan of crowds, Jose—and, after a certain point I can get both psychologically and psychically overwhelmed by the convention experience. What I love about the conventions, though, is the chance to meet my readers face to face, one on one...as we had the chance to do. That's what makes the experience worthwhile!

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    2. Understandable. I think whenever I go to a convention the crowds get on my nerves, but for different reasons. If it's a big convention like NYCC and it's a Saturday, those things can be pretty hard to maneuver. If it's a smaller convention or a signing, I always get stuck behind the one person who has like a stack of comics for one person to sign. When I met Jim Aparo ten years ago, I bought like 3 important things for him to sign to me, but the guy ahead of me had, and I kid you not a shopping cart FILLED with comics and just plopped them on the table. He didn't say hi, really, he didn't thank him, he just had him sign them. When it was my turn the poor man's wrist was done and asked if he could have five minutes rest. That's what I really don't like about conventions.

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    3. I have no problem with people bringing up tons of comics for me to sign IF they spread them out over the course of the weekend. A batch now, a batch later, a batch tomorrow. People that expect a creator to sign their entire life's work in one fell swoop should think again!

      But, as noted before, the chance to talk to folks one on one is what really draws me. It's a genuine pleasure.

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    4. It's fun talking to people! Especially when you follow their work for so long, it's nice to see a face attached to the name. For so long all you really get to see IS that name so to see there's actually a human being there who's just a regular person is always such a joy. In my case half the fun is seeing if the person can spell my name right...you'd be surprised how many can't! I think you, George Perez, Joe Kelly and maybe a handful of others don't have to ask how to spell Jose.

      Yeah, if you only knew how many times I get stuck behind that guy with the stacks of comics. People are allowed to bring whatever they want to a convention. I'm just a big believer in bringing something that's important to you. That Justice League annual from the Armageddon 2001 annual, I've had that ever since I was a kid. That's the comic that got me back into DC and really into the JLI. It's something I've had for a long time. For ten years (just about) I've had Maguire sign it, I've had Giffen sign it and this October you signed it (and to me, no less which was amazing) and that still remains one of my favorite comics and something I hope to keep for many years to come.

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    5. It's all about the personal connection, isn't it, Jose? For me, spending so much time alone in a room playing with my imaginary friends, it's refreshing and inspiring to be out in the world, meeting Real Human Beings who read, and enjoy, my work. So many nice people, so sincere and grateful. It touches me PROFOUNDLY.

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  4. Will you be in San Antonio for the full weekend, JMD?

    --David

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    1. I will, David! Do you live nearby?

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    2. I wouldn't say nearby, though certainly closer than NYC! San Antonio is about an eight hour drive. That's Texas for you!

      --David

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    3. Bet you could do it in half the time if you bought a jetpack!

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    4. And less than that in astral form!

      I'm closer to Dallas (it's only an hour and a half), though the San Antonio con looks to be a bit less crowded (which I very much like).

      --David

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    5. Well, it would be great to FINALLY meet you face to face; but, if not, another time!

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    6. It would be awesome. Even better, you'd get to meet the family. Maybe the stars will line up. Just know that if I show up on Sunday, I'm not normally that exhausted (or maybe hyper-caffeinated)!

      --David

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  5. All those cons and no Motor City? Drag, but that's just the way life shakes out I guess.

    I didn't realize that the new issue of Phantom Stranger had your hand in it I would have picked it up. I picked up 0, but I neither loved nor hated it. Now though, I may have to give it another whirl. Oh great another trip to the comic shop, and on top of your last $8.00 book. I'm not made of money Dematteis!

    If you don't mind, I do have question for you being both a comic reader of the time and a user of the Marvel method. It seems to me that it may have both destroyed a great partnership while pushing Marvel forward. As I hear in an issue that took place early in Pete's college career, Spidey swings by a campus protest. Now Ditko did not agree with the protestors of the time, so he depicted Spidey wringing his fist at the crowd. However, Stan made Spidey agree with the crowd yelling encouragement. Now whether these where Stan's actual views, or just logic based off of Pete being young, I don't know and it does not much matter. The fact is this may have angered Ditko enough to leave, since the Marvel method was so collaborative in story structure, Stan could interpret something different... even if he probably knew Ditko's political leanings. However this scene was also a tiny drop of gas on marvel's flame. Later on Spider-man would show even more open support for protestors, and so would Captain America(who despite popular opinion was only ant-violence). This may have been why college students and other older readers gravitated to them. The were being shown to be understood by someone if not by the world at large, and especially not by the Distinguished Competition who had Flash punching protestors, Superman taking signs out of there hands, and the Teen Titans fighting hippies. I would love to get your take on all of this.

    Thank you for your time.

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

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    1. As both editor and scripter, Stan felt he was the ultimate word on those stories...and, as legend goes, this pissed off Ditko and Kirby both, since they though—as primary plotters—that THEY were the ultimate word. As a fan I'd argue that the tension between Stan and Kirby/Ditko is what made those stories great.

      I had a taste of that working with Giffen. He'd plot our JLI stories: sometimes I'd hew closely to the plots, other times I'd add entire new plotlines, character arcs and story twists. The difference is that Keith G encouraged this and then built on what I'd done, just as I'd been building on his plots. It made for an amazing collaboration. I think, after a certain point, Ditko and Kirby really wanted to be sole authors of their work. I understand their frustrations, but those collaborations with Stan were just brilliant.

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    2. You where both okay with it? Drag! I was hoping one of you would retreat into seclusion and cling tightly to your extreme political beliefs.

      Speaking of which, the odd thing about Ditko's Marvel CO-creations, is that both of the major ones (SPidey and Doc Strange) had in their origins people acting in their own self-interest, and while Spidey may not be the case, Doc certainly was for financial gain. It seems pre-wreck Doc Strange fits right into an Ayn Rand novel. Spider-man to a far lesser extent, but I feel it is still there a tad. I wonder how Ditko felt about contributing to characters whose stories range from slight to full on confliction with his political belief.

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

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    3. Ditko is a fascinating person, Jack. Have you ever seen this documentary?

      ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfxVO0fLHvA

      It's well worth your time. As for how he felt about those stories...only Steve D knows for sure...and he's not talking!

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    4. The link is not working. However, if this is the one I am thinking of then it is called "In Search of Steve Ditko." And yes, and no to me having seen large chunks of i, but not the whole thing. Is it the one with Alan Moore reciting his song? I believe it was on the BBC, I was hoping that BBC America would show it over the summer before the ne Spider-flick came out, but no dice.

      If I may be so bold, I would like to recommend "Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Rise of the American comic Book." I think I got the subtitle right. It was written by Gerard Jones, and covers quite a bit of early comics history and discusses many creators, but I remember it being mostly about Jerry Seigel, who was strangely similar to not Superman, not Clark Kent, but rather Peter Parker. I would love to elaborate on some themes, relating to the Ditko-Lee idea, but I do not know how much you know about Superman's dad and his early life, or if you would mind it being spoiled.

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

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    5. Yes, Jack, its the wonderful BBC doc with Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman. Do a YouTube search and I'm sure it will come up. I watched it for the second time and enjoyed it even more.

      Haven't read the Gerard Jones book, but I've heard great things about it. Feel free to spoil it, though! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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    6. First, the book is worth checking out even if you know what it is a bout.

      Now, the reasons that Jerry was more Parker than Kent are simple. First Jerry Siegel was in his adolescents, well... a bit of a geek. The book describes the future Superman scribe as being somewhat shy and awkward, and completely immersed in the world of pulps, specifically Science Fiction, which at that time was only beginning its fandom. Also in very close running up were Doc (Clark) Savage and the Shadow a.k.a Kent Allard, and so his most famous creation would have his name. And also there where the comic strips and even more pulps. Sadly though this is not where the likenesses to are arachnid friend end, at age 14 Jerry's dad was shot in the family store. This death pushed Jerry's already overprotective mother even further into that world. Originally It was planned for every one of the Siegel children to go to college, but with the bread winner now gone basic survival become more important leading every one of the children to get a job, except Jerry who was prevented by his mother from taking up employment.
      This leads into my early Marvel ideas. Superman has often been toted as a symbol of immigrants. Though this is true, I wonder if it was intentional. Jerry's parents may have been immigrants, but he wasn't. Joe Shuster immigrated to Cleveland from the far off land of Toronto. Aside from the lack of culture shock, often times the children of immigrants through themselves heavily into their new culture opposed to the old. I think the insane collection of pulps may indicate that this applied to Jerry. Also, Supes has been said to be about being Jewish in a gentile world, but Jerry grew up in a predominantly Jewish middle class part of Cleveland. Now the outside world and the rest of Cleveland very well may have looked down on the area, but it certainly isn't something that would have come up say, at school. A couple of years ago Brad Meltzer stated he thought maybe it was the death of the patriarch that created this character. That is hard to gauge. Jerry rarely talked about his father, it is hard to say for sure that this is the case, but the book didn't put the idea across nor did the discussions about Jerry's relationship with his make me think this. No, though I do think these may have existed in the background, I can't help but think that being a dork may have been a bigger inspiration. I think it was more along the lines of constantly feeling out of place and helpless. Not getting the girl and being at best an average student probably allowed him to connect better with the aliens in the Sci-Fi pulps he devoured.

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    7. So, what does this have to do with Marvel? Well, despite the varied types of stories told in comics, larger than life heroes that border on myth live and breathe in that realm better than anywhere. They have staked comics as their home. I think because of this fans like you and I want to backstage to be just as epic. All those stories proposed would be far more epic than a lonely geek who crates a superman (lower case intentional) who only hides as a geek named Clark to deal with his own problems and insecurities. And Marvel was the biggest success story in comics history, in 1960 it was an after thought of DC Comics maybe, MAYBE a distant runner-up on their best day. By 1965 they're characters are beating the Hell of DC, sure DC may have been leading in sales, but Marvel was on everyone's lips, and they had broken the 10 year old age limit and where being read by teenagers, and eventually college kids. Because of this it seems that it should be an epic Story, enter Stan Lee, who is called the sole creator of the Marvel revolution. Then in the 1980's it starts being said that Lee was a crook who simply took credit for Kirby and Ditko's work. So essentially Lee goes from a God to a Devil. From being the great hero to the great villain. All in the name of a subconscious need for the mythology. In reality we may not for sure know what happened in those offices, but I think that there is enough evidence (including work outside the Marvel age triune of Lee-Kirby-Ditko) to prove it was collaborative. we want to believe it was one person driving a comic, that the greatest American icon has some epic American origin, that Sub-mariner was more than Bill Everett trying to cope with his drinking problem.
      Bob Kane was also mentioned, and it was not glowing. One of the things it mentioned was that his Mother used to walk him to school everyday until he was in High School. Clearly between he and Jerry's mothers there was not a big battling of stereotypes. However I can't help but wonder if this explains something. Both Kane and Jerry had very overbearing mother's, which had negative affects. Both of their creations have the death of parents involved, in Superman's case twice, remember Superman in the golden age said that it was his adoptive parents deaths that inspired him to become superman. Everyone knows Batman's origins. I don't think either one wished death on their parents, but I think that perhaps they believed that they had to escape their parents to gain their full potential. That may be why both of them gave being orphaned as reasons why someone becomes a hero.
      The book also did something else for me. I hadn't enjoyed superman since I was a small child. Sure, I would pick up the very rare issue if it had writer I liked, or the story seemed really interesting, but I also would swear up and down that I hated him. And yes that was a tad hyperbolic, but it was closer to that than love. Because of that book, and it's insights into Jerry Siegel I picked up a book of reprints of the golden age of the Man of Tomorrow. This was a very differant Superman, and I enjoyed it. So even though I a still not a superman fan, I do have a love for his first bygone era, all because of this book.
      Also Bob Kane may have wet the bed in High school and ran up a level of geekittude That both Jerry Siegel and Peter Parker could barely conceive, I wonder if the Joker may have had origins in kids laughing at him.


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

      Never, Marge. Never. I can't live the button-down life like you. I want it all: the terrifying lows, the dizzying highs, the creamy middles. Sure, I might offend a few of the bluenoses with my cocky stride and musky odors - oh, I'll never be the darling of the so-called "City Fathers" who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards, and talk about "What's to be done with this Homer Simpson?"

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    8. http://spiderfan.org/comics/reviews/spiderman_amazing/700-b.html

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

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    9. Definitely sounds like a Peter Parker archetype, Jack. But one thing you shouldn't underestimate is the virulent anti-Semitism in America in those days. Looking back from our time, it's hard to realize that, in many places, Jews were looked upon as (to say the very least) second-class citizens. That had to have had a massive impact n Siegel.

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    10. From all you're saying, I'm gong to have to read that book!

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    11. Trust me, I have delusions about the vile nature of antisemitism. And I am sure that it influenced him in some ways, in my mind the idea of needing someone to protect innocent people, as well as the overt social justice angle of early stories was almost certainly in my head coming from the nature of what it was to be a Jew in the 1930's. I think the idea of Judaism is far more present in Siegel's other big name creation... The Spectre.
      I am simply not convinced that Jerry actually sat down decided to create a character to represent the Jewish people. The idea that it was planned that way has been talked about and written about for the past 20-25 years. This is especially pointed out in the W.A.S.P.y name "Clark Kent." Many have pointed out that this is to show the desire of Jews to fit in an hide who they are. However, as I pointed out it came from pulp characters. Also the rocket from Krypton was said to be intentionally a reference to Moses. Now I am not against the idea that it was rattling around in his subconscious, but to say the parallel was made on purpose makes no sense. After all Moses id not become the hero of Egypt, and Superman did not return to Krypton and act as its savior.
      Now, I do think that the antisemitism around him my have pushed his more Peter Parker views upfront. Being unaccepted in a group of people who are unaccepted can not be easy. After all he was certainly not the first geek ever, but when many teenage outcasts now and then seek out groups where they do belong. However most don't have to worry about anyone saying, "NO Jews!" In fact this maybe why a good portion of Jerry's presence in science fiction and pulp fandom was largely done trough self-published magazines by others and mail correspondence. After all there had to gentile fans of the two genres in Cleveland, right? And some of them had to be his age and would like him, right? Of course, but bringing home a friend with a Jewish last name is little harder to explain to close minded parents than a letter. Also, there are plenty of examples of Jews and Gentiles being friends at that time, but in a middle-class part of town, at that time, sure your parents might be okay with it, but what about the neighbors?
      Remember though, it took 5 years to sell Superman. The Character was created when Siegel was 17 years old. It is hard to tell at that point in his life which is more on his mind. And I DO mean hard. I think it is hard to truly place it.

      Also, I hoped you enjoyed that review of your ASM 700 story, I didn't write it, but I did see it while looking for some other comic related info, and thought I shopuld pass on the praise.

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

      P.S. If you were wondering about the Simpsons quote, and didn't think it belonged... you are right. I just feel that there is not enough Simpsons references these days. You can stop pondering and obsessing and having it lead you to the nuthouse.

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    12. I get what you're saying, Jack, and you could very well be right. A seventeen year old kid probably wasn't making a CONSCIOUS effort to write a parable about Judaism. He probably wasn't consciously doing anything but write a cool story about a heroic fantasy figure from another world. When you're a kid, you don't see superheroes as power fantasies, even if they are; you just see them as something cool.

      On another front: I have a friend who grew up in a nice middle-class neighborhood in the midwest in the 50's/60's, decades after the period we're talking about, and the anti-Semitism she experienced was still incredibly intense.

      Re: the Simpsons. Reference away!

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    13. Honestly I never viewed Superheroes as a power fantasy. Even as I got older l could do was see how others could see that, or how why others could use it as a power fantasy. I however never saw it as that, even as a teenager I just saw them as great adventure, and character study that puts works in other mediums to shame.

      And, even I got some antisemitic guff. I say even me because that was not quite as far off as I like to believe, and certainly after the 60's. This is why I remember it being more around me than at me. I could shrug it off, but it does help you realize how much worse it was in the past. Of course, I think I remember a kid 3 years younger than me in my High School Gym class calling me "Christ-Killer." This was odd not only because it was rarely so overt, but also because I am a fairly large man, who is only part Jewish, and at the time felt odd mentioning it often because of that fact. Also, I have fairly WASPy last name. It does seem that stories from the Midwest's tales of middle-class antisemitism range from God Awful to only a few Jackasses. I am however very sorry that your friend had the bad luck of being raised in the God Awful, though I feel that there where probably more in this region (and across the country to be honest) probably because non-antisemitic gentiles just didn't see it.

      A little sad part of History: Henry Ford was the first industrialist to give workers a decent wage, he was also a ravenous antisemite racist, naming the city he built for his black employees Inkster and going on the radio station in I think Dearborn (which he built for the white and is now very ethnically diverse) and read from Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Though I do want to say this, the Ford family now is in no way antisemitic and are apologetic for the transgressions of Henry.

      Now, it seems we are and have been on the same page all along. Though please do correct me if I am wrong, I do truly want that. That being the case, maybe we should stop swapping tales of antisemitism, I feel like it will just make us very sad.

      re:your "re:ing" the Simpsons, you have opened a pandora's box. Here it goes:

      Lenny: Gee Homer, I'd think a guy with two wives would be happy.
      Carl: No, you're thinking of a guy with two KNIVES.
      Moe: (holding a knife straight up with giant grin) I gotta admit, this... this is pretty sweet.

      And that isn't even the best in the vault.

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    14. Yes. Jack, we've gone pretty far afield; but that's what I appreciate about these Creation Point discussions, they can go where they will and they're not limited to comics or tales of (so-called) fantasy. And speaking of POWER fantasies (which you were)...

      I think that these stories ARE power fantasies, but not in the adolescent way that most people see it. I think that, at its best, the superhero myth reminds us of how tall, how strong, how powerful we all really are. That, spiritually, we are giants, capable of changing the world...if we'd only realize it. We walk around thinking we're Clark Kent when in reality that's just a disguise and we're Superman. I'm actually working on a story that plays with that idea.

      And now...off into my day!

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    15. See, I like that. I'm nit sure I ever actually stopped and thought of it like that, but I do like it. Especially given the fact that in the past ten years or so comic companies have given into the idea of going the opposite. For instance, when Peter Parker sold his marriage to Mephisto, an alternate Peter said that in essence people who enjoy escapist fiction do so because life let them down, and they want to make it better. That they were losers. Ex Machina, which I liked, had one or two comic fans being completely delusional and separated from reality. Runaways had a geeky guy completely obsessed with Dagger and staking her. And those are just the ones that pop into my mind. If I ponder on it harder I KNOW more will pour out, really it is just a matter of time. Though I do want to mention one other, The Escapists. In the mid-2000's a book about a fictional golden age team of comic writers. It won a Pulitzer, I am not sure it deserved it, but it was an okay read, and it won it.. After that Dark Horse published a few stories about their fictional creation. Those comics where pretty good. A few years later they did an out and out sequel called The Escapist, about three young people trying to revive the golden age hero. In it there was a line that read something like "Of course it's power fantasies, because we all feel powerless, there are no heroes coming down. We are just sidekicks waiting for some one to save us." It was something like that. When I read that line I was incredibly annoyed. I mean speak for yourself kid. This idea comic writers adopted seemed and still does seem odd. Aside from it being insulting, isn't that your audience? What's more I think it follows Carlos Mencia logic of bullying you into going along with it saying you are to sensitive or P.C.. IO didn't write letters or stop buying (okay Spider-man, but that was for another reason) I just found it somewhat insulting.

      So yes, I like your opinion far more. In fact that loops back into Jerry Siegel, after all wasn't superman the true identity not Clark Kent. Even unconsciously It seems tat idea is the more intentional.

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

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    16. What you're thinking of, Jack, is Michael Chabon's novel, THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY. The story revolved around (among other things) the Golden Age of Comics and the main character created a superhero called The Escapist...and that's the character Dark Horse did the comics about. KAVALIER AND CLAY a fun, interesting book and well worth your time. Never saw the comics.

      In any case, let's remember that we're all Superman, in the very best sense. Up, up and away!

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    17. That is absolutely the book I was thinking of. I am not sure that it deserved a Pulitzer, but I liked it. I felt that it should have filled in a few parts, but over all, yes a nice story. It did suffer from something that IO think many books do that include 2 main characters do, you prefer one character to the other and you constantly want to see that character during the other's story. Another example of this is "The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril," an adventure story about the fictionalized lives of Walter Gibson (Shadow creator) and Lester Dent (Doc Savage's daddy). A very different story, a good story that is for a different read, but it still has that same problem.


      The comics are very good and include a lot of big name talents. One even follows Kavalier and Clay's lead, and after a fun 50's type story reveals the dark origins of the fictional writers story. Esacapists though, the sequel to the original novel, is alright, but I found it a bit weak and trying a little hard to capture Chabon's book instead of Vaughn finding his own voice. I could found out on Amazon for pretty cheap, I would recommend them.

      Interesting fact, a guy at my comic shop says that because of that book he believes Stan Lee is gay, no joke.

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


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    18. Proving that you shouldn't believe everything you hear in a comics shop!

      THE CHINATOWN DEATHCLOUD PERIL sounds like a lot of fun, Jack. Thanks for the recommendation.

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    19. Fun is definitely the right word for it. H.P. Lovecraft even has a cameo... post Morten. Also L. Ron Hubbard, who is not shown in the best light.

      Not trust everything in comic book shop? Oh, you do go on!

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


      Jack

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  6. Happy Day! You'll be back in Baltimore! I had a chance to say hi two(?) years ago when you were there. This time, I can bring my daughter to meet the scribe of Abadazad in person!

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    1. Looking forward to it, Jamie! The Baltimore Con is a special one...and it's always a good time. Keith Giffen and Kevin Maguire will be back, too!

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  7. Hey J.M Happy new 2013, nothing has happened. I was looking at your resume on IMDB, you pretty much have been involved in some of the best cartoons on tv:

    http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0218204/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

    I loved Sym-bionic Titan, although Cartoon Network in Brazil has not aired, strangely, no more than 2 or 3 episodes.

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    1. I really enjoyed working on SYM-BIONIC TITAN, Daniel, and was very sorry that it was canceled. (ADULT SWIM is airing reruns now, I hear.) Felt the same way about THUNDERCATS (which is also airing on ADULT SWIM now).

      I've been very fortunate getting to work on these shows—and other great projects like JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED and BATMAN; BRAVE AND THE BOLD—and I look forward to doing more.

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  8. Last night I read the first issue of The Adventures of Augusta Wind and I thought it was outstanding. I could really relate to Augusta. I, like Augusta, have spent my life searching for the magical and wondrous in this seemingly mundane universe. I eventually found the sense of wonder I was looking for in the form of God. Loving God and being loved by God has improved the quality of my life substantially.
    Great comic book!

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    1. I'm delighted you enjoyed it, William! Yes, it's all about finding "the magical and wondrous in this seemingly mundane universe." (Well said!) And if those themes intrigue you, I suspect (hope!) you'll be pleased with the following issues. Third issue is out now. I'm putting the finishing touches on the final script as we speak and I hope we'll get to do another AUGUSTA mini after this so we can properly finish her story.

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