tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post2238446558127587869..comments2024-03-14T08:38:28.518-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: A REMINDERUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-63433655814043681332017-02-28T10:23:52.445-05:002017-02-28T10:23:52.445-05:00Thanks. I'd love to reunite with Liam on a pr...Thanks. I'd love to reunite with Liam on a project. One of my favorite collaborators.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-66668724576786717542017-02-28T08:13:54.038-05:002017-02-28T08:13:54.038-05:00I have been amazed by the Rebirth of Wonder Woman....I have been amazed by the Rebirth of Wonder Woman. Such a great book, one of my favorites from the new Rebirth along with The Flash. Your Man-Thing is the only non-Gerber Man-Thing that I like. I would have read it for years. Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-51412303607811478912017-02-28T07:49:18.768-05:002017-02-28T07:49:18.768-05:00MAN-THING was one of my all-time favorite gigs at ...MAN-THING was one of my all-time favorite gigs at Marvel. Working with Liam Sharp (who's currently doing such outstanding work on WONDER WOMAN) was a dream and we were really hitting our stride when the book was cancelled. Actually, it was cancelled several times (long story). But we could have gone on for years.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-31161253822214151322017-02-28T06:49:30.637-05:002017-02-28T06:49:30.637-05:00I have that series so maybe I'll go back and r...I have that series so maybe I'll go back and reread that before I head back into the Annual again. Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-45251809577199001012017-02-27T15:45:08.053-05:002017-02-27T15:45:08.053-05:00I'm glad the story made a modicum of sense, Do...I'm glad the story made a modicum of sense, Douglas, since it tied in to some MAN-THING stories (growing out of the series that I'd done with Liam Sharp) that we thought were going to see print, but never made it out into the world. I've always been frustrated by that. There were other frustrations with that particular story, so the fact that you enjoyed it makes me very happy.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-47716686687058186782017-02-27T11:25:10.822-05:002017-02-27T11:25:10.822-05:00My local comic book store had an anniversary celeb...My local comic book store had an anniversary celebration this weekend. They have been around for 34 years. They brought back the 25 cent bin and a lot of boxes full of wonderful things. One of those happened to be a 1999 Annual of Peter Parker, Spider-Man written by J.M. DeMatteis. Talk about a dense story! It was wonderful and the trippy artwork was magnificent. I will have to read it a couple of more times to truly absorb it. Probably one of my favorite finds in that trip to the comic book store. Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-9833920861670539412017-02-26T09:44:01.172-05:002017-02-26T09:44:01.172-05:00You're the same height as Shooter?! Wow.You're the same height as Shooter?! Wow.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-20623959161204764602017-02-26T09:22:19.623-05:002017-02-26T09:22:19.623-05:00That's J.M. Dematteis for you, always defendin...That's J.M. Dematteis for you, always defending prostitution. Is that how I want to say that? Eh. What is the worst way that could be interpreted?<br /><br />I have it in his handwriting and everything.<br /><br />Upon getting that info yesterday, I also found out that he and I are the same height. So... I guess I should be running Marvel!<br /><br />I can't speak for every experience, but he is surely a very nice man to his fans.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-85808497166899128802017-02-26T09:16:46.967-05:002017-02-26T09:16:46.967-05:00I suspect they evolved simultaneously! : )I suspect they evolved simultaneously! : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-2118931033703980242017-02-26T09:09:37.810-05:002017-02-26T09:09:37.810-05:00But I still don't think that is all of it. I ...But I still don't think that is all of it. I think there is a more universal angle, that goes beyond this region.<br /><br />I am no big fan of Roseanne, but I remember a joke she made about her father wearing a cowboy belt with a star of David on it, and that she was Jewish 3 days a week, and Mormon three days a week, when she lived in Utah.<br /><br />Now, have you ever noticed that in subsets of American life, Jews are often disproportionately pushing for communal senses? Not disproportionately a pert of them, just pushing to make it a thing.<br /><br />Look at geek culture. Fandom (true fandom, not watch a couple movies and buy a shirt) is spread out across backgrounds. But Jews disproportionately but together fan shows and in the old days published and wrote to fan-zines. <br /><br />Music scenes are the same too, fro jazz to... whatever the kids are listening to. The fandom isn't unique, the passion isn't, but the pushing is.<br /><br />I think region doesn't matter as much as the Jewish people in America, for the most part, have hyper-assimilated, and continue to do so. They have staked a claim for there part of America, an d we share with everyone sales no problem, but we won't give up ours, or take it for granted<br /><br />IN Detroit, every year we light a Menorah downtown, here is proof http://blog.thedetroithub.com/2014/12/16/menorah-in-the-d-lights-up-tonight-in-campus-martius-has-a-message-of-hope-and-light-for-detroit/.<br /><br />To be fair we are not the only ones that do nit, but that just proves my point.<br /><br />There are stereotypes about Jews not liking the outdoors or being good with our hands. That is more a stereotype of the Northeast here.<br /><br />Jews can fix things, and I often see Stars of David on cars at the state park.<br /><br /><br />Jews around here are almost painfully more Midwestern then gentiles. Very close families (often times including geographically)I think that is a Midwestern Stereotype, many craft shows at synagogues (having a craft show at a place of worship is pretty Midwest), Jews have disproportionately taken stakes in the Renaissance of Detroit that is going on, they often the stereotypical Midwestern humility a bit far at times.<br /><br />As part Jew and part gentile, I can sort of see it from both sides. Which may give both a clearer view, and a more tilted one.<br /><br />I will add hat, often times people will leave a place for somewhere else, and then come back. It isn't unusual, and usually is that unfamiliarity or difference in costs made it difficult get a foot hold. No shame. However the only people I have known to be happy to b e back, and say that it felt more at home have been Jewish. Not all, but still.<br /><br />It seems that the idea is that it is often a Midwertesn (southern, southwestern, Northwester) Jew and not a Jew from the Midwest (just copy and paste), which is often how it at least comes off as the idea from the Northeast. A dichotomy, that seems to at least be presented, if not necessarily real.<br /><br />It seems the Jewish experience in America is somewhat universal (guilt and over-protective mother included) but also varies as much as region to region. Until you... again presumably just present...bit the Northeast. That seems to be whee it separates into being two things apposed to one.<br /><br />This based off my experiences alone, and of course mileage may vary... but perhaps the idea is not who do Jews in the South and Midwest assimilate so much, as why does the Northeast not.<br /><br />Of course, like so many things, my little part of the world may be an aberration. Or me myself for that matter.<br /><br />I do think that there is more facinating road to travel here, but that is just me.<br /><br />The Jewish people in Metro-Detroit are diverse though, just like the country and world outside it are as well. Why? Because the Jewish people are just that, people. You'll find multiple types people in any group large enough, and that will usually fit any mold. These are of course just for surveying and discussion purposes, and should not be made Gospel.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-8989800988167464552017-02-26T09:06:13.660-05:002017-02-26T09:06:13.660-05:00The south and the Midwest. Who would have thought...The south and the Midwest. Who would have thought that the Jewish people would find a place where people are known for there desire to converse and enjoyment of heavy means? Knock me over with a feather.<br /><br />I have seen that clip before, and I think it has baring on this conversation.<br /><br />First, some needed points. The Midwest is complicated, in the sense that there is the Midwest and the true Midwest. The true Midwest comprises Kansas, Nebraska, and the other great plains states. I will be addressing not that, but the part of the Midwest that comprises around teh great lakes (Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Wisonsin and Minnesota). There is much debate, especially even in the states themselves (my self included), given that it is geographically inaccurate, economically the region is more similar to the east (especially industrial parts), and culturally sort of between the two. This is what I will cover, because it is what I am familiar with.<br /><br />second, are facts followed by a belief:<br />Facts: America as a whole there are more Jews in the US than any other country (Canada is second), in this country they have found wider success and acceptance than n any other,<br /><br />Belief: That makes this the home country, not Israel. I have no problem with Israel, I support the country, and I know it is unpopular, but that is my belief. The Jewish home is America<br /><br />That was important, for the discussion.<br /><br />I think that the clip points out the nature of Jewish assimilation as a whole perfectly. There was antisemitism... but there was also acceptance. AS log as there is some form of acceptance, and especially is it is enough to not be a random aberration, it makes assimilation feel possible.<br /><br />Keep in mind that no matter how bad antisemitism might have gotten here at any given point, it was worse in Europe. Still is really bad, actually. <br /><br />So ANY acceptance was a step up, especially that a common trope in antisemitism is "Christ Killer," and in the US many Christian groups helped Jews people become established in America.<br /><br />The strain of antisemitism that was mentioned about the south, here? Complicated.<br /><br />Henry Ford used to go on the radio in Dearborn, and read from Protocols of the Elders of Zion. He also kept Jews from jobs higher than being on the line. This included often times engineers. However, GM and Chrysler had no such qualms.<br /><br />Now, this happened about a hundred years ago, so the effects are hard to know. However, based off of people I have known who were alive then, I would assume that the antisemitism was no worse than the rest of the country at the time. Make of that what you will.<br /><br />AS I eluded to in my joke, there are some similarities between the south and Midwest. Specifically a strong sense of community and... I don't know, neighborliness? <br /><br />Also, a sort of pride and commradery among wring people that is advertised. Not only there, but these two groups like to view it as a banner.<br /><br />Does that mean there is no prejudice? Of course not. That is ridiculous. I do think that once you ARE accepted in it creates an ability to navigate to who you can form the communal bonds. So, you are there and feel at least somewhat more at ease, and less of a need to push back.<br /><br />Now, that exists in all parts of the country... but these to regions make it point, and therefore make it seem like just another part of what it is.<br /><br />continued...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-48022474822153799232017-02-26T06:15:32.127-05:002017-02-26T06:15:32.127-05:00In case yopu ever wondered about Jim Shooter's...In case yopu ever wondered about Jim Shooter's views on story telling, they are as follows...<br /><br />"People say that prostitution is the oldest profession. Baloney!Men were making up outrageous lies long before commerce of any kind was invented. STORYTELLING is the world's oldest profession."<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-25722024283136933392017-02-24T13:27:28.873-05:002017-02-24T13:27:28.873-05:00I have a friend who grew up in the South and the S...I have a friend who grew up in the South and the Southern Jewish experience is yet another spin on Jewish identity.<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgCcP1m_12E<br />J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-72275054599394533442017-02-24T08:48:49.102-05:002017-02-24T08:48:49.102-05:00look, there are some typos in the lyrics, no doubt...look, there are some typos in the lyrics, no doubt. My own fault for typing at that ungodly hour. For instance it should be "Love John Lennon." But whenever you need me to stop by and write the rest of teh lyrics, just let me know.<br /><br />There wee even typos in my Midwestern and Jewish statement. <br /><br />While we're there, my interest is peaked. A little about where your wife is from (my guess is St. Louis). say or don't say on that one. But my really question is, what is a Midwestern type? Besides, obviously, brilliant and devastatingly handsome. <br /><br />There is an interesting conversation to be had one day about Jewish Americans by region, and how they shaped the areas, and how the areas shaped them. Us? Whatever. <br /><br />Its interesting that what the media shows as the common Jewish way of being (Jerry Seinfeld for instance) is probably not what anyone around here expects being Jewish to be (even... less than enlightened people), but some of it is a stereotype of what a New Yorker (regardless of ethnicity) might be like. These existed before Jerry and Woody Allen started trying portray the idea of New York Jews.<br /><br />For that matter, there are Jewish groups around here that have stronger since of Motown pride, an more stereotypical Midwestern ways than many Midwestern gentiles. Not more by numbers, but probably by percentage.<br /><br />But all of this... interesting as it is... is for another time.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-15453912192033375462017-02-23T10:13:53.428-05:002017-02-23T10:13:53.428-05:00I'm married to a midwestern Jew, so I know the...I'm married to a midwestern Jew, so I know there's no exclusivity!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-32823781710460095262017-02-23T09:59:49.464-05:002017-02-23T09:59:49.464-05:00... I'm not sure I like the inferring that Mid...... I'm not sure I like the inferring that Midwestern and Jewish are mutually exclusive. I'm pretty sure we exist. As sure as I can be that anything exists.<br /><br />Even with my partial heritage excluded I'm pretty sure that Farmington Hills, Oak Park, increasingly Downtown Detroit and Royal Oak, Livonia, Redford (after a fashion), Oak Park, the shop owners in The Dexter that got their shops vandalized in the riots, And West Bloomfield... especially West Bloomfield, would argue with that. And that is just the places I can drive to in less than an hour.<br /><br />In fact, isn't your whole carrier based around two Midwestern Jews?<br /><br />This reminds me of when John Oliver made the joke that both Jews and tomatoes are naturally uncomfortable in the upper Midwest. Never mind that 3.7s of those state have major metropolitan areas (Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland). Also, I think Madison and the Twiun cities have decent Jewish populations (one spawned American Icon Bob Dylan), but I try not to paty much attention to those state.<br /><br />also, my grandfather and millions of others in this state grow tomatoes.<br /><br /><br />When do I need to be in New York to write those lyrics.<br /><br /><br />Jack<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-557572253265252392017-02-23T09:39:20.637-05:002017-02-23T09:39:20.637-05:00Yes, Denise was a very Annie Hall/midwestern type ...Yes, Denise was a very Annie Hall/midwestern type (in fact, if you look at the first black and white story, she kind of looks like Diane Keaton). And they're still together. I can guarantee it.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-40682600759304980872017-02-23T09:15:16.301-05:002017-02-23T09:15:16.301-05:00OY: I should clear my schedule and grab a plane ti...OY: I should clear my schedule and grab a plane ticket?<br /><br />OY: Don't quit your day job?<br /><br />or<br /><br />OY: That was to brilliant to allow the project to continue without you. Your in or I walk from Marvel?<br /><br />The point isl, if you haven't tried latkes with strawberry jam., do yourself a favor and do it.<br /><br /><br />Wait, was Greenberg's chick a gentile? I feel like she was? Then a gain they were married in the 80s.... and baby boomers. They could be divorced and he with another.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-56870585385276320612017-02-23T08:53:46.914-05:002017-02-23T08:53:46.914-05:00Never ate there.
Re: your song lyrics. Oy!Never ate there.<br /><br />Re: your song lyrics. Oy!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-82390008280246342462017-02-23T08:04:18.808-05:002017-02-23T08:04:18.808-05:00Harold H. Harold (a character often compared to Wo...Harold H. Harold (a character often compared to Woody Allen, and a pulp horror writer) became a vampire at one point during the original run. <br /><br />No one is saying it can't be a musical.<br /><br />Lyrics could be as he serenades his wife...<br /><br />Now I say, "my sweet seniora<br />Please pass the menorah."<br /><br />Though you make a great lat-ka<br />Especially for a shik-sa<br /><br />My tastes fall less for jewish deicasy<br />as than for blood...type AB<br /><br />So long a go do we first date.<br />I longed for a mate<br /><br />I prayed we would be blissfully wed<br />as a so casually said<br /><br />I don't care how hard he hit his wife<br />I will live John Lennon for life.<br /><br />now that I walk as the undead, it is still true <br />though I will never do that to whom I love true<br /><br />Was Kosher King any good?<br /><br />Jack<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-34452037538146742132017-02-22T17:24:20.850-05:002017-02-22T17:24:20.850-05:00Yes, Kosher King was a real thing.
Was Harold H. ...Yes, Kosher King was a real thing.<br /><br />Was Harold H. Harold a vampire? It's been a long time since I read TOD, so I remember Harold (I can see him in my mind) but not what his role was.<br /><br />I do think GREENBERG was unique in tone and culture. The original idea was to kind of meld a Woody Allen movie with a Stephen King novel. And I think it would adapt nicely to television.<br /><br />And I want the Hanukkah Special to be a musical.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-73684011182263912372017-02-22T15:44:54.442-05:002017-02-22T15:44:54.442-05:00Wait, is that true about Kosher King? Was that a ...Wait, is that true about Kosher King? Was that a real chain?<br /><br />As for the first attempt to look at vampires through a human lens, I looked up when Anne Rice's first book came out, and it was 1973. I've never been a big reader of hers, but isn't that her whole thing?<br /><br />Also, wasn't that what Harold H. Harold from T.O.D. was. Wait, was Greenberg originally a Harold H. Harold story? God, what a great series that was.<br /><br />Plus. even though they were monsters and killers, I am pretty sure there were some EC and/or Creep comics that showed Vampire living within contemporary life.<br /><br />Also, I assume the Vampires in Salem's Lot behave much the same way everyone in Maine does. I've never been there... but it seems like they would fit in well.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-77682638107613659852017-02-22T10:17:35.881-05:002017-02-22T10:17:35.881-05:00You, sir, are an amusing fellow.You, sir, are an amusing fellow.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-44011847193074262522017-02-22T10:16:11.019-05:002017-02-22T10:16:11.019-05:00The key to retaining valuable information is to ig...The key to retaining valuable information is to ignore unimportant details--like what day of the week the garbage gets picked up, or when you're required to use a turn signal. Now if you'll excuse me, the guy in the other lane won't stop honking! Sometimes I think social media really is making people more antisocial...<br /><br />--DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-26575287832220332092017-02-22T10:08:52.127-05:002017-02-22T10:08:52.127-05:00You've got a good memory, David! Well, here&#...You've got a good memory, David! Well, here's to our imaginary GREENBERG TV show. May it become reality!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.com