tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post350497657640397582..comments2024-03-24T07:53:37.246-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: VILLAINSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-85974351963805215132013-08-19T18:19:30.767-04:002013-08-19T18:19:30.767-04:00I agree that having MJ be a supermodel or a huge s...I agree that having MJ be a supermodel or a huge star works against the essence of Peter Parker. I never saw her that way (maybe I just blocked those stories out of my mind.) To me, she was an independent woman, struggling to make it. It was their love and devotion that made the relationship for me. But, even there, I understand why some people didn't buy it. They want their Peter Parker hapless and unlucky in love. And it's a valid viewpoint.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-2929758487734123932013-08-09T07:41:08.248-04:002013-08-09T07:41:08.248-04:00The Romance one brings up another interesting poin...The Romance one brings up another interesting point. They talk about the marriage issue being problematic for sexually frustrated teenagers. But how does him cycling through women not propose an equal or worse level of resentment? For that matter, wouldn't having Peter trapped in perpetual exile from the feminine nation not make them feel, just sort of depressed about it? I feel if you are using that as your barometer than there is no real 100% win. Just me though. I liked Pete and MJ together... though admittedly I do think it was better when she was no longer a supermodel, and was not a HUGE star. And the Parker luck took a BIT of the success away to make it a more accessible relationship.<br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />Jack<br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-1543422036734727662013-08-06T09:33:53.582-04:002013-08-06T09:33:53.582-04:00Not a mess at all, Rick. You pose fascinating que...Not a mess at all, Rick. You pose fascinating questions...exactly the kinds of questions I intend to explore in PHANTOM STRANGER. In my mind, there's MUCH to PS than people realize...and his role in the DCU is much bigger.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-11514546950732263612013-08-06T09:29:47.478-04:002013-08-06T09:29:47.478-04:00Once again, I totally agree. Jack. When I wrote t...Once again, I totally agree. Jack. When I wrote the Green Lantern episode of BRAVE AND THE BOLD, they told me to think Sinatra. So you're absolutely on the right wavelength.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-83155541759025103452013-08-06T09:28:27.031-04:002013-08-06T09:28:27.031-04:00Martian Manhunter and Marvin the Martian? I'm...Martian Manhunter and Marvin the Martian? I'm IN!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-82316514312336091722013-08-06T09:27:11.901-04:002013-08-06T09:27:11.901-04:00TOTALLY agree on the Dylan-Green Arrow connection,...TOTALLY agree on the Dylan-Green Arrow connection, Jack. I miss that version of GA.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-43383084982660083642013-08-05T18:58:13.576-04:002013-08-05T18:58:13.576-04:00You can skip my last comment. It was a disorganize...You can skip my last comment. It was a disorganized mess. Long day.<br /><br />Nice going on the USA Today article. Hope sales shoot up. <br /><br />RickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-54784462069957022512013-08-05T18:24:44.294-04:002013-08-05T18:24:44.294-04:00From USA Today (as you know):"Maybe the sins ...From USA Today (as you know):"Maybe the sins the Stranger has committed aren't sins at all. Maybe they've been part of a larger plan," DeMatteis says. "For the past 2,000 years, the Phantom Stranger has worn the cloak of a villain, perhaps the most despised villain in all of history. Could that portrayal be completely wrong? I'm not saying that's how it will play out, but it's certainly an area we'll be exploring."<br /><br />Certainly sounds like our earlier discussion. <br /><br />And, it raises 2 interesting conundrums: (1) when is villainy different from immoral or unethical behavior? (2) And what of poor Sophie in "Sophie's Choice"? When is apparent villainy an actual act of necessity? Is a man a villain if sacrificing a lamb is needed to save the souls of the human race? The second one's been a debate among more than a few Christian theologians over the years. The first has been a subtle (or not so subtle) subject of quite a few comic stories over the years. <br /><br />Personally, I think PS would be well served with a giant Slurpee and a trip to the shore. <br /><br />RickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57342175157765881862013-08-05T07:37:59.841-04:002013-08-05T07:37:59.841-04:00I will say this though, Hal Jordan, with all that ...I will say this though, Hal Jordan, with all that west coast, jet age flair... there is your rat pack fan. can't you just see him speeding off in an emerald blaze after defeating Sinestro on Saturday night to catch the last show at the Sands? <br /><br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-86532627161100533712013-08-05T05:42:06.245-04:002013-08-05T05:42:06.245-04:00I still want that Phantom Stranger Daffy Duck stor...I still want that Phantom Stranger Daffy Duck story! Seriously.<br /><br /><br />Fine, what about Martian Manhunter and Marvin the Martian. That could be funny, philisophical, and touching, all in one line!<br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-80350041835509618402013-08-05T05:39:13.367-04:002013-08-05T05:39:13.367-04:00True, the first publisher of National (DC) Comics ...True, the first publisher of National (DC) Comics had heavy mob ties. Some even say he may have done some darker works, besides just being connected. So in a very real way batman exists BECAUSE of Mobsters.<br /><br />As for Frank, well, I think age id play on him a bit, and so did the events of the world. But, hey who can't claim that to be true. In the end, I think Miller just needs an editor to rope him in. I'm sorry, but some people do. Even Ronin, which I like, has some sort of odd things that one might associate more with later Miller. I think that the worst thing to happen to Frank Miller for me, was that he became big and publishers sort of stopped questioning him. Talent is great, but you need to be able to focus it properly, and some can, and some need someone else to do the focusing. Honestly, whether I agree with Frank Miller's politics should be irrelevant. Robert Heinlein wrote both fairly liberal and fairly conservative biased stories in his life, and while I may not agree with all of his views, I do agree he was a good and entertaining writer. In a very real way Miller is like Ditko. Once he got to do what he wanted he alienated people, not because of what he said, but how. Beyond that, it isn't just politics. I think his work got a bit lazy. His later works, the characters lack depth. And he often takes short cuts to bring people in. All-star Batman is not Miller being crazy, it is his using shock value. And this is very sad because, One of my favorite comics, period, Born Again, was written by this same guy. Maybe Miller is just an example of the difference in climbing for a summit, and reaching it.<br /><br />DEMATTEIS: So, your finally coming around on Guthrie, eh? Excellent. Be honest, it was that clip, wasn't it? Think about everything you remember about Cap, both that you wrote and read, then listen any Guthrie song, really listen. If you still don't think this would be one of Steve's top guys, I'll say why Big Band may make sense. Which i can see a very real reason based on Mr. Rogers.<br /><br />Still don't see Sinatra though. Too much of the pretty boy for Rogers I think. It isn't a lack of talent, but in the beginning it was so much about image, I think that would turn Cap off a bit. I think the 50s Sinatra may appeal to him, but he was frozen for that. Is Rogers a romantic? sure, beyond his pining for the ladies in his life, he also has a very romantic view of the American Dream. And that probably good. But I is so much the down to Earth guy. A what you see is what you get type. Image based acts might not make him loathe them, but probably not draw him all the way in.<br /><br />here is one that can probably (hopefully) be agreed on by all:<br /><br />O'Neil and beyond Green Arrow: Bob Dylan. Probably the later Beatles to. But especially Dylan when he pulled that hard traveling heroes gig.<br /><br />If you have the time: your up Dematteis...<br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-70446129039842166912013-08-04T18:08:32.029-04:002013-08-04T18:08:32.029-04:00Especially mine, David!Especially mine, David!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-81117194084439926092013-08-04T17:51:56.563-04:002013-08-04T17:51:56.563-04:00That would be cool. Maybe a story for LEGENDS OF T...That would be cool. Maybe a story for LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT digital...though I guess there would be problems using likenesses. I'd hate for any legs to get broken on account of that!David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-61200716152770839852013-08-04T17:37:29.702-04:002013-08-04T17:37:29.702-04:00That would be interesting, David. But I'd lov...That would be interesting, David. But I'd love to see Batman in the 60's, hanging out with Sinatra's Rat Pack. Frank, Sammy, Dean, Joey, Peter...and Bruce!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-90981625070808079942013-08-04T17:33:52.995-04:002013-08-04T17:33:52.995-04:00JMD,
Judas meets Daffy Duck too weird? Then I sup...JMD,<br /><br />Judas meets Daffy Duck too weird? Then I suppose I'll hold off on pitching my Greenberg the Vampire/ Delilah / Minnie Mouse love triangle...:)<br /><br />Jack, <br /><br />Frank Miller is a lot like Jack Kirby in that his work splits several different directions, each with its own passionate fanbase. <br /><br />There's his 1980s solo superhero work (first DD run, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS). <br /><br />The superhero collaborations with Mazuchelli (BORN AGAIN, BATMAN: YEAR ONE) and Romita, Jr. (THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR). <br /><br />His solo crime noir work (SIN CITY) and independent superhero stuff (HOLY TERROR, with a character who stands in for the role Batman was originally to take). <br /><br />And then there's his later superhero stuff (DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN and ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN). <br /><br />I think he's a lot like Jack Kirby in that respect, as you've got people who think he was never as good as when he was with Stan Lee and then others who vastly prefer solo stuff like FOURTH WORLD. So there's several interesting creative phases where fans are either going, "That's not MY Frank Miller!" or "Wow, now he's really cutting loose and creating ART!"<br /><br />I know some have reacted strongly to Miller's politics as of late, but that strikes me as a bit unfair. You go back and look at THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS and he takes shots at people of EVERY political persuasion. People focus on the Reaganism because that's what corrupts Superman, but then you've got Carrie's parents who lament the days when people marched for civil rights while they're smoking pot and ignoring their daughter, or the constant talking heads psycho-babble about Batman's villains being victims of HIS insanity. So it's not as if his 80s stuff was cheerleading liberalism or moderation in the way some people seem to think. <br /><br />My point of departure with his work is less political than tonal. Miller's heroes have always been men of action, people who don't give a damn what society thinks. He just reached a point where that quality was exaggerated until I couldn't relate anymore. When Batman is making Robin eat rats to teach him life lessons, I'm out! (Even though I suspect Miller was being satirical.)<br /><br />I'll defer to everyone else's wisdom on Steve's 30s and 40s musical preferences, as I'm not acquainted with the era. I think he could rock out to some "Empire State of Mind" these days though. <br /><br />I do think a story set in the 30s and 40s where Bruce Wayne interacts with Sinatra has potential. I remember reading somewhere that the comic book format was essentially backed by mobsters. Might be a fun idea to explore. <br /><br />Batman vs. Comic Books! POW!<br /><br /><br /><br />David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-71374688196020479032013-08-04T15:14:04.993-04:002013-08-04T15:14:04.993-04:00How can she tell? They probably feel like the ball...How can she tell? They probably feel like the balloon sleeve shirts. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-29464171805592608512013-08-04T11:58:13.072-04:002013-08-04T11:58:13.072-04:00But she's got an entire closet full of them!But she's got an entire closet full of them!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-21372786902061004862013-08-04T11:45:57.217-04:002013-08-04T11:45:57.217-04:00Looking forward to it.
I know she's blind, b...Looking forward to it. <br /><br />I know she's blind, but I hope she's dumped the bell-bottoms by now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-50508740740825050382013-08-03T18:51:43.232-04:002013-08-03T18:51:43.232-04:00True, true! : )True, true! : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-49647526444658709432013-08-03T18:51:03.277-04:002013-08-03T18:51:03.277-04:00Just checked Wikipedia and the entry says Cap went...Just checked Wikipedia and the entry says Cap went cryonic in April of 1945, so he plenty of time to soak up all that great 40's music and pop culture. <br /><br />Re: Sinatra. I see Young Steve as a romantic, too; I could see him staring at the ceiling, pining for some girl, listening to Dorsey-era Sinatra. If I ever write the character again, though, maybe I can slip in a little Woody G.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-6226083771667924022013-08-03T18:47:06.594-04:002013-08-03T18:47:06.594-04:00Thanks, Rick. I really do hope the show airs in t...Thanks, Rick. I really do hope the show airs in the U.S, one of these days. My own participation aside, it was a truly excellent series.<br /><br />Been doing my Cassandra Craft research and I've got big plans for her...although it might take a while for her to show up!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-21744911696211714082013-08-03T18:08:29.395-04:002013-08-03T18:08:29.395-04:00Yeah, but what could be more important than debati...Yeah, but what could be more important than debating about fictional characters and their views on something as subjective as music?<br /><br /><br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />Jack .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57191904514286495292013-08-03T18:07:03.331-04:002013-08-03T18:07:03.331-04:00I know that Big Band Music exited in the 30s.
I...I know that Big Band Music exited in the 30s. <br /><br />I don't know though. Pre-Cap Steve was always shown as being thoughtful sensitive young man. Does that exclude Big Band? Of course not. I do think that it promotes Guthrie though. And when you factor in his artistic ambitions, and how he veered toward art with story, I would think he would appreciate the story aspect. <br /><br />Besides, can't you just picture Cap singing this to himself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKVnur5DkdI<br /><br />Sinatra I can't see for Steve though. Come on, that was what he would listen to just o pick up a chick. :"oh yeah... yeah I love him. rank Sinatoras is one of my favorites. Oh yeah, yeah Sinatra... that's what I meant."<br />Too much about image for Cap. Hate him? No. But not love.<br /><br />And I think it was in 1945 Cap froze. It slides depending on who is writing. I could swear I saw Steve as Cap on D-Day. And I have a strong feeling I've read captions for his story that said 1945. The only thing for sure is that it was before the invasion of Berlin.<br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />Jack .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-51300499472830965912013-08-03T17:38:04.695-04:002013-08-03T17:38:04.695-04:00I just watched the second of the two episodes you ...I just watched the second of the two episodes you posted, and it really is well done. <br /><br />Comics are intended to draw readers, of course, so when publishers needed over 100,000 in sales of most issues to keep the run alive, it made sense to target a wider audience. Societal taboos aside, neither gay nor married probably fit the demographics.<br /><br />I believe Bulletman was originally dating and then married Bulletgirl in the old Fawcett line, and that was Fawcett's second most popular character(s). Stan Lee would have (or should have) remembered that. Marvel did take the FF marriage much farther, of course.<br /><br />I agree with Jack about the Daredevil run. Terrific stuff. And, I really did like your JL run. It was fun.<br /><br />Really looking forward to seeing Cassandra Craft again. Nice interview. <br /><br />RickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-49240784345967688322013-08-03T17:15:23.980-04:002013-08-03T17:15:23.980-04:00All this from the guy who said he had no time to t...All this from the guy who said he had no time to think about it!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.com