tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post4686849045970671320..comments2024-03-14T08:38:28.518-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: NEW YORK, NEW YORKUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-85530790357775535472014-11-10T17:08:39.087-05:002014-11-10T17:08:39.087-05:00Only if people twist and turn things to fit your s...Only if people twist and turn things to fit your style. As long as it is just inspiration and not straight up attempting to recreate.<br /><br />JAckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-11885473395849228352014-11-10T09:08:46.445-05:002014-11-10T09:08:46.445-05:00The Tenant years are my favorite, too, Jack. (Alt...The Tenant years are my favorite, too, Jack. (Although I think Matt Smith is a terrific actor.) Haven't seen the new season, either: I'm waiting for it to hit Netflix and Amazon. <br /><br />I understand what you're saying about mega-success. Does that mean if I suddenly become the most successful writer in the world, you'll stop reading my work? : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-20923034341635903252014-11-10T05:26:44.664-05:002014-11-10T05:26:44.664-05:00I was a big fan during the Tennett era (this was b...I was a big fan during the Tennett era (this was back when it was first run on Sci-Fi channel), then while I did like Matt Smith, it became more of a catch up show. I would end up missing the episode and having to catch it later. Just life really, not any hate for Matt Smith (although I do prefer Tennett).<br /><br />I however have seen none of the current Doctor's episodes. I also have no burning desire to do so. I don't hate the idea and I have heard good things, but the recent mega-success has given me a bit of fatigue of the character. It isn't the mass increase of fans compared to those early days (let alone catching the occasional episode on PBS waaaay back in the day), rather it is how much it has seeped. Things like Constantine now seemingly being steered that way simply because he's English, and one of (if not the utmost) favorite comic character the Silver Surfer being written with heavy inspiration from Dr. Who, I find myself annoyed ever more by the mere idea of the Doctor. A shame really. The hazards of mega success in the 21st century.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-75307609262994038042014-11-04T14:28:00.325-05:002014-11-04T14:28:00.325-05:00Exactly!Exactly!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-42535096447895842152014-11-04T14:24:27.713-05:002014-11-04T14:24:27.713-05:00Like a spooky Quantum Leap! There's your pitch...Like a spooky Quantum Leap! There's your pitch. The CW should climb all over that.Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-55370092615158227402014-11-04T13:34:50.569-05:002014-11-04T13:34:50.569-05:00Deadman is perfect for TV. In fact, he should hav...Deadman is perfect for TV. In fact, he should have his own series. You've got the weekly adventure—as he jumps into different bodies and gets involved in different lives—and the overarching plot: Who killed Boston Brand?J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-4167746510437128332014-11-04T13:01:43.203-05:002014-11-04T13:01:43.203-05:00If they use Deadman I am in.If they use Deadman I am in.Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-53800269689293807942014-11-03T17:50:35.586-05:002014-11-03T17:50:35.586-05:00I was just reacting to the concept, Jack, not nece...I was just reacting to the concept, Jack, not necessarily its application to the show. I like the idea of a mystic Doctor Who. (I've become a huge fan of the good Doctor the past few years.)J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-24909446271812511512014-11-03T13:32:42.539-05:002014-11-03T13:32:42.539-05:00I liked the Hellblazer art too, it is just hard to...I liked the Hellblazer art too, it is just hard to forget that he should be smoking with all those images.<br /><br />Zatanna goes back into Hellblazer, sop my guess is she's coming... though probably not until season2 if I had to guess. Somehow though, despite the helmet, I don't think Dr. Fate will show up. I do wonder if perhaps Mrs. Strauss will.<br /><br />As for mystic Dr. Who... why can't anything just be its own thing anymore.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-36554432527869857092014-11-03T09:49:28.926-05:002014-11-03T09:49:28.926-05:00"A mystic Doctor Who"? I kind of like t..."A mystic Doctor Who"? I kind of like that idea! <br /><br />I enjoyed the Hellblazer art. It was a nice nod.<br /><br />But where's Doctor Fate? Where's Zatanna? Where's the Spectre?J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-77198040331892631202014-11-02T15:26:31.682-05:002014-11-02T15:26:31.682-05:00Apparently the reply button isn't working, any...Apparently the reply button isn't working, anyway...<br /><br />I noticed the lack of smoking, part of that however was using old Hellblazer covers for Zed's art.<br /><br />Personally, I hope they abandon the idea of a companion. I feel like it might be the network trying to make him seem like a mystic Dr. Who. All in all a good episode though.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-20733377365267312622014-11-02T10:52:50.466-05:002014-11-02T10:52:50.466-05:00I agree, Jeff: Matt Ryan is pretty much a perfect...I agree, Jeff: Matt Ryan is pretty much a perfect onscreen translation of the comic book Constantine. And I find Zed intriguing. Looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds in the coming weeks...and really looking forward to other DCU supernaturals making appearances. (I really hope they bring in Zatanna.)J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-40791530255431602122014-11-02T08:34:19.341-05:002014-11-02T08:34:19.341-05:00The latest Constantine was much better than the pi...The latest Constantine was much better than the pilot, I thought. Matt Ryan has Constantine completely nailed and the lack of smoking was not even noticed while watching. Zed is a much better companion for him than the woman in the pilot and his journey through America to confront nasty stuff is exactly how he was introduced in Swamp Thing- though he made Swampy do all the work back then.I am pretty fanatical about John and was ready to be very harsh in my assessment but now I'm completely delighted!Jeff Znoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57615718681642138552014-10-28T10:27:56.285-04:002014-10-28T10:27:56.285-04:00I enjoyed Mad Season, Jack. Thanks for sharing th...I enjoyed Mad Season, Jack. Thanks for sharing the music.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-11461298276481942292014-10-28T10:24:56.505-04:002014-10-28T10:24:56.505-04:00Wise words, as always, David.Wise words, as always, David.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-68735555444227034842014-10-28T08:43:01.295-04:002014-10-28T08:43:01.295-04:00I think you're right that there's a bit of...I think you're right that there's a bit of overcorrection involved on network television, Jack. But, as John Mellencamp says, ain't that America? <br /><br />To be honest, our cultural landscape can be oddly schizophrenic. NBC, after all, has no problem dealing heavy doses of the worst humanity has to offer, via shows like LAW AND ORDER and HANNIBAL. I think sometimes they pick a symbolic scapegoat, and I guess smoking's it for now. Like I said, it's an understandable decision, but an odd one when you consider their overall programming scheme. <br /><br />--DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-2370807242400491772014-10-28T06:24:27.028-04:002014-10-28T06:24:27.028-04:00Not really. I mean I enjoy both, and respect each...Not really. I mean I enjoy both, and respect each, however neither Mad Season or Hellblazer crack my top 10 of either medium. That being said, I wouldn't campaign against it either.<br /><br />Silver Surfer Movie with Lisa Marr, that might just make me plotz.<br /><br /><br />Glad you enjoyed the ever Amazing Ms. Marr. She truly is great. And maybe\r that you dug Mad Season, that was unclear. Either way, have fun.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-81542775064291931112014-10-27T19:43:34.980-04:002014-10-27T19:43:34.980-04:00And I liked the Lisa Marr song. Nice stuff.And I liked the Lisa Marr song. Nice stuff.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-47702946823135841612014-10-27T19:38:22.169-04:002014-10-27T19:38:22.169-04:00I get the sense that a Mad Season song in a CONSTA...I get the sense that a Mad Season song in a CONSTANTINE episode would make you very happy.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-53330345239447441382014-10-27T18:34:19.250-04:002014-10-27T18:34:19.250-04:00I'm not advocating bringing back commercials o...I'm not advocating bringing back commercials or blatant kid targeted ads (especially since I ALWAYS found Joe Camel really creepy), however I do think that there was a bit of over-correction. I think that there can and should be a middle ground.<br /><br />Now, to your other point, being told he had to put out his smoke in a diner or before entering a bar, then calling the person or angry crowd "a wanker," or "Nazi bastards!" now that is very John Constantine. What's more you are scratching on the point that we have a character who is top a certain amount, supposed to be unlikable and not caring about other people's views on him.<br /><br />Now enjoy this:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yevvHTWFEZ8<br /><br />and<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G04Izt-AhjY<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-84509023446315728842014-10-27T13:55:37.610-04:002014-10-27T13:55:37.610-04:00I think it's the networks erring on the side ...I think it's the networks erring on the side of caution, Jack—and considering the death and grief smoking has caused in this country, and around the world, I can't fault them for it. (Along with the candy cigarettes, I grew up in a world where the were constant cigarette commercials on television. It was a HUGE deal when the networks finally put an end to that.)<br /><br />All that said, I think a great story dealing with the repercussions of John's smoking could be a very powerful thing. And also, given the non-smoking world we live in, where many—if not most—people don't want to be anywhere near cigarettes, an interesting source of character interplay.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-25171299165001130832014-10-27T13:46:51.157-04:002014-10-27T13:46:51.157-04:00Also, I would imagine that completely getting rid ...Also, I would imagine that completely getting rid of smoking and treating it as something to be avoided at all costs, would play into something teenagers REALLY love... rebellion.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-3280748616418803772014-10-27T13:38:41.217-04:002014-10-27T13:38:41.217-04:00Passing judgement may be unfair, but the topic of ...Passing judgement may be unfair, but the topic of television and movies is interesting.<br /><br />First, yes John did eventually get cancer. In fact it has been called the ultimate anti-smoking story, because while he did become free of it, he had to deal with demons, which most people don't have as an option.<br /><br />Superman smoking I'm not sure encourages. The fact is that more peo0ple smoked back then, so one could argue that it is just being reflective of the world around it. Don't forget captain America himself smoked, and lighting a cigarette was the only reason the original Flash got his powers.<br /><br />The nature of TV and society is an odd one. You mention making smoking look cool, but taking them out on that means is somewhat hypocritical. Hollywood churns out plenty of Pot comedies, drinking and casual sex are viewed on almost every network, with no talk of the consequence, hell AIDS is a joke a lot of the time, I remember when that was an equivalent to cancer in people's minds. The consequences of these, like alcoholism os STDs are viewed as jokes... which is fine.<br /><br />As a casual smoker (very casual, like a pack a month), who knows a lot of people who smoke, it seems very strange to erase it entirely. People smoke. The fact is cigarettes in media don't have to be pro or con, they6 can just be. <br /><br />I recently saw an add on TV saying only 9% of teens smoke, well my question is instead of saying let's eliminate it, why can't we just assume that people know the risks and have made their decision. The fact is that when smokers are portrayed in media, it isn't often just there, or to look cool, or even to show risk, it is to demonize them. Let's get something straight, I am not calling smokers an oppressed minority or anything.<br /><br />Someone at the comic store (a never been a smoker) told me about a list of things on network TY that are more offensive than John smoking, and I think this is it:<br /><br />http://www.hitfix.com/comedy/11-things-on-network-tv-way-more-offensive-than-constantine-smoking<br /><br />Now, as for why people want John smoking, well... it started out as just a trait,, but has become sort of a symbol for his anti-social ways and (here is the important part) self-destructive tendencies.<br /><br />I think until there is no mention of marijuana (even in a joke), it is somewhat hypocritical, and honestly just political, to completely erase cigarettes. <br /><br />It also shows a problem in understanding sometimes, when Marvel got rid of smoking for all of there characters, it just made certain characters seem off. Thing smoking a cigar wasn't missed, but Ben Urich just not having a smoke without any mention of trying to quit was a bit off.<br /><br />Also, let's not forget it's on at 10pm, a time viewed as being viewed as for adults. Are teens watching? Sure, some. I do think it is odd to think that there psyches can handle excessive and graphic talk of rape, murder, and molestation (all things that have been jokes on network TV by the way) but not a guy in the background puffing on tobacco.<br /><br />Whats more, back to John, I think that if you are only concerned about young people wanting to smoke, well I'd say look at the character. Smoking is the least objectionable thing about John. But non of us are concerned with everyone under the age of 20 becoming a self-serving prick (okay maybe more so), which is strange, since it seems behavior would be more likely adopted. But it shouldn't be a concern, and that is why it isn't<br /><br />Jack<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-60124382993427861012014-10-27T12:41:25.580-04:002014-10-27T12:41:25.580-04:00I understand, too. And, of course, we're all ...I understand, too. And, of course, we're all passing judgement based on one episode. Let's see how they handle it from here on in.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-45078441551730650822014-10-27T12:38:32.248-04:002014-10-27T12:38:32.248-04:00It's definitely a slippery slope--if you can&#...It's definitely a slippery slope--if you can't depict smoking of any kind, then you can't address it meaningfully, either. <br /><br />Honestly, I don't give it a second thought most of the time when Wolverine smokes cigars. <br /><br />I don't necessarily think NBC made the right call, but I'm sympathetic to corporations trying to act responsibly (until they slaughter MY sacred cows, that is!). <br /><br />--DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com