tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post6276550548682572530..comments2024-03-24T07:53:37.246-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: THE SECRET HISTORY OF GREENBERG THE VAMPIREUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-90547339282886650792024-03-21T10:31:17.211-04:002024-03-21T10:31:17.211-04:00Glad you were led here and glad you're a fan. ...Glad you were led here and glad you're a fan. FYI: Dark Horse put out a beautiful, hardcover "ultimate" edition of MOONSHADOW in 2019 (with lots of extras). There's a softcover edition coming later this year.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by. Don't be a stranger! J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-47048328389961981612024-03-21T10:11:59.383-04:002024-03-21T10:11:59.383-04:00Wow JM DeMatteis! Was on ebay trying to get my han...Wow JM DeMatteis! Was on ebay trying to get my hands on the moonshadow series, a series I'd forgotten about but as a kid growing up in south east Asia then-- I've always been fascinated to see what it was all about .Then I found out about Greenberg and did a 'review" search on big G and it led me here. And I'm glad it did. It's a pleasure and I'm a fan. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-29732446806126839762015-10-14T11:12:52.215-04:002015-10-14T11:12:52.215-04:00Totally agree. Many times I read a book or see a ...Totally agree. Many times I read a book or see a movie that just isn't in my wheelhouse and yet I can deeply appreciate the craft, and art, that went into its making. <br /><br />I think (hope!) Karen B knows how much she's appreciated and what a massive footprint she left at DC. I'm also sure that there are great things ahead for her.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-6692862208891023512015-10-13T19:36:18.363-04:002015-10-13T19:36:18.363-04:00Glad I could do my little part...but think about i...Glad I could do my little part...but think about it. It. All. Adds. Up.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-12595512815705446412015-10-13T19:15:30.194-04:002015-10-13T19:15:30.194-04:00I absolutely think that is possible to dislike an ...I absolutely think that is possible to dislike an idea, but respect what it is. Partially becaise I just did, but also I don't really segment quality or cut slack based on genre or medium, good is good, what I like is what I like. I also never really see a point in automatically say if I don't like something it is bad, I think this comes from liking things like sci-fi, comics, and so on, which is often looked own on. It is odd considered how much that view comes out in such areas. It is why I have problematic conversations since I agree Neil Gaiman is a talented writer, but his style is hardly my favorite and that Alex Ross is clearly very talented, but the way he draws and the tones and ideas shown don't always strike a chord with me. I don't thin they're bad, I just don't hold them in as personal high regard as others. This is why I would either be the worst or greatest critic ever.<br /><br />Admittedly with a character like the Surfer who I love and has a long history it is a bit strange, but I think I come out sticking to those guns, especially since with one rather big exception (misunderstanding the nature of Silver Surfer and Galactus' relationship) the Silver Surfer's character is mostly pretty good.<br /><br />As for the Vertigo feel, it is great, but with things like John Constantine, irt is a double edged word. The first mainstream John Constantine series was in no way badly written (even f that reworking the origin was a very bad idea in my eyes) but for those who read Hellblazer it was a culture shock for sure. It very well may have caused problems with sales (personally it was all the crossovers that finally got me to drop it rather far down the line though). The point is that everything has a cost. Though in the case of Vertigo, the pros come out very much on top. Next time you talk to your pal Karen Berger, you can tell her there are fans who still love that style and crave it. I actually asked the guys at my local shop to recommend Vertigo stories I may have missed a few months back. She is certainly missed in comic shops. Though I do think (read hope?) the new Vertigo is finally starting to find its legs. However, it isn't the same feel, sadly that is probably a time capsule thing now. You can't say the fans didn't appreciate it and Ms. Berger while it lasted.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57029040817129987652015-10-13T09:26:43.834-04:002015-10-13T09:26:43.834-04:00Thanks for starting my day with a laugh, Jack. Th...Thanks for starting my day with a laugh, Jack. That was brilliant!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-673826808433558962015-10-13T03:43:40.834-04:002015-10-13T03:43:40.834-04:00It all makes perfect sense now. The G in Maynard ...It all makes perfect sense now. The G in Maynard G. Krebs stood for Gilligan. He started going by his middle name as he went into hydro-tourism. Tragedy strikes, he winds up on an island, but eventually gets off. He develops a new fear of "WORK!?" Now it is more of post-traumatic stress endevour, since he was the only survivor. He finds kids similar to his old pals, all of whom had gone there own separate ways.<br /><br />So, here he is, once again in his beatnik ways, only he's out of time and lost because he had missed so much. What's more he is hanging out with kids a good decade younger than him. He then has to hang out with the the dog since he can't relate, and the over-eating everyone thinks is drug related, is actually combating massive depression. <br /><br /><br />It all makes sense.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-74202433332748557142015-10-12T05:57:48.721-04:002015-10-12T05:57:48.721-04:00I did mean 1969. What's more, I'm not sur...I did mean 1969. What's more, I'm not sure that line is so thin.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-71988891232971813042015-10-10T07:38:22.775-04:002015-10-10T07:38:22.775-04:00I think you meant 1969, not 1996!
My understandin...I think you meant 1969, not 1996!<br /><br />My understanding is that the entire Scooby cast was based on the cast of the old 60's sitcom DOBIE GILLIS, with Shaggy being based on Maynard G. Krebs, Beatnik Supreme. (Played by Gilligan himself, Bob Denver.)<br />There's a thin line between beatnik and 60's hippie and a current-day hipster. That said, I think they just wanted their version of Maynard and, being a cartoon character, he's stayed that way. And he's stayed that way so long that he's no longer a beatnik, he's just Shaggy.<br /><br />Didn't expect a serious answer to that one, did you?J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-31568206402270071272015-10-10T03:01:59.279-04:002015-10-10T03:01:59.279-04:00Ince you apparently writing Scooby Doo, could youd...Ince you apparently writing Scooby Doo, could youdo me a favor? Expalin why if Shaggy was created in 1996 he is a beatnik, or why in 2015 he's a beatnik.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-82478196153993362822015-10-09T18:16:15.868-04:002015-10-09T18:16:15.868-04:00"I've always BEEN impressed with Dan'..."I've always BEEN impressed with Dan's work." Once again, typing too fast!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-28269176283864529202015-10-09T18:15:49.902-04:002015-10-09T18:15:49.902-04:00I've always impressed with Dan's work, and...I've always impressed with Dan's work, and with the enthusiastic guy BEHIND the work. He clearly loves what he's doing and communicates that enthusiasm in his stories.<br /><br />Re: the Surfer. You bring up an interesting point: Can we dislike the direction a series is taking and yet appreciate the stories on their own terms? <br /><br />By the way: Dan is a MASSIVE Doctor Who fan. But you probably knew that.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-61096918487973679672015-10-09T18:12:38.917-04:002015-10-09T18:12:38.917-04:00"Feel" is the perfect word, Jack.
THE..."Feel" is the perfect word, Jack. <br /><br />THE LAST ONE? Hmmm. Sounds familiar. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, there's a new hardcover edition of that series coming from IDW next year. But don't tell anyone I told you.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-86043705099196881932015-10-09T16:24:49.305-04:002015-10-09T16:24:49.305-04:00Dan Slott has put out some interesting stuff. His...Dan Slott has put out some interesting stuff. His thing series was good. I enjoyed Superior Spider-Man for most of it. I actually thought the Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows mini-series was really good, and am comfortable saying it is the las Spider-Man story ever in my mind (at least for now).<br /><br />As much as I like Mike Allred's art, I can't really get behind the new Surfer series. I am fine with the lighter tone, except when people say ti is the only thing that ever made him a good character, its just when everything comes together (especially a board that communicates by reflection) it just seems like it should be in a Dr. Who comic. It doesn't mena the quality is bad.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-8920423754357370022015-10-09T16:18:30.734-04:002015-10-09T16:18:30.734-04:00House style may not be proper, feel is more like i...House style may not be proper, feel is more like it. It becomes complicated though, since so many of the early British Invasion writers started there and they were coming from there own pool, it may have set a style in the minds of fans which sales reflected or some such.<br /><br />However, if we look at a comic Vertigo put out you probably never heard of, "The Last One," it was very much in line with the writers style, with no feeling that compromise needed to be made. Still, it was a Vertigo book through and through. <br /><br />It was absolutely Karen Berger, I know because the tone and feel changed the month after she stepped down.<br /><br />Like I said, it isn't a bad thing to have that aspect, as long as it is done well, and with balance. Vertigo had that. Hopefully it will again. I'm glad it had that feel.<br /><br /><br />Jack<br /><br />also...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-56984870617852605862015-10-09T08:48:21.561-04:002015-10-09T08:48:21.561-04:00She is indeed, Douglas. And the PERFECT voice for...She is indeed, Douglas. And the PERFECT voice for Velma.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-35255750875368835662015-10-09T08:42:04.168-04:002015-10-09T08:42:04.168-04:00I am going to watch the new Scooby Doo series. Now...I am going to watch the new Scooby Doo series. Now I have two reasons to do so. The other one is Kate Micucci. I watch anything she does. A very talented young lady.Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-29626029209131035692015-10-09T08:34:07.154-04:002015-10-09T08:34:07.154-04:00I don't think Vertigo had a "house style,...I don't think Vertigo had a "house style," Jack—but there was a shared sensibility, because all those projects were chosen by Karen Berger. So her TASTE was reflected in those books, but, in terms of creative expression, there was incredible creative freedom for the writers and artists.<br /><br />That said, an editor with a defining POV can certainly create a distinctive feeling for their line of books. It's rare these days—but Karen was pretty much born with a distinctive POV. As you probably know, we were friends before either of us worked in comics and I opened the door for her at DC. Karen, of course, kept that door open with her vast talent.<br /><br />I'm incredibly proud of what she achieved.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57796531863238732022015-10-09T08:30:00.093-04:002015-10-09T08:30:00.093-04:00These characters keeps changing and, inevitably, r...These characters keeps changing and, inevitably, returning to their roots.<br /><br />I haven't read the new Surfer, but I do have great respect for Dan Slott, a terrific writer. And, yes, I've heard that it's become very Dr. Who-ish.<br /><br />In many (most?) ways. Karen Berger WAS Vertigo, so I can understand the difficulties the imprint may be having finding a new identity. J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-90936283073280893912015-10-09T08:26:48.276-04:002015-10-09T08:26:48.276-04:00I think JL DARK could make a fantastic movie. Loo...I think JL DARK could make a fantastic movie. Looking forward to that one (although I suspect we have quite a wait). <br /><br />I don't think I've read more than one or two Vampirella stories in my life, if that much, so I have no take to offer.<br /><br />Heard about the new JL cartoon. Very curious about it. Meanwhile, everyone should be watching BE COOL, SCOOBY DOO! on Cartoon Network. I'm working on my fifth episode right now.<br /><br />And that concludes our morning plug!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-69451348542762420752015-10-09T07:35:27.573-04:002015-10-09T07:35:27.573-04:00I won't be heading to a comic store until next...I won't be heading to a comic store until next Friday, but I am curious on the new Dr. Strange as well as many other new titles coming out. I would be interested in what your take on Vampirella would have been. Also, Cartoon Network confirmed the new Justice League cartoon and Justice League Dark is still going to be made. <br />It's a pretty good FRiday.Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-43894848000338600672015-10-09T06:35:55.750-04:002015-10-09T06:35:55.750-04:00Also, (assuming my first post went through) I'...Also, (assuming my first post went through) I'm not sure Vertigo belongs in the category of the rest. The Warren Publications, Star*Reach, Eclipse, First, and even Epic were like the wild west of writing comics. There seemed to be fewer rules. It was a scattershot of styles, voices ad concepts with often only the slightest necessity of say Sci-Fi or Fantasy binding them together.<br /><br />In many ways I think Epic was specifically to compete with Eclipse and First. Much like the tabloid sized magazines Marvel did in the 70s were inspired by the likes of Creepy and Eerie. As such a similar practice seemed to be introduced.<br /><br />Vertigo on the other hand was more like the first of the new. here was a feel that seemed to have to be there in Vertigo books. I don'yt know if that makes sense to you, but you could bring me a comic without a cover, that I never read from Vertigo in its prime, and I could tell you if it was or was not a Vertigo comic.<br /><br />That idea has been adopted by (or perhaps simply produced under similar circumstances) by Image, Dark Horse, Slave Labor Graphics, you name it. They all have their in house styles now. I isn't bad, and to an extent it has always been there, albeit before 1990 it was due to a smaller creative pool.<br /><br />Its just that those wild west days are seemingly over. It isn't good, nor necessarily bad. It is a loss though. To be fair though, all of our culture has gotten like that, more compartmentalized and strategic. It is just more visible in comics because it had a giant growth spurt that most creative systems don't<br /><br /><br />So, I hope your proud of yourself for killing that.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-2680547627045828482015-10-08T19:58:52.694-04:002015-10-08T19:58:52.694-04:00Whether Vertigo is going is a complicated issue. ...Whether Vertigo is going is a complicated issue. Yes Vertigo exists, but since Berger left it is not quite the same. Vertigo always had a feel to it, if you catch my drift. I think they are trying to figure out how to recapture it or how to find a new one. So... complicated.<br /><br />As for Epic, it was a delayed reaction. I personally feel that part of the fall was that it was a mash-up of ideas, where as Vertigo always felt more united in that theme. And I'm not sure you didn't cause that.<br /><br />Eclipse. The link between the commerciality of modern "indie" books/ mainstream books and the more subversive and weird ideas of 70s Creepy, Eerie, and Star*reach(if you've never read Starlin's work in the first two issues, do) and the many small press comics of the 80s. Is till think there is a way to pin it on you though.<br /><br />As for Doc... as a long term fan, it was rough. No axe in the first double sized issue, but it was odd. They are going back to the early days of the character, and I mean early, where people come to him with problems. Which I actually found refreshing. It was a fairly under utilized idea after 1970, for sure... Hell, after Eternity made his appearance.<br /><br />However, saying that he thought a demoness "digs him" and being called a dog by scarlet witch (who he talks to with a gang of mystic pals at a mystic bar) does not seem right for the character. I don't remember a whole lot of women in Doc's life aside from Clea, especially enough to justify him saying that there is just as likely of a chance an ex would kill him as Dormammu.<br /><br />It is only 1 issue in, but it does seem like my fears of him being severely de-aged in one way or another were justified. However, since he is one of my top 5 guys, and I'm an addict I will keep buying. Hopefully it will even out.<br /><br />However; I also don't like the current Silver Surfer series (another top 5 addiction). It feels too much like Dr. Who, taking away a bit of what made the Surfer special. And people seem to like that book just fine. So either my opinion doesn't matter since I'm so out of sync, or people are fine with characters being changed as long as they are fringe characters they never really read.<br /><br /><br />Jack Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-23759730515806846942015-10-08T19:28:38.876-04:002015-10-08T19:28:38.876-04:00Never wrote for Eclipse, so you can't pin that...Never wrote for Eclipse, so you can't pin that one on me. And Epic folded some years after I was done with MOON and BLOOD, so I think I'm clear on that one, too!<br /><br />I was part of the Vertigo launch and they're still going, so do I get points for that?<br /><br />Let me know how DOC #1 is, if you read it.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-84977361539647141172015-10-08T19:18:44.661-04:002015-10-08T19:18:44.661-04:00So, you're the one who casued Warren to come c...So, you're the one who casued Warren to come crashing down, effectively killing Spirit reprints, creepy, and Eerie.<br /><br />Did you take down Eclipse too, thus bringing indie books to the less weird subversive state they are at now. Come to think of it, you wrote for epic too. How many inde (or inde-ish) companies will you destroy? <br /><br /><br />Also, Dr. Strange 1 came out yesterday.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com