tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post6616738288554317489..comments2024-03-14T08:38:28.518-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: GODS AND MONSTERS: ADDENDUMUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-83783819348825427952015-08-27T11:04:29.636-04:002015-08-27T11:04:29.636-04:00DEAD ZONE is my favorite King, too, Douglas. At l...DEAD ZONE is my favorite King, too, Douglas. At least it was till 11/22/63 came along. I'd say they're tied for first place.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-64287703655348805732015-08-27T10:52:15.405-04:002015-08-27T10:52:15.405-04:00You would be the second person to recommend that b...You would be the second person to recommend that book so I may have to dig it up and read it. Thanks for the recommendation. I did just reread my favorite King book, The Dead Zone. Such a great book. Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-43642162866631850442015-08-27T10:26:39.616-04:002015-08-27T10:26:39.616-04:00I devoured King in the 70's and 80's, Doug...I devoured King in the 70's and 80's, Douglas, then lost track of him. A couple of years ago, intrigued by the premise (I'm a JFK buff), I picked up 11/22/63 and TOTALLY loved it. One of those books you want to start over again as soon as you finish reading it. If you haven't read any SK in a while, 11/22/63 may be your door back in.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-77529618218473039772015-08-27T10:00:30.905-04:002015-08-27T10:00:30.905-04:00I remember when I was one of Stephen King's &#...I remember when I was one of Stephen King's 'Constant Readers'. If he wrote it, I read it. That has fallen by the wayside. I never finished The Dark Tower series and his last book I read was From A Buick 8 and I liked it, but I find the older I get the more older, pulp I read. Old Hard Boiled Crime Novels, The Avenger, stuff like that. And comic books. I will always read comic books. Oh, and books about Templar Knights. That stuff is just fascinating.Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-87357489157172298372015-08-17T17:30:06.571-04:002015-08-17T17:30:06.571-04:00No fault at all, Jack. I was just making a little...No fault at all, Jack. I was just making a little joke.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57881944354298199512015-08-17T17:25:18.277-04:002015-08-17T17:25:18.277-04:00My fault.
JackMy fault.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-65810281553275670142015-08-17T17:09:22.848-04:002015-08-17T17:09:22.848-04:00It was a joke, Jack. You listed Robin Hood after ...It was a joke, Jack. You listed Robin Hood after Dickens and Doyle as if he was a novelist. Just want to be clear about that!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-13098098244095764852015-08-17T17:07:06.208-04:002015-08-17T17:07:06.208-04:00I'm not sure Robin Hood was originally in nove...I'm not sure Robin Hood was originally in novel form.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-50156385438459499422015-08-17T15:13:16.147-04:002015-08-17T15:13:16.147-04:00Great point about Twain, Jack.
I've never r...Great point about Twain, Jack. <br /><br />I've never read any of Robin Hood's novels, but I hear they're great. : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-59538055824242239092015-08-17T06:19:15.698-04:002015-08-17T06:19:15.698-04:00"Pulp? Fine! Let it be pulp! The woods were f..."Pulp? Fine! Let it be pulp! The woods were full of it!,” words written by Stephen King in the book, "IT" when one of the characters sees it written on a story for a class filled with (and taught by) pretentious literati. <br /><br />King is also probably the most popular writer today, and is also undoubtedly pulp. Of those who he claims as as inspiration 2/3 literally wrote for pulps, Matheson and Lovecraft. The previous even has his shadow cast over his on-pulp stories.<br /><br />I knew Vonnegut wrote sci-fi, and while it was a habit he never kicked, I knew that is where he started. I did not however know he was looked down for it though.<br /><br />As for Hitchcock, remember Film Noir literally took a page from pulps for their stories. They along with Hitchcock thrillers, and sci-fi stories are largely all that are remembered from 50s Hollywood, the era when Movies seem to be dying. There IS a reason for that.<br /><br />Remember the man considered THE greatest American Author, Mark Twain wrote a detective novel, one about time travel, and a tale of a prince and a pauper whose plot has been used in every comic and soap opera that lasts more than a few years.<br /><br />Pulp lasts because you have to know about people, you can't get a way with just regurgitating life as you see it with some observations and opinions. You also have to know how to make it interesting.<br /><br />The real question is why is pulp a dirty concept? Do people hate themselves for seeing greatness in something they may have as a child or adolescence? Sort of a fear that we haven't grown as much as we would like top believe? IS it a cycle of authority figures in pour youth drilling in what is and isn't good? In this country is it because we are young and want to prove ourselves? <br /><br />How far back does this cycle go, and is it all related? Shakespeare and theater at large were despised, but what about after that? Twain and Dickens were beloved, but was Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle looked down on in his time? Or Robin Hood?<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-67843527963678610912015-08-14T09:30:18.030-04:002015-08-14T09:30:18.030-04:00Many of Vonnegut's early short stories were so...Many of Vonnegut's early short stories were sold to s/f magazines and he was often labeled, and looked down on. as a science fiction writer till SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE.<br /><br />Yesterday was Alfred Hitchcock's birthday and if you look at his incredible array of classic movies, many, if not most, of them could be labelled as pulp.<br /><br />"Pulp is power." I like that.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-57552548616797145882015-08-13T05:46:35.299-04:002015-08-13T05:46:35.299-04:00Its strange, all the things people remember and la...Its strange, all the things people remember and last forever are at least somewhat pulpy. Yet, there are still people who look down on it. Even Kurt Vonnegut, who some claim was one of the 20th century's greatest authors, had a fair amount of pulp in his stories.<br /><br />They say Shakespeare was the greatest writer of all time, with his tales with witches, ghosts, murder plots, sword fights, back-stabbing, and vengeance. Yeah, nothing pulpy or comic-booky there.<br /><br />It is even true among less commonly pulp thought styles. Books like Peyton Place and The Dollanganger Saga books are not that far removed from the pulps and comics aimed at girls in the 20-70s, and they had a scandal where they were called trash, and they still get devoted followers to this day.<br /><br />Pulp is power, and some people just hate that. Its sad that they hare seemingly doomed to lose...sad for them at least. <br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-47470113081387798702015-08-12T11:32:30.202-04:002015-08-12T11:32:30.202-04:00Agreed!Agreed!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-66186529658445190612015-08-11T17:57:19.964-04:002015-08-11T17:57:19.964-04:00That is true for more than just these characters, ...That is true for more than just these characters, it is all icon, that is what makes them icons. They have a basic concept that is easy to grasp and a complexity that allows more depth and interpretation. Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, King Arthur, Frankenstein, Paul Bunyan, Ebenezer Scrooge, and countless others have the same strengths.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-75639887451427122922015-08-06T16:19:13.162-04:002015-08-06T16:19:13.162-04:00What's fascinating about these characters is t...What's fascinating about these characters is that they can be interpreted in many ways and yet, if done right, there's a core that remains the same.<br />Guess that's why they've lasted so long.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-30662542824590478372015-08-06T15:40:59.485-04:002015-08-06T15:40:59.485-04:00There is no place for decency or genuine heroism i...There is no place for decency or genuine heroism in a post-Watchmen world, heroes can only be driven by psychological damage, illness, or trauma that completely dominates the world. A mature world has n need for characters with values, honor, humanity, or characterization other than angst, That's kid stuff, come on Dematteis... you know this.<br /><br />One thing that bugs me about Superman, that people seem to want to change that is far more essential to the character than people give it credit for... that should really be able to see, but people keep trying to say is nonsense, and it is only tradition is...<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-86039081862052217662015-08-06T14:44:26.632-04:002015-08-06T14:44:26.632-04:00There was a Justice League story where a demon alt...There was a Justice League story where a demon altered time to show that Bruce Wayne got the crooks gun and killed him. He became Paladin, not Batman and just shot every bad guy he encountered. I thought that was an interesting take as it eliminates Batman's rogue gallery entirely. No villain ever made a second appearance. I think it was a Dwayne McDuffie story.Douglas A. Waltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312801885609153510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-76618782517041949242015-08-05T13:24:16.312-04:002015-08-05T13:24:16.312-04:00And there's also an interpretation of Batman w...And there's also an interpretation of Batman where the death of his parents was the motivating factor, but one that he's made (relative) peace with. He's not driven by some neurotic need to work out the trauma of his childhood, he's driven by a sense of human decency and genuine heroism.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-70641235538116825902015-08-04T06:29:16.991-04:002015-08-04T06:29:16.991-04:00"Now listen Clark,! This Great Strength of y..."Now listen Clark,! This Great Strength of yours--you've got to hide it from people or they'll be scared of you"<br />"But when the time comes you must assist humanity.<br /><br />six panels later<br /><br />The passing away of his foster-parents greatly grieved Clark Kent. But it strengthened a determination that had been growing in his mind<br />Clark Decided he must turn his titanic strength into channels that would benefit mankind...<br /><br />-from Superman #1, 1939<br /><br />Superman is often portrayed as naive. Part of this is because of the Silver age, part ids that many fans discovered him when small and connect him to those feelings of being very young. Personally, I think it would be best to have him be like Captain America. Understanding that some people are bad, that evil does exist, and fulling understanding the darker aspects of life... but, refusing to let it corrupt his belief in redemption, justice, humanity, and honor.<br /><br /><br />Also, depending on the writer, it can seem like Bruce is less concerned about the loss of his parent and more on the fact that they were taken.<br /><br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-66812898726445877632015-08-02T17:18:02.625-04:002015-08-02T17:18:02.625-04:00I recommend it. Joe Kelly crafts an interesting s...I recommend it. Joe Kelly crafts an interesting story around the idea that there is in fact nothing funny about Truth, Justice, and the American Way. It is almost a western, with the deconstruction inspired heroes calling out Superman.<br /><br />It is actually a testament that although an extra-sized issue, Kelly does in one issue what some might take half a year to tell. Superman's shock at the people agreeing with the new violent villains is great.<br /><br />The film looses some of the gravity and western feel to it, but it is still worth checking out... I would just say that the comic is better.<br /><br />Here is the speech of Superman that explains his world views. It is sort of a spoiler, so I can understand if you don't want to watch it, but I don't think any comic fan could really believe that Superman would sink:<br /><br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKm5otkR2mc<br /><br /><br />While I do believe that Superman would be better with a lower power level, and less naive and more like Captain America (perfectly aware that there are horrible human beings that can't be saved, but unwilling to let them change his view of the world or checker his nobility) I do think that Justice and The American Way are worth standing up for, and Joe Kelly hit that nail on the head.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-14095336333811927102015-07-30T13:09:12.902-04:002015-07-30T13:09:12.902-04:00Nope, never read the comic or saw the adaptation. ...Nope, never read the comic or saw the adaptation. Sounds like I should check it out!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-10030474762516335092015-07-20T06:53:17.903-04:002015-07-20T06:53:17.903-04:00Thanks for the compliment, though I was hoping to ...Thanks for the compliment, though I was hoping to get your views on some of my other points, but whatever.<br /><br />Just remember Superman's true weakness isn't Superman, it's personal entropy. He's all about his relationships. He came to Earth because of parental sense of sacrifice, he became who he is because of the Kents, and he remains grounded because of Lois, Perry, and Jimmy. For all of Grant Morrison's talk of Super-Gods, he (and the rest) are as far a cry from gods as you can get.<br /><br /><br />I have some more thoughts on the matter, or at least some expansions.<br /><br />As for your point on finding the balance between idea and human, have you ever read "What's so Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?" or seen the animated film (Superman vs. the Elite) based off of it?<br /><br /> Its a nice balance between the idea of what superman, and the man.who is living up to it and his place in the world. <br /><br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-73042358486323383102015-07-19T20:40:31.414-04:002015-07-19T20:40:31.414-04:00"If you want a real smart contradiction betwe..."If you want a real smart contradiction between the two, that has never been done, with potential for deep insight in both characters and people as a whole it's the fact that Batman is defined by the death of his biological parents where as Superman is defined by the LIFE of his adopted ones."<br /><br />Pretty damn insightful, Jack. You're a wise man!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-85994385509215746142015-07-19T04:16:36.404-04:002015-07-19T04:16:36.404-04:00Which part is true?
Also, don't forget how ...Which part is true? <br /><br />Also, don't forget how human and compelling Tim Daly's Superman was.<br /><br />Personally, I agree with John Byrne. John Byrne has said a lot about comics. Some good, some strange, and I certainly disagree with his choice to have little Kal-El be a combination of genetic material who was never actually seen by his biological parents. I do however agree about something, he would think of himself as human... not Kryptonian.<br /><br />This is why Wonder Woman calling him Kal bugs me. The name would have no meaning to him. People get so focused on him being an alien they forget what else he is... an adoptee (which by the way would mean he is a legal citizen).<br /><br />Adopted children are often curious about where they came from, (except in some cases where they can never know and they dive into the history of the adopted family to feel normal, people are fascinating right?) but they almost always still view their adopted parents as their true parents.<br /><br />He think the idea that he has to otherworldly is left over from the attempts to Silver Age where they wanted to flesh out the mythology of Krypton. Conversely, I think the idea that he has to be at war with himself and feeling alienated because of his powers (no pun intended) is a way to just do a quick fix to make him like other popular characters i.e. Batman or Marvel as a whole. However that has the same misconception .about adoption. <br /><br />There is quite a bit of work in making a sharp contrast between Batman and Superman. It is often along the lines of alien/human or power/non-powered or optimistic/pessimistic. If you want a real smart contradiction between the two, that has never been done, with potential for deep insight in both characters and people as a whole it's the fact that Batman is defined by the death of his biological parents where as Superman is defined by the LIFE of his adopted ones.<br /><br />and despite what this might sound like, I am not against the idea of Superman stories about him feeling lost or alone for being an alien. Just as long as what I mentioned is not forgotten.<br /><br />Jack Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-50389003375502330392015-07-18T10:59:43.035-04:002015-07-18T10:59:43.035-04:00That's certainly true, Jack!That's certainly true, Jack!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.com