tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post8621524313235212407..comments2024-03-24T07:53:37.246-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: PLOOG, BELL AND THE WATERLOGGED WARLOCKUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-82724058151287567822011-03-31T10:19:29.243-04:002011-03-31T10:19:29.243-04:00All I can suggest, Adam, is periodically scouring ...All I can suggest, Adam, is periodically scouring the net looking for used copies. <br /><br />As for the fourth book: yes, I turned in the completed manuscript but -- beyond some preliminary sketches -- Mike P never really got to work on it because that was when ABADAZAD was put on hold.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-70874528398893113542011-03-30T22:19:51.587-04:002011-03-30T22:19:51.587-04:00Any other thoughts on where I can get the third bo...Any other thoughts on where I can get the third book?<br />I heard the fourth was completed too...never published?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07661628754963501091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-58985155837664760612011-03-08T14:46:23.615-05:002011-03-08T14:46:23.615-05:00I also loved McCoy's scene with his dying fath...I also loved McCoy's scene with his dying father. It was one of the best scenes DeForest Kelley had in all of TREK.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-19788517285442622972011-03-08T12:34:38.682-05:002011-03-08T12:34:38.682-05:00That makes sense. I don't guess one goes to Ho...That makes sense. I don't guess one goes to Hollywood and says, "We don't think this film will make a dime, but we want to give fans the sendoff they deserve."<br /><br />And yes, that was a great line!David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-4320783914785948902011-03-08T12:22:27.093-05:002011-03-08T12:22:27.093-05:00Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.
Re: K...Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.<br /><br />Re: KHAN. I believe Nimoy wanted it to be his send-off, but that didn't apply to TREK or the rest of the cast. They were looking to reboot the franchise...and, boy, did they!<br /><br />Despite its many flaws, there's lots to love in FINAL FRONTIER. "What does God need with a starship?"J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-22537710692031192392011-03-08T12:12:35.984-05:002011-03-08T12:12:35.984-05:00Shatner as villain? That could be cool.
BTW, her...Shatner as villain? That could be cool. <br /><br />BTW, here's the link to the original cameo scene Abrams wrote for Shatner in the first film:<br /><br />http://trekmovie.com/2009/11/23/read-the-star-trek-2009-scene-written-for-william-shatner/<br /><br />Abrams said that Shatner rejected the scene because he wanted a bigger role, so it will be interesting to see where things go from here. <br /><br />I remember reading somewhere that WRATH OF KHAN was originally perceived as a sendoff, given the lackluster response to the first film, which is why Nimoy wanted Spock to die. But things clicked so well on set that Nimoy pushed for a loophole that could bring him back. That could just be hearsay, as I don't have a source! <br /><br />As for FINAL FRONTIER, maybe I'm just reading too much into the title, or the fact that it FELT like a franchise-killer!<br /><br />And yeah, I think BLEEP! might look very different next season. Go with what works, right?David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-41560619017696176172011-03-08T11:53:23.433-05:002011-03-08T11:53:23.433-05:00From what I've read, Shatner's attitude is...From what I've read, Shatner's attitude is, "I'd love to do it, but given my age and Kirk's death in GENERATIONS, I can't see how." You're right about the Nexxus, though: very ripe. Shatner could also play a Mirror Universe Kirk or even Kirk's grandfather. Many possibilities. (Actually, it would be great to have him NOT play Kirk and make him so crazy alien villain.) <br /><br />I don't think WRATH OF KHAN and FINAL FRONTIER were ever viewed as "goodbyes" to the franchise, but the others certainly were.<br /><br />Yes, Jean Smart did a terrific job on BLEEP. It's amazing how the focus shifted in those final episodes...pushing Henry to the periphery. And, with the cliff-hanger season finale, if I was the actor playing Henry, I'd be very, very worried.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-27709053653174093122011-03-07T21:40:54.673-05:002011-03-07T21:40:54.673-05:00BTW, JMD, how'd you feel about the news that S...BTW, JMD, how'd you feel about the news that Shatner wants in on the Abrams Trek sequel? Not sure how they'd fit him in now, but I suppose the Nexxus is ripe with potential. I'm sure you already know this, but Abrams had written a cameo for Shatner in the form of a hologram recording that Kirk Prime gave Spock Prime for his birthday before the events of GENERATIONS.<br /><br />It occurs to me that if Shatner does this film, it will be his something like his fifth "goodbye" to the franchise, since TREKs II, V, VI and GENERATIONS were all presumably his last at the time!<br /><br />It also looks as though BLEEP! MY DAD SAYS agreed with your thoughts on giving Ed a love interest. Not quite Candice Bergen level adversary, but she's worked well for the show.David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-3136310172820397972011-02-22T17:24:38.241-05:002011-02-22T17:24:38.241-05:00The Muth issues were a little "out there,&quo...The Muth issues were a little "out there," but I suspect it's an "out there" you'd appreciate now. And, yes, Garney did an amazing job: he was perfect for the character.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-5513012298139716802011-02-22T17:20:05.850-05:002011-02-22T17:20:05.850-05:00That first arc was the most excited I've ever ...That first arc was the most excited I've ever been about the Silver Surfer. Garney was a perfect fit. I'll have to revisit the Muth issues. They seemed a little too 'out there' at the time, but I've broadened my horizons since then.David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-66345497200419707892011-02-22T17:04:59.677-05:002011-02-22T17:04:59.677-05:00I remember writing the initial outline for the sto...I remember writing the initial outline for the story, David, and feeling totally inspired. Then when the Powers That Be pulled the plug, all the air went out of the balloon. That said, I still enjoyed my SURFER run, especially the issues I did with Ron Garney and Jon J Muth.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-68413900670797801792011-02-22T16:57:19.124-05:002011-02-22T16:57:19.124-05:00That sounds really, really cool.That sounds really, really cool.David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-81304083816438496682011-02-22T16:45:13.984-05:002011-02-22T16:45:13.984-05:00My first big SURFER arc, David, had to do with the...My first big SURFER arc, David, had to do with the death of Galactus: it was a kind of cosmic version of DEAD MAN WALKING, with Galactus seeking the Surfer's forgiveness before he died. (There was more to it than that, of course, but most of it has been lost in the nether ranges of my consciousness.) My editor approved the arc, I started working on it and then the Powers That Be pulled the plug...and things never quite recovered from there.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-22707756918274498192011-02-22T16:28:54.805-05:002011-02-22T16:28:54.805-05:00"Now go re-read SS #3...and you'd better ..."Now go re-read SS #3...and you'd better LOVE it!:)"<br /><br />Done and done. <br /><br />BTW, JMD, I'm curious--what were your long-term plans for the SILVER SURFER...or is is something we might eventually see if circumstances permit?<br /><br />Sounds like you might have some ideas about how to break the mold and take him to the next level.David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-48174737905162191572011-02-22T15:43:35.542-05:002011-02-22T15:43:35.542-05:00COSMIC PUPPETS is one I've read several times,...COSMIC PUPPETS is one I've read several times, Tim. It's deceptively simple...almost like a TWILIGHT ZONE episode...and yet rich with PKD madness and wisdom. It remains a favorite of mine.<br /><br />But UBIK sits at the top of my list.<br /><br />Thanks for checking in, Tim. Always great to hear from you.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-44639887866449304402011-02-22T15:20:08.653-05:002011-02-22T15:20:08.653-05:00Gondry + "Ubik?" Be still my heart! :)
...Gondry + "Ubik?" Be still my heart! :)<br /><br />I still have a special fondness for that novel, because it's the first of PKD's books that I ever read ... and it blew my little teenaged mind, let me tell ya! (I also have a special fondness for "The Cosmic Puppets" & "Galactic Pot-Healer" because of the heavily Jungian material, handled as only PKD could.)<br /><br />Meanwhile, I eagerly await the return of Abadazad in some form or another ... it's bound to happen, I'm sure of it.Tim Lukemannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-6961558808781861482011-02-22T12:33:06.333-05:002011-02-22T12:33:06.333-05:00There was a while there, Jamie, when the prices we...There was a while there, Jamie, when the prices weren't so sky-high. But those days, sadly, are long gone. That said, you never know when a copy will show up at a reasonable price. I'd love to have a few more copies myself!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-80203690203906268342011-02-22T12:29:49.290-05:002011-02-22T12:29:49.290-05:00Ahh....Abadazad number 3: The Holy Grail of my JMD...Ahh....Abadazad number 3: The Holy Grail of my JMD collection. I'm still on the hunt for a copy that won't cost my first born. I may never forgive you for teasing me a couple years back at the Baltimore Comiccon. Your casual mention that it was still available on amazon.co.uk sent me scurrying home only to see the insane prices people were asking. Sigh.....Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03527594995603800234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-20491814027942249172011-02-21T10:56:45.835-05:002011-02-21T10:56:45.835-05:00Glad you enjoyed it, Rob. Now if we can just see ...Glad you enjoyed it, Rob. Now if we can just see some BRAND NEW Ploog/Bell ABADAZAD artwork in the world, we'll all be the better for it!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-5400622731983958382011-02-21T10:54:50.405-05:002011-02-21T10:54:50.405-05:00Insightful analysis, David...as always. Thanks.
...Insightful analysis, David...as always. Thanks.<br /><br />Now go re-read SS #3...and you'd better LOVE it! :)J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-87896760613618602102011-02-20T19:57:12.453-05:002011-02-20T19:57:12.453-05:00Wow, beautiful stuff. DeMatteis and Ploog, yo!Wow, beautiful stuff. DeMatteis and Ploog, yo!rob!https://www.blogger.com/profile/17556471244882205031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-55495174129290151072011-02-19T23:09:50.915-05:002011-02-19T23:09:50.915-05:00I read the first issue of SILVER SURFER again toda...I read the first issue of SILVER SURFER again today, JMD, and here's my thoughts:<br /><br />I enjoyed Norrin Radd's origin immensely. There's a real poetry to a man in a society that has achieved everything conceivable, longing for adventure but not understanding the price he'll pay for that wish. It makes the Surfer's frustration with humanity a double-edged sword, since he always wanted to live in a world that was still striving. <br /><br />And good grief, that John Buscema art is stunning space opera at its finest. <br /><br />I love that John Jameson gets a cameo as the guy the Surfer saves. That dude burns through billion dollar equipment faster than his father goes through a box of cigars!<br /><br />Thinking over the question of whether Surfer works better as a true alien discovering humanity, or a former human rediscovering it, I see what you mean about 'in practice.' I think it comes down to the question of whether you prefer the Surfer as a supporting character or a lead. <br /><br />The Kirby concept makes the Surfer a character akin to Spock or Data, both of whom need to constantly bounce off a fully human cast to make their journey meaningful. But if STAR TREK had become a show where Spock or Data were the sole focus, there would be more pressure to move their story forward faster. <br /><br />Looking back at your SS run, I seem to recall losing interest when Norrin discovered why he'd lost his emotions. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to see the arc resolved. But once that happened, it was like the story was over. Perhaps the same kind of difficulty would have emerged with Kirby's concept. Once the Surfer fully embraced humanity, then what? <br /><br />With Stan's version, there's a core loss that's akin to Peter Parker. With Kirby's, the Surfer only stands to gain--and that's not always good for serial storytelling. <br /><br />At any rate, I look forward to reading more.David Waltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087646905757912129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-1055006823234844002011-02-18T13:05:54.327-05:002011-02-18T13:05:54.327-05:00I only found out the other day, Jack, that THE ADJ...I only found out the other day, Jack, that THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU was based on a Dick short. Makes me want to see it all the more. Bigger and better news than that, though, is the fact that Michel Gondry, who directed ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, is going to direct UBIK (my favorite PKD novel...and, perhaps, the greatest science fiction/metaphysical novels ever). A perfect union of director and material. I'd buy my ticket NOW if I could.<br /><br />You're right: Bill Everett pretty much created the Marvel anti-hero with his 1940's Namor tales. And I was also a big fan of the Sub-Mariner work he did in the 70's. The writing was a little retro -- but pleasantly so -- and the art was absolutely gorgeous. His inking was deliciously rich and textured.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-2704948498179922142011-02-18T12:08:21.355-05:002011-02-18T12:08:21.355-05:00You kow if you became a a super villian you could ...You kow if you became a a super villian you could call yourself DOOM-atteis, just don't get a doctorate or we're in lawsuit territory.<br /><br />And the new PKD movie is :"The adjustment Bureau," which is based on a short story, and next year Disney is releasing "king of the Elves," and surprisingly I've read neither. And my guess is that since inception was so big, as was the over rated Avatar we can expect even more PKD movies in... the future. Did you get chills right there?<br /><br />In the end When it comes to Auldt themes, I'll just have to say that it is ironically like what is said about pornography, "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it." And in the end that any good story will have some elements of maturity, but a truly adult story will take it as the lead in telling tale. But I also think thet the search my be meaningless because our minds seen to be clouded against it, always repelling each possible idea, and looking for a flaw in our reasoning.<br /><br />And finally, as far as responses go, You'll get no argument from me that Stan and Jack are on the top. I just think that some other people had to clear the way to make room for them. I think that Eisner's Spirit and certainly the oft forgotten Bill Everett's, then groundbreaking work made a path, perhaps even the courage to push it even further. If you look at it the Lee-kirby stuff is the obvious successor to Everett's tales, even if it was by leaps and bounds. I'm sure that editing Bill's stories of this complex, broken, sort of hero-sort of villain stuck in Lee's head. After all why do you think Namor returned in issue #4 of F.F., that's love and respect man. Come on Dematteis, credit where credit is due.<br /><br />Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,<br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-14217340332483553482011-02-18T10:44:17.210-05:002011-02-18T10:44:17.210-05:00That first Mephisto story may be my single favorit...That first Mephisto story may be my single favorite Marvel tale ever.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.com