Articles by alan-kistler
Thu Jul 17, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Interview: Greg Weisman Talks 'Gargoyles'
The creator of the hit cartoon series speaks about the past and the new comics
When I was younger, there was a Disney cartoon that my friends and I loved and which impressed our parents with its maturity and layered story-telling. The series was called Gargoyles, and it told the story of a clan of warrior creatures from 10th Century Scotland who are brought to modern-day New York City via magical manipulation. Led by the noble gargoyle Goliath, the creatures find themselves to be strangers in a strange land, forced to hide while trying to find their new place in the 20th century. Soon enough, they wind up becoming superheroes, protecting the same humans who either fear them or don't believe they exist.
Although the series lasted only two seasons (followed by the short-lived Goliath Chronicles series, which is considered apocryphal), its fan base remains extremely loyal -- so much so, in fact, that a convention for Gargoyles fans, called the Gathering of the Gargoyles, has been held each year for more than a decade now. In recent years, we've seen much of the television series finally released on DVD, and Slave Labor Graphics has begun publishing an ongoing Gargoyles comic book series and spin-off miniseries, Bad Guys, headed up by series creator Greg Weisman and picking up where season 2 left off.
I spoke with Weisman (who also serves as story editor for the new Spectacular Spider-Man animated series) during the most recent Gathering of the Gargoyles event, and we chatted about the clan of winged Scottish warriors that he created so long ago and what the future holds for them.
COMICMIX: So, we’re at the 12th annual Gathering of the Gargoyles convention. You have the new comic book series from SLG and the Bad Guys spin-off coming out now. You’re even talking about future spin-offs. All of this says there’s a decent fan base. So what’s happening that we still only have the first 26 episodes of season 2 on DVD?
GREG WEISMAN: Well, there’s a lot of turnover at Buena Vista Home Entertainment. You’ll have people there who are interested in the project and then you’ll have new people come in who aren’t so much. The ugly truth of it is that Season One sold very well, and the Season Two, Vol. 1 DVD did not sell so well. Even if, ultimately, it sold as well as the first season, we sort of lost Disney’s attention. So we need to get their attention all over again, and the best way to do that is by making sure that we continue to sell the DVDs that exist, show them that the comics are selling well. Gargoyles is SLG’s best-selling comic.
Continue reading Interview: Greg Weisman Talks 'Gargoyles' ›
Wed Jul 16, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
ComicMix Six: Greatest Joker Victories
The Clown Prince of Crime's greatest hits!
Sometimes the villain wins.
Sure, you might stick him or her in jail -- or in an asylum -- for what they've done, or maybe you could even throw them off a rooftop, leaving them paralyzed for life. But that won't change the fact that they already did it. They scored a victory, even if it was short-lived.
The Joker is definitely a villain with a better track record than most. Lex Luthor may have become President and nearly destroyed Superman a few times. But he never killed Lois Lane or tortured Ma and Pa Kent. The Clown Prince of Killers, however, has had quite a few shining moments. I mean, he once turned an entire prison full of super-villains into copies of himself and then set them loose around the world (it happened in a story called Last Laugh, now available in trade).
And in the crossover Underworld Unleashed, the villain James Jesse (AKA Trickster I) actually admitted that when supervillains in the DC Universe want to scare each other, they often tell "Joker stories."
What drives this evil mass murderer? Some have claimed the chemicals that altered his pigmentation also damaged his brain. Some have claimed he suffered such psychological trauma that he simply snapped. Some believe his brain actually acts on a higher level of perception, forcing him to operate with a logic we simply aren't equipped to understand.
The Batman himself has often spoken his belief that half of the Joker's craziness is just an act to convince people he's out of control, to hide the fact that he is a calculating psychopath so that he can be sent to lower-security asylums rather than prison or death row. Considering how the Joker always acts more serious and collected when he and Batman are alone, this last idea has a lot of merit. Half of his crimes seem to be a way of trying to bring Batman to his own way of thinking, that there is no hope in the world, only chaos.
The fact that we can argue about the Joker's sanity (or lack thereof) is part of what makes him so interesting and makes us want to keep seeing more. And so, with this week's release of The Dark Knight -- and the Joker -- looming near, we've sifted through the long and bloody history of the Harlequin of Hate to find those victories which stand out above the rest. Steel your nerves and enjoy ComicMix Six: The Six Greatest Joker Victories.
And if you're interested, you may want to check out our related article, 11 Batman Stories to read before The Dark Knight.
Mon Jul 7, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Review: 'The Spectacular Spider-Man' Animated Series
Checking out the wise-cracking webslinger's latest cartoon adventures...
Seriously, folks -- The Spectacular Spider-Man animated television series on the "Kids WB" network is one of the best superhero adaptations I’ve ever seen (and trust me, I've watched more than anyone will probably consider reasonable). It’s fun, it’s smart, it's mature, it’s witty and every episode leaves me wanting more.
Supervising Producer and Story Editor Greg Weisman brings the same level of intelligence to the program that made his acclaimed Gargoyles cartoon series so succesful. Teamed up with him in developing the series for television is Producer and Supervising Director Victor Cook, whose resume includes working on the Hellboy animated film Blood and Iron, Darkwing Duck and producing the animated series based on the popular Lilo and Stitch animated feature film. Together, they have brought us a series that is updated for the modern-day audience but is completely faithful to the spirit and atmosphere of the first several years of The Amazing Spider-Man comics.
How does it compare to Sam Raimi’s interpretation of Spider-Man as someone who whines, mopes and cries a little more often than I’m comfortable with? Forget him. This animated incarnation of Peter Parker is a true New York teenager, cracking jokes on instinct -- even when it’s not necessarily the wisest move.
For example, let’s talk about a brief scene from the first episode. The high-flying villain known as the Vulture grabs businessman Norman Osborn and tosses him to his death from a great height. Spider-Man shows up, catches Osborn in mid-air and remarks, “You guys play hot potato hardcore!” The Vulture screams that the skies belong to him, forcing Spider-Man to concede, “He may be right. I only rent.”
Now that's the kind of dialogue and Bugs Bunny-like attitude I wish I'd seen out of Tobey Maguire.
Continue reading Review: 'The Spectacular Spider-Man' Animated Series ›
Wed Jul 2, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Review: 'The Invisible Man: Season 1'
Looking at, not through, the cancelled Sci-Fi Channel series' first season
It’s something every single sci-fi geek has wondered at some point, possibly while concocting fiendishly devious plans: what if I could turn invisible?
Of course, all the way back to H.G. Wells’ classic novel, The Invisible Man, we have been told time and time again that this power would basically screw us over. I mean, in that novel, the main character found himself permanently invisible, went insane and then became a maddened killer before he was put down like a dog in the street. This idea of how much it would suck to be permanently unseen has been told time and time again, including the 1950s Invisible Man television series and the Chevy Chase adaptation of Memoirs of an Invisible Man. Heck, the Invisible Woman of the Fantastic Four has control over her abilities and yet even she gets shafted since she has to deal with the fact that she’s overshadowed by her less powerful teammates.
In 2000, the Sci-Fi Channel began a live-action television series in which writer/creator Matt Greenberg gave us a whole new twist on the familiar story. Sadly, the show was cancelled and only enjoyed two seasons. But this year, the first season was finally released on DVD -- and there's a good reason to pick it up.
Tue Jun 24, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Countdown Breakdown: An Illustrated Guide to DC's 'Final Crisis - Part 2
Comic book historian Alan Kistler breaks down everything you need to know for DC's 'Final Crisis'
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Yesterday, we gave you the first half of our "Countdown Breakdown" courtesy of comic book historian Alan Kistler. Today, Alan gives us the second half of his guide to everything a reader should know to get the most out of DC's latest mega-event, Final Crisis. Oh, and Alan provided all of the artwork seen here, too. Quite the jack-of-all-trades, eh? - RM]
So, where were we?
Ready? Here we go...
By the time Apokolips was destroyed, just about all of the New Gods had caught a mild case of death thanks to a mysterious killer who turned out to be the Infinity Man, a New God warrior who usually only showed up when the Forever People (basically, New God hippies) summoned him.
Infinity Man had been ordered to kill the New Gods by "The Source," the sentient energy that binds the cosmos together and manifests itself as a talking, glowing ball. The New Gods had been born when the Third World of gods had erupted and given birth to New Genesis and Apokolips (known collectively as the Fourth World). Now that a Fifth World was coming, the New Gods had to make way for new cosmic beings that were to come.
This reminded some fans of a couple of Grant Morrison JLA issues where the New God called Metron had said that Earth would be the cradle of the Fifth World and that the JLA were fore-runners for the next phase of New Gods.
Continue reading Countdown Breakdown: An Illustrated Guide to DC's 'Final Crisis - Part 2 ›
Mon Jun 23, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Countdown Breakdown: An Illustrated Guide to DC's 'Final Crisis' - Part 1
Comic book historian Alan Kistler breaks down everything you need to know for DC's 'Final Crisis'
Hello there, folks. So the first issue of DC's latest mega-event, Final Crisis, hit shelves last month and the second issue is out this week. The series features a story by one of the greatest writers in the industry, Grant Morrison, as well as one of the best artists in comics these days, J.G. Jones.
So far it's a great read, in my opinion, and fairly accessible to anyone who doesn't mind waiting for all of the answers to the questions it raises.
Still, some of you might be wondering, "Should I have read Countdown and the various other miniseries that were intended to lead up to this mega-event?"
Well, maybe you already know about Anthro, the first human of the DC Earth. And maybe you're aware of Kamandi, the blonde-haired teen who lives in a possible future where he is the last human boy on an Earth ruled by animals. But what about this "war in heaven" that folks are talking about?
And what's this about a parallel Earth being destroyed?
Well, look no further! I'm here to give you a recap of some of the major Crisis-related happenings over this past year to get you caught up to speed.
Continue reading Countdown Breakdown: An Illustrated Guide to DC's 'Final Crisis' - Part 1 ›
Sun Jun 15, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Random Video: Dog Vs. Robot
Pet guardian forced to chastice robot vacuum!
What happens when a pet owner finds her dog constantly attacking her robotic vacuum? She assures him the machine is on notice by chastising the little bot in front of him.
While it doesn't have much to do with comics, this was too good not to share. Want a comics angle? Go read Grant Morrison and frank Quitely's We3.
Wed Jun 11, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
10 Must-Read Stories Before You See 'The Incredible Hulk'
ComicMix resident comic book historian Alan Kistler brings you yet another list!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Here on ComicMix, our lists of must-read Iron Man stories and recommended reading for The Dark Knight were so popular that we decided to put together the following list for Friday's release of The Incredible Hulk in theaters. Enjoy! -RM]
He's been in comics for decades. His cameos in series other than his own have always meant blockbuster action. He's had a live-action television series, TV-movies, cartoons, videogames and now a new major motion picture coming out this Friday.
He is the Hulk.
Yet he is also Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, and long ago, he created the gamma bomb -- the next step in nuclear warheads. But when he saw a kid named Rick Jones in the test area, Bruce condemned himself by saving the boy's life and exposing his body to the bomb blast. Bathed in gamma rays, he was mutated so that he would now transform into a gray-skinned, monstrous version of himself at night. As time went on, his mutation shifted and he would turn into a green-skinned, savage, child-like creature whenever he was angered. Later still, he struck a balance by becoming a gestalt, merging his different alter egos, only to later revert again -- this time, to a scientist terrified to lose his temper lest he become a destructive beast.
Perhaps it's this isolation, and his desperation to change his situation in life, that causes so many people to relate to him -- both in the fictional world he occupies and the real world of his readers.
Here, then, are some of the most important, must-read stories involving the Hulk from the character's long history, and a good place to start if this week's release of The Incredible Hulk piques your interest in Marvel's famous green-skinned goliath.
Continue reading 10 Must-Read Stories Before You See 'The Incredible Hulk' ›
Wed May 21, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Iraq
One NPR reporter explains why she depended on the slayer for sanity.
During a recent edition of "In Character," NPR's series of reports on "fictional but influential people," reporter Jamie Tarabay explains why she was able to maintain her sanity during assignment in Iraq thanks to the adventures of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
According to Tarabay, the "hellmouth" Buffy and Co. lived around and found themselves continually fighting to close really wasn't all that different than Baghdad and the areas of wartorn Iraq she reported from on a daily basis.
Wed May 14, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
ComicMix Six: The Worst Supervillain Names in Comics
Oh, no! It's the... Rainbow Raider?
A while back, I gave you "The Worst Superhero Names in Comics," but now it's time for the other end of the spectrum. Yes, it's time to give the supervillains their due. (Well, those of them with horrible names, that is.)
Oh, and before anyone mentions folks like "Mr. Banjo" and "Captain Nazi," I didn’t include those characters because they were created to fight Captain Marvel back when that character's adventures were still very much aimed at younger readers - so I consider them to be an entirely different animal. The same goes for any villains created with intentionally silly names (i.e., Howard the Duck's nemesis, "Dr. Bong").
Ready? Okay, then I give you the ComicMix Six list of The Worst Supervillain Names in Comics...
6. BUSHMASTER: Yeah, I know it’s the name of a deadly snake. But honestly, guys and gals, when you see Wonder Woman (of all people) fighting a telepathic character called "Bushmaster," and then you read her thought bubble proclaiming, “Great Hera! I -- I cannot resist the telepathic commands of the evil Bushmaster!” … Well, you can’t help but laugh and cringe at the same time -- which is painful, believe me.
Congratulations, Bushmaster. You just barely edged out "The Growing Man" and "Bi-Beast" in the award for names with ridiculous innuendo.
Continue reading ComicMix Six: The Worst Supervillain Names in Comics ›
Wed Apr 30, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
10 Must-Read Stories Before You Watch 'Iron Man' in Theaters
Brush up on the Armored Avenger before his big-screen debut!
Even people who've never picked up a comic book are looking forward to seeing the new Iron Man movie debuting tomorrow, starring Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, "the cool exec with a heart of steel!"
When Stan Lee and Don Heck introduced Anthony Stark, he was a modern-day Howard Hughes, a weaponsmaker who was investigating his interests in a war zone when he was injured by shrapnel and captured by guerilla soldiers. Desperately needing a life-support system to keep his heart beating, as well as a weapon to fight off his captors, he created the first high-tech suit of armor that earned him the name "Iron Man."
Returning to the states, the world welcomed its new superhero, believing him to be the rich playboy's bodyguard, and soon witnessed him become a founding member of the famous Avengers superteam.
Over the years that followed, "Ol' Shellhead" has been through many armors, as well as many personal and public changes. He had his heart repaired and battled alcoholism. He had his heart injured again and replaced it with a mechanical one that needed constant recharging. Recently, his body was finally healed and his resources greatly enhanced after merging with an experimental form of nano-technology.
Much like The Dark Knight reading list we provided you as prep for Batman's upcoming return to the big screen, ComicMix has assembled ten recommended reads that showcase how clever and resourceful our hero is while also displaying the forces and passions that drive him in his double-life. They have been assembled in chronological order, so you can follow Iron Man's evolution as both a hero and central character in the Marvel Universe.
Enjoy!
Continue reading 10 Must-Read Stories Before You Watch 'Iron Man' in Theaters ›
Tue Apr 29, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Interview: Grant Morrison on 'Final Crisis' and 'Doctor Who'
The 'Final Crisis' writer talks Western civilization's end and BBC science-fiction...
As I wandered around the press gathering at the New York Legend Award ceremony for Stan Lee, I saw a familiar face -- a face I first saw in an issue of Animal Man
It was, of course, Grant Morrison, who is currently wowing folks in All Star Superman
Known for cosmic-scale work in such titles as The Invisibles
I spoke with Morrison about the influences and potential ramifications of Final Crisis, as well as his future as one of the primary architects in the DC Universe. We also chatted a bit about another series that has us excited: the reinvigorated hit BBC science-fiction classic, Doctor Who
COMICMIX: First of all, you have to settle a bet for me, Grant. In the weekly series 52
GRANT MORRISON: Yes, yes it was.
CMix: I knew it! I said, "That is pure Morrison!"
GM: Wait 'til you meet "The Nine-Eyed Man" in Batman. He's a renegade who cut off one of his fingers and is crazy now.
CMix: That's just so weird, I love it.
Continue reading Interview: Grant Morrison on 'Final Crisis' and 'Doctor Who' ›
Thu Apr 24, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
ComicMix Six: The Worst Superhero Names in Comics
Remember: The first alias you think of isn't necessarily the best!
You know you've talked about it with your friends. "Mr. Fantastic? He's got, like, 17 doctorates... Shouldn't he be 'Doctor Fantastic' by now?"
And let's not forget "Captain Marvel, Junior." Captain Marvel's not his father and he can't introduce himself without turning back into a normal human. What gives? And what's the deal with that Golden Age aquatic hero who called himself "The Fin?"
No matter how much we love comics, there are some superhero aliases we just can't get behind. So, in the interests of sharing our little obsessions with you, the ComicMix readers, we did our best to compile some of the worst superhero names in existence.
It's a tough job, but somebody has to justify spending their day doing it. Or at least that's what we tell ourselves.
By the way, members of the Legion of Super-Heroes have been omitted from the list, because... well, it's just too easy to pick on Matter-Eater Lad and Bouncing Boy.
Ready? Okay, then here is the ComicMix Six list of The Worst Superhero Names in Comics...
6. KID MIRACLEMAN: In the U.K., he was originally called "Kid Marvelman." That doesn't change the fact that it's a lame name. Why? Simple.
KID MiracleMAN.
You can use the word "kid" in your name or you can use the word "man," but you can't use both!
With the power of contradiction comes great responsibility!
Continue reading ComicMix Six: The Worst Superhero Names in Comics ›
Sat Apr 19, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
'Incredible Hulk' to Speak - 'Captain America' Film Hinted?
Teasing abounds at 'Incredible Hulk' NYCCC panel...
The panel for The Incredible Hulk movie at New York Comic Con had a few big surprises for fans. If you don't want any minor spoilers, get away from this post right now.
Still with us? Sweet.
A not-quite-finished version of the full length trailer was shown (the completed version will appear before Iron Man). The new trailer had some added scenes showing the Hulk and his enemy the Abomination (referred to only by his real name of "Emil Blonsky" in the film) fighting in New York City and smashing helicopters in the process. It also included a quick clip of a military official referring to Blonsky as a subject of a General Ross's "bio-force project" who winds up going out of control.
During the panel, a couple of clips were shown with actor Tim Roth as Emil Blonksy. One clip showed him receiving an injection of a blue-colored serum which was supposed to prepare him to take on the Hulk in physical combat.
The second clip involved Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, being cornered by the military. Seeing his beloved Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) in danger, Banner transforms into the Hulk and begins fighting off the soldiers. On the order of General Ross (William Hurt), Blonksy then shows up and challenges the Hulk.
Apparently as a result of the serum he's been injected with, he is now able to operate with enhanced agility and speed. While not exactly superhuman, his newfound physical prowess reminded me of Captain America in action as he dodged and weaved between the Hulk's physical attacks while letting loose with guns and rockets. This was a phenomenal action scene and the direction made it feel very personal and in-your-face.
Continue reading 'Incredible Hulk' to Speak - 'Captain America' Film Hinted? ›
Wed Apr 9, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
ComicMix Six: Why Marvel's 'Secret Wars' Was Better Than 'Civil War'
Whose side are you on in the battle of Marvel crossovers?
[EDITOR'S NOTE: In last week's edition of ComicMix Six, we told you why the Skrulls' "Secret Invasion" probably isn't worth losing sleep over, given our list of the worst moments in Skrull invasion history. This week, we're playing in the sandbox of big events yet again, with a list of reasons why Marvel's recent Civil War event doesn't stack up against one of its popular predecessors, the 1984 series Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars. -RM]
Just over a year ago, Marvel shook up their universe with Civil War, a series-spanning event wherein the U.S. government decided, after a tragic accident involving super-powered heroes and villains, that anyone with superhuman powers would be required to register and become official federal operatives. Costumed crime-fighters picked sides, Marvel picked a slogan ("Whose Side Are You On?"), Spider-Man unmasked, and Iron Man's pro-registration camp hunted down the anti-registration crowd led by Captain America. In the end, Cap tearfully surrendered, only to be "killed" for his troubles a few issues later.
Throughout the series' seven issue (and countless tie-ins), the Merry Marvel Marketing team hailed Civil War as the most mind-blowing storyline since, well... ever.
Here at ComicMix, we're not quite sure we agree. After re-reading Civil War and comparing it to one of the first epic Marvel crossover events, the '80s action-fest Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, there's a good argument to be made for the superiority of the earlier project.
Oh, and remember, what's being discussed here is the 12-issue Secret Wars series, published by Marvel in 1984 (and featuring the first appearance of Spider-Man's famous black costume), not to be confused with Secret War, the 2004-2005 five-issue series written by Brian Bendis.
Got it? Good. Now let's begin...
6. REMEMBERING THE LESSONS 'SESAME STREET' TAUGHT THEM: In Civil War, heroes who fought alongside each other for years decide that the best way to debate the merits of a new law is to spy on one another and brawl at each and every opportunity. In Secret Wars, heroes who don't necessarily trust each other decide that, despite their differences, teamwork and cooperation will improve their situation.
Sure, Spider-Man had a skirmish with the X-Men and the Hulk was shouting at everyone, but they still came together in the end. Wolverine and Captain America shared a heart-to-heart, and the heroes even accepted Magneto's help, knowing that the greater good was more important than issues of mistrust.
Continue reading ComicMix Six: Why Marvel's 'Secret Wars' Was Better Than 'Civil War' ›
