Articles by alan-kistler
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' ›
Wed Apr 2, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
ComicMix Six: Worst Moments in Skrull 'Invasion' History
Whom do you trust? The Skrulls - to screw it up!
Yes, we've all heard the big news: Skrulls have invaded the world. They're everywhere, hidden from magic and telepathy, ready to do their worst. They've infiltrated the highest levels of government and they've replaced all of our planet's best and brightest with sleeper agents, ready to bring down all that we hold dear.
But that doesn't mean you should be worried.
Here at ComicMix, we know that the Skrull Empire doesn't exactly have the best track record. Heck, they once replaced Alicia Masters, one of the best friends of the Fantastic Four, with a Skrull agent, then seemed to forget she was even there until years later when she was found out -- which led to the FF blowing up the biggest space station in the aliens' Empire.
And that's not even the tip of the Skrull Empire's iceberg of ineptitude. For the first in our new series of ComicMix Six features, we present some of the Secret Invasion villains' least-impressive diabolical schemes through the years.
Continue reading ComicMix Six: Worst Moments in Skrull 'Invasion' History ›
Wed Mar 26, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
'Star Trek: Year Four' Review
Going where we've all been before...
When I was a wee lad of, oh, let's say 13, to hear the words "untold tales" was a thrill in itself.
"What's that, you say? In this story, I will discover that Wolverine met Spider-Man's parents for about an hour several months before the web-spinning super-hero was even born? And it turns out Green Lantern's landlord was once involved with the Russian mob? Awesome! How did I live before now?"
But now, I am in my mid-20s, long past the prime of life, and my standards are a mite higher. A story that fills in gaps of the past for its own sake just isn't enough. It must also be a good story by itself. It must be able to entertain me and interest me and, if at all possible, elicit emotional reactions from me that would make even a positronic android react with a cry of "Neat!"
And so, let's talk about the first comic book miniseries entitled Star Trek: Year Four
Mon Mar 24, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
11 Batman Stories to Read Before Watching 'The Dark Knight'
Brush up on your Batman history before the next movie comes out!
Batman Begins and its upcoming sequel, The Dark Knight, are both feature films that deal with Bruce Wayne at the beginning of his career as a crime-fighting detective. But some in the movie audience may be curious about how these rookie years unfolded in the continuity of the comics.
So, here at ComicMix, we've put together a timeline of the stories you should read (and the order in which to read them) to learn about Batman’s early days. This list is focused on collected storylines from the single issues and one-shot stories rather than individual issues, and includes what is deemed to be currently in continuity within the mainstream DC Universe (so certain stories such as BATMAN: Year Two are not included). If a story’s place in the greater Batman continuity is uncertain, but hasn’t been directly contradicted by other stories, we're including it.
Please note that this is focusing on Batman's early solo years and is, as stated above, a timeline. Therefore stories such as Arkham Asylum and The Killing Joke, while famous, aren't being included here since they take place much later in Batman's career.
ADDED NOTE: If you like this, be sure to check out our related article, the Top Six Greatest Joker Victories.
Now let's begin ...
Batman: Year One
This comic also features the reason Bruce Wayne chose a bat as his symbol and his first encounter with Catwoman. The end of this story leads directly into another item on our reading list, BATMAN: The Man Who Laughs.
Batman and the Monster Men
Batman and the Mad Monk
Continue reading 11 Batman Stories to Read Before Watching 'The Dark Knight' ›
Fri Mar 21, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Review: 'The Last Days of Krypton' by Kevin J. Anderson
A reimagining of the tragic fate of Superman's home
Everyone knows the basic story of Superman. Baby Kal-El, last survivor of the planet Krypton, rocketed to Earth by his parents Lara and Jor-El, found by a nice couple in Kansas, raised to be Clark Kent AKA Superman. But what about the story of Krypton before Kal's birth? What about the lives of his biological parents?
In this hardcover novel published by Harper Entertainment, Kevin J. Anderson (Captain Nemo, Hopscotch, Star Wars: Darksaber) gives us a story of the ill-fated planet and its people, who are so tranquil and advanced in science that they have stopped dreaming and questioning reality. One man, Jor-El, still dares to dream -- but finds his technology constantly censored by the Science Council and by Commissioner Zod. Eventually, Jor-El meets someone much like him, an artist named Lara Lor-Van who never hesitates to speak her mind, and the two fall in love. When disasters begin to occur, Jor-El and Zod may have to join forces to save their planet from destruction. But is Zod really concerned about the benefit of Krypton or is he plotting his own take-over?
In the foreword to this novel, comic writer Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans
Unfortunately, that is not quite what we get. But more on that later. First, I should mention there are many good scenes here and there, as well as some touching moments. Of particular note is Anderson's version of the first meeting between Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. It involves danger and nice characterization and the date that it leads into shows just why these two fall for each other. Too often these days, we are shown a couple who are in love but who don't really show this in their actions, requiring the writer/director to spell things out by having their characters awkwardly say things such as "I'm blinded by your love." (Are you listening, George Lucas?!)
Continue reading Review: 'The Last Days of Krypton' by Kevin J. Anderson ›
Sat Feb 23, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
'Watchmen' Movie to Keep Original Ending?
Effects artist Neville Page speaks!
We're all used to Hollywood changing endings for comic book adaptations, usually to make them happier and more palatable to mainstream audiences (such as Mary Jane being saved from the Green Goblin on a Manhattan bridge rather than Gwen Stacy being thrown from one). And yet, the involvement of Neville Page in the upcoming Watchmen movie suggests that this film may try to be more true to its roots, considering that Page is known for monster/creature effects.
The official Watchmen film site has a discussion on effects specialist Neville Page's involvement in the upcoming film.
The site also includes an excerpt of an e-mail from Page himself:
"As for The Watchmen, I am not able to discuss what I had done in terms of the creature ... The production designed [Alex McDowell] is amazing, so the production should be fantastic ... I am working as a concept designer but the focus as of late has been creature."
Is the "creature" mentioned by Page the monster from the story's final scene? After all, as the site itself points out, the only other odd-looking beast in the film is a genetically engineered lynx and it doesn't seem that a specialist such as Page would be needed for such a simple design.
Thu Oct 25, 2007 — by Alan Kistler
Mark Millar not doing Superman movie
DC Decides Against Promoting Marvel Writers
When Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris (screenwriters for X-2: X-Men United and Superman Returns) stated that they would NOT be writing the new live-action Superman sequel, Warner Bros. Pictures announced they would be looking at new pitches. Mark Millar (Ultimates, Civil War) was immediately vocal in his desire to take on the task. “I want to revamp Superman like Hillary wants thin ankles. Revamping this franchise is what I as given fingers for and so, invited or not, I'm putting my plan together now. I've been asked to work on half a dozen screenplays lately, but this is the only one I have ever truly wanted. As most here know, I have literally hundreds of pages of notes and sketches just waiting for this opportunity. This would be my dream gig and, as a fan, I know exactly what this project needs to work. This has to be Superman for the 21st Century, keeping everything we adore, but starting from scratch and making the kids love it as much as the 30-somethings. I would honestly write this thing for free.”
Sadly for Millar, it looks like it’s not going to happen. A couple of days later, he made the following statement: “I spoke to some friends at DC and they explained this has happened with a couple of big Marvel writers in the last couple of years and I absolutely respect that. It's a business after all and to have a guy writing 'Fantastic Four' … which would be mentioned in every article about a Superman movie is not only an insult to their own writers, but makes bad business sense. I have nothing but respect for the DC high-ups and, though obviously disappointed, can absolutely appreciate their position. They're the custodians of these properties and they obviously know what they're doing.”
Who will write the new film and whether or not he’ll be an established comic book writer remains to be seen.
Tue Jul 31, 2007 — by Alan Kistler
TV REVIEW: Jekyll
Hyding in plain sight
What if the story of Jekyll and Hyde were based on a real person, a true case? And what if there were someone alive in the present day that had the same horrible curse?
This is the premise of the new BBC mini-series Jekyll
The six episode mini-series features Doctor Tom Jackman, a man who doesn't know who his parents were, having been found as an abandoned baby in a railway station. For the past several months, Dr. Jackman has been having black-outs during which another force is inexplicably inhabiting his body. Along with this darker personality that seems to lack any morals, there is a physical change. Jackman's alter ego is actually younger, thinner, two inches taller, and has borderline superhuman strength and speed. Jackman soon finds out that the famous story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was based on a real person who lived and died in the 19th century. Now Jackman struggles to keep his life in control and his family safe, a family he prays that his own "Mr. Hyde" will never find out about lest he decide to attack them.
