Articles by alan-kistler
Thu Sep 4, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Superman Timeline
As most of us know, this year marked Superman's 70th anniversary. And as if that weren't enough to engender conversation about the Man of Steel, Brad Meltzer's new novel Book of Lies has prompted quite a bit of discussion concerning Martin Siegel, who died during an armed robbery and whose son Jerome "Jerry" Siegel subsequently wrote the story of a bullet-proof alien who was invulnerable to all frailties.
So with all this talk going around about Superman's beginnings, we here at ComicMix thought it was time to put together a small Superman time line. Please note, this time line is focused solely on Supermans' adventures in the comics and not with his stories in other media.
1933 – Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster publish their story “Reign of the Super-Man." In the story, the title character is a bald homeless man named Bill Dunn who gains telepathic powers from a mad scientist’s experiment and intends to take over Earth
1938 – Superman/Clark Kent is finally introduced in Action Comics #1. Although Siegel has plotted out the name of Superman’s parents and planet, none of these are actually named in this issue’s origin story. Superman is said to have great strength, resistance to conventional injury, and is able to leap 1/8th of a mile.
1939 – In Superman #1, the planet Krypton is finally named in the comics. It is also mentioned that Clark Kent was raised by a kindly, elderly couple. His adopted mother is named “Mary Kent” and it's said that she and her husband died soon before Clark moved to Metropolis.
1940 – In Action Comics #23,
1941 – Superman #10 features our hero actually defying gravity for the first time by hovering in the air. Previous to this, it was always stated in the comics that he could only leap over great distances. Superman #11 confirms that Superman can now fly, just like in the cartoons and radio shows.
1942 – Superman #17 reveals that the Man of Tomorrow has a hidden base known as the Secret Citadel, located inside a mountain range nearby Metropolis.
1945 – The character of Superboy (an adolescent version of Superman) and his hometown of Smallville are introduced in More Fun Comics #101. Initially, this is treated as a separate continuity from the mainstream Superman stories.
1948 – Superman #53 names
1949 – Kryptonite makes its first comic book appearance in comics in Superman #61 (originally, it was only used in the radio plays). In this story, Kryponite is colored red but in all subsequent stories it is colored green (other forms of Kryptonite with different colors will appear later on). In this same story, Superman finally learns the name and history of his home planet Krypton, even though readers have known such facts for years already.
Thu Aug 28, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Millar and Harris Talk 'War Heroes' and Kirkman
The men behind "War Heroes" share all in an interview
Laura Hudson (Publisher's Weekly, Comic Foundry Magazine) interviewed writer Mark Millar and artist Tony Harris at Midtown Comics.
Along with discussing their new series, they also shared their thoughts on Robert Kirkman's recent video concerning creators pursuing original characters.
MILLAR: "To me, it just seemed exciting, the idea of doing a no-holds barred super-hero war comic. I touched on a lot of this stuff in The Ultimates 1 and 2. And a lof of theses ideas I was going to bring in to The Ultimates 3 but we thought, we're never getting away with this ... We just thought, why not just go out and do our own thing? And he same thing happened with Wanted ... That started off life as a proposal for DC Comics ... We took risks that we wouldn't have done with company-owned characters ... Our time's finite. We'll always own Kick-Ass. We'll always own Wanted ... I do think there are a couple of good reasons for working at Marvel and DC. Kick-Ass would not sell ... if we weren't the Ultimates guy or the Civil War guy."
Go to Laura Hudson's own blog to check out the full video interviews.
Tue Aug 26, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
ComicMix Six: Batman's Super-Powers
Some interesting times when Bruce Wayne became more than mortal
There's an upcoming story in the Superman/Batman title that will involve our long-eared Dark Knight getting superhuman abilities (albeit, temporarily). Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson have been doing great work on the title, so this promises to be an entertaining tale.
But did you know that this won't be the first time Batman has been given super-human talents? Here are just some of the more interesting adventures that have occurred when Bruce Wayne wound up gifted with "power and abilities far beyond those of mortal men."
PLEASE NOTE: I am not including times where Batman used technology to help him out, such as a suit of armor or a rocket pack or New God weapons. Nor am I including times when he got powers for only a few pages, such as when he borrowed Hawkman's wing-harness and Nth metal belt or the time that Hal Jordan let him try on his Green Lantern power ring for a minute. Those times may have been cool, but they lasted for only a scene rather than a fully story. Likewise, I am not including any Elseworlds tales, so deal with it.
Fri Aug 22, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Christopher Reeve Still Soars, by Alan Kistler
The magic of Superman still finds new fans.
It's been a rough week and I needed something to make me feel good about the world.
This past monday was the last day this year they were doing the Bryant Park movie. For you non-New Yorkers, HBO has sponsored movie screenings every Monday evening for the past 16 years during the summer, projecting films on a large screen at the edge of the Bryant Park. People gather with blankets and picnic baskets for when the lawn opens at 5 PM, and within 10 minutes there is an audience of well over 1000 people, all waiting for sunset when the movie begins.
This last week, it was Superman: The Movie (the director's cut, specifically) with Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder and Gene Hackman. I needed this and so I got a couple friends together to join me in the park. Some of us, myself included, were born after this film came out in theaters. Lucky for us, though, we still had the opportunity to see Superman: The Movie in something approaching that big-screen environment this week -- because I'm quite certain that you haven't truly experienced this film unless you see it on a massive widescreen surrounded by an enormous crowd. You can literally feel the electricity in the air that surges from a nearby person becoming a new fan.
When the "S"-shield blazed across the screen and the John Williams theme soared from the speakers, over 1000 people roared and cheered and applauded. When Clark Kent donned the costume for the first time, again, the entire park was filled with cheers and screams and shouts of "YEAH, CLARK!" It was like the moment in a sports game when your team makes an incredible play and you feel the joy of everyone around you. We laughed at Hackman's sarcasm, we sighed at Lois and Clark's flight over the clouds, and again, cheered our hearts out when Superman saved the day in the end and said "We're all on the same team."
Continue reading Christopher Reeve Still Soars, by Alan Kistler ›
Tue Aug 19, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Interview: Greg Weisman on "The Spectacular Spider-Man" Animated Series
The "Gargoyles creator talks about his approach to the new Spidey cartoon
Early in July, I spoke with Greg Weisman about the acclaimed Gargoyles animated series he created and the new comics that continue the storyline of that project (and feel free to check out that interview, by all means). Afterward, I had the opportunity to speak with him about the Kids WB animated series The Spectacular Spider-Man, which I reviewed a few weeks ago. Weisman developed this new cartoon series for television along with Victor Cook (Hellboy: Blood and Iron, Darkwing Duck) and which features voice talents such as Josh Keaton, Lacey Chabert, Josh Lebar, John Dimaggio, Phil Lamarr, Robert Englund, Clancy Brown, Jeff Bennett and Vanessa Marshall.
Taking place a few short months after Peter has gained his powers and learned that "with great power there must also come great responsibility," the cartoon showcases a 16-year-old superhero who is still learning the tricks of the trade when folks like the Green Goblin, Electro and Dr. Octopus start showing up. When he's not web-slinging, Peter spends his days trying to change how people at his high school view him, since his super-abilities have given him the confidence to stand up for himself rather than just be the nerd who's picked on. But it's not easy -- and even when he's surrounded by people who love him, like longtime friend Gwen Stacy and his doting Aunt May, Peter still feels alone, unable to trust anyone with the secret of his double-life.
Here's what Weisman, the series' Story Editor and Supervising Producer, had to say about the first season of the series.
COMICMIX: As Story Editor, how did you approach the development of the series and the character himself?
GREG WEISMAN: When I got the job, I went and bought the first seven volumes of The Essential Spider-Man and re-read them. I’d read them as a kid, I grew up on Stan Lee and John Romita, Sr. and later went back and read the original Stan Lee, Steve Ditko stories. So, I re-read them and took copious notes and tried to get the voice of those early stories.
COMICMIX: Of course, you're still putting your own spin on some of the origins and the costume designs.
GREG WEISMAN: Right. With the new series, we wanted to create something that was coherent, cohesive, contemporary and classic. Those are the four Cs we always go back to. We're retooling and redesigning things for the modern day but we want the characters to still be iconic. We want you to see our updated version of the Vulture and still say “yep, that’s the Vulture” and “yeah, that’s the Green Goblin.” It’s a contemporary version but the changes aren’t there just for the sake of making changes. It's still true to what Lee, Ditko and Romita did.
Continue reading Interview: Greg Weisman on "The Spectacular Spider-Man" Animated Series ›
Mon Aug 11, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Scientists One Step Closer To Invisibility
Over a century later and we're starting to catch up to H. G. Wells
CNN.com has reported that scientists are having continuing success in developing invisibility technology.
The scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, are to going to release their findings later this week in the journals Nature and Science.
The technology to avoid not only human sight but also radar and other forms of detection has understandable military applications. For instance, just imagine: invisible ninja!
Or is that repetitive?
Want more? Check out the link!
Mon Aug 4, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
New Gods Breakdown: An Illustrated Guide to Jack Kirby's Creations
Confused about these Kirby creations? All you need to know is right here!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Back in June, comic book historian Alan Kistler provided ComicMix readers with a Countdown Breakdown, an illustrated guide to the 52-part event that preceded the Final Crisis storyline currently unfolding in the DC Universe. This feature was so popular that we convinced him to flex his creative muscles once again, and provide an analysis of one of the key groups of characters receiving the spotlight in Final Crisis: the Jack Kirby-created New Gods. Where do they fit in and what should you know 
about them in order to understand Final Crisis? Read on and find out! -RM]
Well, readers, some of you have no doubt been checking out DC’s crossover Final Crisis. Personally, I’ve been enjoying the heck out of it. But I can understand that some of it might not have as much impact if you’re relatively new to the DC Universe.
For instance, a major part of the crossover revolves around those Jack Kirby creations known as the "New Gods of the Fourth World."
So who are these New Gods? How are they related to the Greek gods who speak to Wonder Woman on a regular basis? What do they have to do with that powerful giant called Gog who’s been appearing in the pages of Justice Society of America? Why does Darkseid say he’s from the “Fourth World,” whereas Gog claims he's from the “Third World?"
Well, look no further, faithful fans! ComixMix is here to oblige! So, because you folks requested it after seeing our illustrated Countdown Breakdown, here are the New Gods in a nutshell:
Continue reading New Gods Breakdown: An Illustrated Guide to Jack Kirby's Creations ›
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Alan Kistler
Christian Bale Arrested For Assault
The star of the Dark Knight is alleged to have attacked his own family.
The Envelope of the Los Angeles Times has reported that actor Christian Bale is alleged to have assaulted his mother and sister. Despite these allegations, he was allowed to attend the London premiere of The Dark Knight, after which he turned himself in to the police.
The alleged incident was believed to have taken place on Sunday night at Park Lane's Dorchester Hotel in London where Bale is staying.
Bale's mother, Jenny, 61, and sister Sharon, 40, are said to have gone to a police station in Hampshire to make the allegation, which was subsequently referred to the Metropolitan Police.
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
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 them in jail -- or an asylum -- for what they've done. 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.
What drives this evil mass murderer? Some have claimed the chemicals which altered his pigmentation also damaged his brain. Some have claimed he suffered such psychological trauma and 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. 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 so, with the 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
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
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
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
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.
