Articles by van-jensen
Thu Jul 24, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Cartoon Network Adapts Image Books
'Firebreather,' 'Mice Templar' and 'The Vanishers' to be toons
One of the cool early pieces of news out of San Diego has been Cartoon Network's development of a trio of Image properties for cartoons.
That would be Mice Templar (created and drawn by Hammer Of The Gods co-creator Mike Avon Oeming with Bryan J.L. Glass), Firebreather, and The Vanishers.
CBR has an interview with Firebreather creator Phil Hester who talked about the upcoming two-hour cartoon and the potential for an animated series.
Both Hester and Kuhn credit film producer Julia Pistor for seeing "Firebreather" through the hazards of Hollywood development to find it a home. "Originally, we were optioned by Paramount, and during that time they didn't really do anything," said Kuhn. When the option was up, it was Pistor who contacted the creators with an offer to help. As a vice-president at Nickelodeon, Pistor has a long history of shepherding successful animation projects. She recognized "Firebreather" as something special.
The executive who had brought "Firebreather" into Paramount had unexpectedly passed away, leaving the project with no champion when the option period had passed. "She said 'this is too good to just let die," Hester explained. "She offered to take it out herself and find a place to set it up."
I can only wonder (and hope) a Perhapanauts cartoon could soon follow, as writer Todd Dezago recently told me there had been some serious interest in that Image book as well.
Thu Jul 24, 2008 — by Van Jensen
SDCC: 'Watchmen' the Game
Warner Bros. announces tie-in videogame
Watchmen seems to be officially the big deal of Comic-Con so far, with long lines of people forming just to watch the upcoming film's trailer at the Warner Bros. booth and to ogle the model of the Owl Ship.
Then there's news that a tie-in videogame is in the works. The AP has a report.
Warner Bros. announced Wednesday it will release an episodic downloadable video game developed by Deadline Games that will prequel next year's big-screen adaptation of the "Watchmen" graphic novel pegged to the film's March debut. Another game that will take place following the first game will be released later in 2009 at the same time as the "Watchmen" DVD.
In the games, players will be able to combat foes as the pointy-eared Nite Owl (played by Patrick Wilson in the film) and inkblot mask-wearing Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley). The mature action-brawler will be released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC and will match the visual style of the film, which is being directed by "300" director Zach Snyder.
Thu Jul 24, 2008 — by Van Jensen
SDCC: Comics via Wii
Nintendo system to deliver manga
The electronic future of comics moves apace with the announcement that some manga titles will be distributed on Nintendo's Wii videogame system.
At first, it looks like this will only be available in Japan, but it may develop further.
The companies, Kadokawa, Kodansha, Shueisha and Shogakukan, have formed a joint venture with a local software house that aims to be the first to bring digital comics to the hit console. The venture, called Librica, was formed in July and will deliver comics through the Wii Ware software channel to users. An Internet connection will be required to use the service.
Initially it will target the Wii but Librica said it is considering expanding the service goal to encompass the handheld DS gaming device. It will also offer other publishers the chance to join its platform when launched.
Launch timing and pricing for the service was not announced.
Thu Jul 24, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Behind the Scenes of Tori Amos' 'Comic Book Tattoo'
Interviews with Amos and creators
Today sees the release of one of the most odd comics projects of late, a compilation of stories based on the music of Tori Amos, Comic Book Tattoo.
Spinner has a lengthy interview with Amos on the subject, as well as chats with many of the project's creators. Read it all right here.
Amos offers her reaction to the book:
I'm not offended by this book, but I'm shocked. And it's shocked in a way that makes me laugh, sometimes makes my skin crawl, sometimes makes me have to go back and dive back into that song again. I had given a brief to Rantz. I said, "This is not about people trying to, line by line, interpret and do a visual cover version of this song." Because I just didn't find that intriguing at all. The comics that I was introduced to, which was 'The Sandman,' had integrity to me. And sometimes in the storyline, things didn't always end up OK. Sometimes people die. Sometimes life does not triumph over all.
Thu Jul 24, 2008 — by Van Jensen
McCain, Obama Profiled in IDW Comics
Who is 'Presidential Material'?
The trend of using comics in politics has been picking up steam of late, starting with the graphic adaptation of the 9/11 Commission Report to Dan Goldman's upcoming 2008 campaign book to that nutso Oklahoma county commissioner who thinks he's being attacked by Satan and gays.
Now IDW is jumping into the political waters with a pair of comic book biographies of the two (realistic) contenders for the presidency. The Presidential Material books feature John McCain and Barack Obama in what sounds like it'll be a guide for voters.
They're $3.99 a piece at 28 pages, and will ship in October.
At right is the cover of the McCain book, which I posted instead of the Obama one. Liberal media my ass.
Thu Jul 24, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Comic-Con News: Wednesday
Cooke GNs, Brubaker series, and crowds crowds crowds
Comic-Con International officially kicked off last night, and already there's plenty of news to report:
The early hit of the show? Heidi MacDonald of The Beat says it's the model Owl Ship that Warner Bros. brought from the Watchmen film. "Cooler than dirt," Heidi says.
Ed Brubaker makes the jump to scripting live-action, as Sony has announced they'll make an online series out of Brubaker's Angel of Death. It'll appear on Crackle, Sony's online video outlet. More information right here.
Darwyn Cooke also announced his new project for IDW, a potential series of four graphic novels based on the Parker
On a related note: "And IDW did a nice job with the collateral material as well, handing out Cooke artwork with a disc, as well as Parker T-shirts to the press. Well done, guys." I guess the whole "journalists don't accept gifts from sources" thing doesn't apply to the comics world?
"Tossing a bus on an unsuspecting villain never gets old." And that's the highlight quote from the DC Universe Online panel. Check right here for more.
Blog@ has a nice collection of photos from day one.
Bully makes a smart move with the California excursion and loads up on In-N-Out.
Twitters from Pop Candy, and be sure to note the uber-creepy Photoshopped image of Whitney turned to She-Hulk.
And, lastly, the legend of The Bag.
Wed Jul 23, 2008 — by Van Jensen
How the Superheroes Saved Movies
Five films rake in $500 million in a month
We've heard plenty about the dominance of the superhero in Hollywood, but a new story in the UK Telegraph puts some numbers together and shows just how much movies are benefitting from the comics influx.
After a huge run of successful comics films, The Dark Knight (which happened to open with a record $158 million weekend) was just the cherry on the ice cream:
It becomes the fifth film with a comic book or graphic novel theme to dominate the box office in recent weeks following Universal's blockbuster Iron Man, as well as Hellboy II, The Incredible Hulk and Wanted. Together they have generated more than $500 million (£250 million) in US takings alone.
Sequels to this year's hits are already planned and dozens more offerings based on comic books are in the pipeline.
"They have become Hollywood's safety net," said Jeff Bock, of Exhibitor Relations, the box-office analyst.
It would be interesting to see a breakdown of how much of that gigantic sum is actually coming back to comics publishers.
Wed Jul 23, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Disney and Pixar Go Boom
'Incredibles' and 'Muppets' to be adapted for comics
Boom! Studios has announced they'll be publishing comic book adaptations of Pixar cartoon properties, with the first announced being an Incredibles project.
The news comes as an early announcement from Comic-Con International, which is just getting underway. Boom EiC Mark Waid will be writing the Incredibles
"Today, American comic books are aimed primarily at an older readership. Comics produced for an upcoming generation of readers are scarce - and BOOM! Studios aims to do something about that," said Waid. "There will be comics for kids again!"
To commemorate this historic partnership, BOOM! will be releasing a special preview book featuring sneak previews of upcoming projects using the characters from TOY STORY
According to the release, these won't be straight adaptations, but rather all-new stories set in the world of various Pixar films.
Boom also is going to be doing a Muppets book, Waid told CBR.
It was also announced Wednesday night that Waid will be writing "The Muppet Show." Given the Muppets' long and varied history in television and film, CBR asked Waid about the particular form this series would take. He was able to reveal that the first thing to appear would be a four-issue miniseries, but future series are "something that's more in flux." "We're talking about doing a couple one-shots that could be collected into a trade paperback, we're talking about doing series that are based on 'The Muppet Show
Wed Jul 23, 2008 — by Van Jensen
New Crime Comics from Vertigo
DC imprint adds imprint
There's a very small note in the New York Times (which has had a veritable shload of comics news lately) about DC imprint Vertigo, which is apparently adding a new imprint, or focus, or something.
Vertigo will be doing some crime comics, though no projects are announced. Earlier this year Vertigo announced a new impetus on graphic novels, so it seems change is very much afoot.
From the brief:
DC Comics has announced that it will start a new thriller imprint next summer. Vertigo Crime, a subimprint of Vertigo Books, will be devoted to mysteries and crime stories.
DC and Vertigo have no news about this. I would guess it'll come up at the Vertigo panel at SDCC, though:
4:30-5:30: Vertigo: View of the Future
Vertigo is a more than a name. It's the imprint that delivers smart, provocative and edgy books. Be here to find out what's in store for your favorite Vertigo titles as well as some major new projects that will be announced here for the first time! Hosted by Senior VP – Executive Editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, Group Editor Shelly Bond, and Senior Editor Will Dennis, this panel is not to be missed, especially considering the talent in tow: Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS, JOKER), Mark Buckingham (FABLES), Grant Morrison (SEAGUY), Matt Sturges (HOUSE OF MYSTERY), Matt Wagner (MADAME XANADU), Bill Willingham (FABLES, HOUSE OF MYSTERY), G. Willow Wilson (AIR), Brian Wood (DMZ, NORTHLANDERS), and others!
Wed Jul 23, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Bryan Singer Options Unseen Rob Liefeld Project?
'Capeshooters' might become film
We may soon see the first film without feet, as director Bryan Singer is reported to be eyeing an as-yet-unseen graphic novel by Rob Liefeld.
Slash Film has the story.
Bryan Singer is in negotiations to produce Capeshooters, an adaptation of Rob Liefeld’s upcoming graphic novel which tells the story of two slackers who become superhero paparazzi. The duo uncover evidence that a legendary superhero is actually an undercover villain. I’m very excited that movie studios are still trying to find original superhero properties, instead of digging through the bevy of bottom of the barrel established franchise heroes. The bad news is that the screenplay is being written by J.P. Lavin and Chad Damiani, both of which work on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show and American Idol.
Liefeld's art (from Onslaught Reborn) can be seen at right.
Wed Jul 23, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Platinum Buys Wowio
Former Platinum writer D.J. Coffman breaks down new agreements
It's official. Platinum has purchased Wowio. I won't have a chance to get into details on the numbers yet, but expect something soon.
Under the terms of the Agreement the Company acquired from the Members 100% of the membership interests of WOWIO for a total purchase price of $3,150,000 payable in shares of common stock of the Company.
Over at his blog, D.J. Coffman, creator of Hero by Night and formerly of Platinum Studios, goes through what he says is the new contract for creators from Wowio, the Web comics outlet that is reportedly going to be purchased by Platinum.
Perhaps not surprising after his acrimonious falling out with Platinum over late payments, Coffman takes issue with several aspects of the contract.
"For revenues derived from Ecommerce Option, Publisher shall receive 50% percent of the quarterly gross revenue generated by sales of Ebooks of the Publisher’s Content.
For revenues derived from Sponsorship Option, Publisher shall receive (i) 50 cents ($0.50 USD) per download for eTexts of less than 100 pages; and (ii) One dollar ($1.00 USD) per download for eTexts of 100 pages and above.
All Royalties shall be paid to Publisher on a quarterly basis, within 45 days following the end of each calendar quarter."* Couple things here... again, the thought of splitting 50/50 profits on an ebook sale with anyone is ridiculous to me. And the part about when you’re SUPPOSED to be paid, turns my stomach a little in the light of the situation I was in with Platinum. I’m guessing everything will go smoothly during the “transition” period when the old Wowio people are still managing things.. but when the keys are handed over to Platinum, I’ve got a BADDDddddddd feeling about people being paid on time. That’s not an assumption, that’s a proven fact, regardless of the articles written about creators owed, printer representives telling me they were owed and COMIC BOOK NEWS sites telling me they were owed money… and the Drunk Duck kids over there, there was a bunch of “mobile wallpaper” people never paid. I have a really good friend who had his wallpapers up through their service before, and when he asked, he was told that “none sold” but he knew better because his own family had boughten them from the site!!!! — Anyways, THAT’S who will be running this shindig now. That’s who owns them. You have been warned.
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Big Changes at Image Comics
Robert Kirkman named partner at publisher
The summer of change continues for Image Comics. Earlier, Erik Larsen stepped down as publisher, turning the reins over to Eric Stephenson. And now Robert Kirkman has signed on as a partner at the company.
The New York Times has a story on this latest development in today's Books section.
And this week at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Image Comics will announce that Mr. Kirkman is becoming its newest partner. Under the company’s structure, partners profit mainly from their own work but also have a say in what will be published.
“This is kind of a big deal for me,” Mr. Kirkman, 29, said by phone from his base in Richmond, Ky. “Image Comics as a company was founded by comic book creators for comic book creators.”
This was rumored yesterday in Rich Johnston's Lying in the Gutters, and Johnston also mentioned other big changes that could be afoot at Image, including offering page rates on certain projects by star creators.
Expect to hear more out of Comic-Con.
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Neal Adams and Modern Comics Movies
Artist's shadow cast on 'Dark Knight'
You know superheroes are dominating Hollywood when the movie trade Variety features an extended ode to Neal Adams.
The piece, which includes some quotes from Adams, stresses his role in bringing about more serious superhero comics, particularly on Batman, and how that has influenced superhero movies.
Major studios have mounted a corporate takeover of Comic-Con as a vehicle to promote movies and TV shows, but comicbook artists still receive rock star treatment at the San Diego event. And among those artists, none cast a larger shadow over the current cinematic renaissance than Neal Adams.
Teaming with writer Denny O'Neil in 1970, Adams transformed Batman from the "Biff! Bam! Pow!" camp associated with the 1960s TV show starring Adam West back into the sleek, brooding Dark Knight depicted onscreen for the past two decades. By doing so, they helped establish the serious-minded template that has informed the best superhero adaptations that followed.
And the best quote from Adams:
As rendered by Adams, Batman again became a night-shrouded creature and less a superhero than a grim vigilante -- Sherlock Holmes with Olympic-quality athleticism. "Batman is the grittiest character in all of comics," Adams said. "This is an awfully real concept, so none of this wishy-washy shit would do."
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Van Jensen
'Iron Man' as Reading Instructor?
Superheroes used to encourage young readers
Slate posted a slideshow/essay this morning about "early reader books," the works aimed at young kids with the idea of encouraging them to start reading (think Dr. Seuss).
That literary tradition has been taken up by adaptations of superhero movies, like Iron Man and Incredible Hulk, the essay notes, before questioning whether such works are good brain food.
There's no denying that kids, especially little boys, love their superheroes, and the whole point of early readers is to get kids excited about reading. But do you really want the Hulk teaching your kid to read?
To which Hulk responded:
HULK READ GOOD!!!
(Oh, c'mon. I had to make that joke.)
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Matt Fraction Doubles Up Movie Deals
'Casanova' and 'Last of the Independents' headed to Hollywood
A big week for writer Matt Fraction, who's just nabbed a couple deals to see his comics turned into movies.
He's just inked a deal with producer Rick Alexander (MGM's Adventures in the Land of Zametherea) and manager-producer Jeff Krelitz to turn two of his co-creations, Casanova and Last of the Independents, into movies. A major A-list actor is already mulling over the lead in Casanova, an adventure-caper about a thief-turned-spy, which Alexander promises will evolve into a "mega-budget, effects-intensive action spectacular." (He says he's aiming to unleash the "spectacular" during the Fourth of July weekend 2010.) This is merely the first of what the producers hope will be a Bond-type franchise. Casanova "[will] live on but be played by a different actor each time out," says Krelitz, who notes that the duo will hire a scriptwriter only after securing a star and director. As for the swaggering bank-heist thriller Independent? It already has a screenwriter -- that'd be newcomer Alex Litvak -- so producers are currently shopping for a director with hopes of an early 2009 shoot.
