Things I Like Week: Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1

Things I Like Week: Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1

Non-comics fans please feel free to zone out. This is going to be a post about a comic I like but it will include some musings on the rebooted Spider-Man film so you may want to stick around for that.

So as you may or may not know the Spider-Man movie franchise is being rebooted with a new installment out in 2012 starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Whilst I'm not hugely keen on rebooting for rebooting sake there is ground for doing so in certain situations (See Batman Begins). With the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy I'm a massive fan of everything that was accomplished (I'll admit it - I even liked Spider-Man 3) but at the same time I feel they were burning through story and characters very quickly. What I like about what I'm hearing from this reboot is that it's taking the character back to high school. Not only did some of Peter Parker's greatest adventures took place when he was just a sixteen year old kid it was also a much better environment for creating drama between Peter and his supporting cast. In the Raimi films it seems Pete is destined to end up with Mary Jane and anyone in the way is just a roadblock that'll eventually be conquered.

Which in a roundabout way brings me to Brian Michael Bendis' comic book high school Spider-Man reboot. This annual (With Art by Brooks & Isanove) delivers not only one of the best representations of teenage super-hero romance but one of the best representations of any kind of romance ever seen in the medium. It's a simple concept but one that is very rarely explored in much detail. Instead of Spider-Man's secret identity putting the life of his girlfriend in peril as a kind of damsel in distress why not give him a girlfriend who is if anything more powerful than he is? That's what Kitty Pryde (Of the X-Men) is. It's one of those things that when someone pitches you the idea it leaves you scratching your head and asking why it hasn't been done before. Of course a good concept is just window dressing if the execution is poor but Bendis perfectly captures the awkwardness and nervousness about putting yourself on the line inherent within any teenage relationship. Credit must also be given to Mark Brooks who was stepping into the shoes of Mark Bagley who at that time had been the only Ultimate Spider-Man artist and to the whole team who played out the Kitty / Pete story further than this annual alone.

Ultimate Spider-Man is still going strong to this day and for my money is still one of the best books on sale. This story is available in the collection of all that year's Ultimate Annuals and can be picked up from Amazon or any other good online retail outlet. (Maybe my Amazon sidebar will start recommending it instead of Susan Boyle?) For more comicy goodness check out Liam or Celeste's blogs (Over there->) and join me tomorrow for a final day of things I like!

Peace,

Steve

A Few Thoughts On A Wednesday

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've suddenly found myself between Gallery deadlines writing about Zach Galifianakis, Female Genital Mutilation and Galactic Gigolo (It's a real thing). It'll all become clear when the issue is out.

A few thoughts on the day's big (not big) news.

- Exciting news today as the Piranha sequel was announced under the title Piranha 3DD (Like Boobs!). It's set for August next year which is a pretty fast turn around and has a couple of the Saw writers attached. Surely you can't over complicate Piranha can you?

- Anyone still watching Hollyoaks? I think it's enjoying a renaissance - secret families, unconvincing cross-dressing and confused predatory gang boss homosexuals. Plus *SPOILER ALERT* Warren is coming back from the dead to raise some hell. It might be confusing at first but I think it's time to get back on board.

- I watched Real Madrid v AC Milan. Nice to watch a match without that depressing sense of dread or some over hyped backstory about ungrateful overpaid overgrown children. Jose Mourinho has assembled a team and got them playing his style in very quick fashion and as much as I hate to admit it Cristiano Ronaldo was awesome.  

- Back to Lancaster at the weekend for some hot fresh Korfball action. I hope no one is intimidated by the fact I have now played in an international Korfball match. I also hope my foot stops hurting before then.

- Finally, today's picture is a Marvel meets Tron variant cover. Ultimate Nerdgasm!

Peace,

Steve

Gateway Drug

And if you enjoyed the film...

There's plenty more Scott Pilgrim stuff out there for you to enjoy. As I mentioned yesterday the books kind of give an alternative and far more in-depth retelling of the same basic story. I would implore you to pick them up from your nearest book shop, Amazon or fine comic book retailer. There's a section in Book 5 that is omitted from the film that has both great art and acts as a narrative gut punch. Basically (even if you're a comic book virgin) if you liked the film you will LOVE the books.

If you like video games (and if you like Scott Pilgrim there's a decent chance you do) then there's also a game out to coincide with the movie. The graphics remind me of a wonderful time when games characters weren't surly scales or mad professors who shout out you for not losing enough weight / being stupid. Here's a little trailer.

If I owned a games console that wasn't a Nintendo Wii I would totally buy it.

There's also soundtracks, plushes, t-shirts... The whole shebang!

This is the last post of unofficial Scott Pilgrim week here at Steveitude Towers and I hope I've managed to convey just a little of my enthusiasm for the project. I don't like to shill myself for anything I'm not personally involved in but new and original films like this deserve to be seen and if we don't go and support them then I guess I'll just have to see you outside the mass suicide after the first screening of Norbit 2.

Peace,

Steve

All Star

If super-heroes are the myths of our time then Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Jamie Grant's All-Star Superman should be the Bible. The concept of Superman is a difficult one for some people especially in this post Dark Knight environment but the series has literally everything that's great about the Man of Steel. The root of Superman as a concept lies in his ability to inspire and every page of this thing captures that. Read it, it's everything a comic book should be.

Come back tomorrow for Episode 2 of the podcast with some very special guests. *COUGH* Christian Bale *COUGH*. You heard me.

Peace

Steve

Who Reviews The Watchmen?

I've had a couple of days to process, I've listened to some Dylan, I think I'm finally ready to articulate my feelings about Watchmen.

So without further adieu *SPOILER ALERT*

As a film it requires you as an audience member to think. I have seen very few films that either require or entice this level of engagement. Adrian Veidt and his television screens I think are central to readings of both the film and the text. He talks about watching the unconnected images on the screens and finding a truth behind them. Both the book and the film function in this manner. Chronologically they are all over the place. The audience rather than the author sort events into a story they can comprehend. The audience plays an even greater role as a sort of moral judge. The origins of Watchmen comes from the black and white world of early super-hero comics, a universe flipped on its head by Moore to create a world with nothing but grey areas. It is interesting to note that Moore initially wanted to write the novel using the pre-existing stable of Charlton characters which include current DC mainstays The Question (Rorschach), Blue Beetle (Nite-Owl) and Captain Atom (Dr Manhattan). This suggests that maybe the characters themselves weren't as important as the conflicting philosophies that the story would play out. Unlike pretty much every other super-hero film to date there is no central character or viewpoint. Any sort of morality is once again imposed by the viewer.

This idea of constructing single meaning from a diverse number of sources is even more prevalent for those who have read the graphic novel. I found myself not only considering the film's narrative but comparing it with the narrative of its source material. In this case reading the source material gives a further layer of meaning forcing the viewer to consider what Snyder is implying by choosing to leave certain signs and signifiers on the cutting room floor. Yes, there has to be changes to serve the medium and keep the film at a watchable length but there's other more interesting choices made along the way. Thankfully the film isn't as loyal to its source as Snyder's 300. It is an all the more interesting piece for taking departures from the original narrative.

Of course I have some gripes. I think every comic afficianado (read Geek) will. The loss of so much of the 'original Minutemen' source material diminishes the detective conspiracy aspect of the plot somewhat. However, I also feel this opens up the story by not having Rorschach as such a dominating presence. There is also the reworked ending which I have to say I feel was pretty well done and was probably a necessity (Though I will miss The Island of Dr Moreau-esque goings on). At the same time though it has to be said that it swings dangerously close to the ending of The Dark Knight in its debate on the role of hero and villain though in many ways it answers the question posed by Nolan and his cohorts. I was sad to see The Black Freighter and the news stand interaction go but at the same time this is probably the part that is most tied into the comic form. I look forward to seeing what Snyder does with it on the promised DVD.

What I haven't mentioned is some of the successful changes made in the move to film. The way the costumes parody those that have come before is quite ingenious. You might not notice it on first watch but Ozymandias' nipple suit is very similar to Clooney's Batman nipple suit in the much maligned Batman & Robin. The movie Silk Spectre costume is even more sexually exploitative than that of the comic and again recalls visions of the (terrible) movie versions of Catwoman and Elektra. There is also the opening sequence where Snyder presents images made up of large chunks of the graphic novels back story to the soundtrack of 'The Times They Are-A Changin'. The sheer amount of information communicated through music and image sans dialogue is astonishing.

Some of the promotion of Watchmen is misleading suggesting it is just another generic super-hero film. Heed this warning, if that's what you expect and, worse, what you desire than you will be disappointed. Snyder's work in expanding the action sequences is admirable but still these are the least exciting parts of the narrative. It is the character's interactions that matter and by keeping these integral to the film is how Snyder's adaptation ultimately succeeds. It doesn't matter how beautifully you film the thing it has to have the same heart and this certainly does. It's big, it's epic and it's different to anything you will have seen before. Go and watch it.

That's that. I won't mention the blue swinging penis but it's totally there if that's your thing... Tannahill. Also maybe it isn't the best idea to go and see this thing if you're a bit tipsy heading toward drunk town. It was all a little too much for Ben and Adam.

Peace

Steve

Definitely

Definitely, Maybe is a really really good movie. Yes it may have hearts all over the box and totally look like the gayest chick flick going but let me tell you, it definitely isn't. The thing is I think it was just badly marketed. I don't want to tell those guys how to do their jobs but they sold it as a rom com with a real emphasis on the rom when there is actually lots of com. Not only that, its unique and quirky functioning as a sort of love mystery rather than going down that Hugh Grant path, you know, the one hes been down so many many many times. Finally... Ryan Reynolds. How do I say this without sounding gay... I love Ryan Reynolds. He's so likeable. Van Wilder, Smokin Aces, Two Guys & A Girl, Just Friends (Another really underrated movie) - likeable. I mean I think that if me and Ryan Reynolds hung out together we'd have a great time. Just having a beer, playing some X-Box, maybe shooting some pool. Don't tell me you wouldn't want to hang out with Ryan Reynolds. Also he might not be a total comic book geek but he was Hannibal King in Blade 3, attached to The Flash and in one of the best pieces of casting ever he is going to be Deadpool in the Wolverine spin-off. You'd think maybe he read a comic when he was researching one of these parts and he seems to know who Wade Wilson is!
So yeah, go watch it. Because the more of you who watch it and like it the more acceptable it is for me to like it!

I gave the new comedy Trexx and Flipside a watch on BBC 3 because it also star Rich Fuller (Bob Fossil in The Boosh). Don't make the same mistake I did. It seems to be trying to be a British rap version of Flight of the Conchords and it fails pretty darn miserably. It was the first episode so maybe things will get better but then again they probably won't!

Peace

Steve

Hot Hot Heat

Batman: Dammit Joker! Tell me the secrets of Jennifer Aniston's new relationship! Is she finally over Brad? I bet she isn't.

In the latest issue of Empire director Christopher Nolan describes 'The Dark Knight Returns' as a super-hero version of Heat. I'm pretty sure he was referring to the Michael Mann film starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro rather than the celebrity fashion and gossip magazine.

Also you may notice the blog has had a bit of a makeover. Now my education is finished I have plenty of time to do this sort of shit. There's a list of blogs that I frequent on the right hand side and a photo. Yes, a photo!

Peace

Steve

(Much love to Miss Nicki Wray for making the comment that led to this blog)

America Blog 5: Slam Dunk The Funk

On Saturday we went to the Nuggets game. To begin with it was back and forth with both offences firing but moving into the half the Nugs were on top. In the third quarter The Warriors bounced back as the Nuggets defence tired but after an inspired time-out the Nugs went three crazy and pulled away for the big W moving them into the 7th position and looking good for the play-offs. For those who don't speak Basketball... It was close, we were winning, they were winning, we won. Anyway, it was one hell of a spectacle with fireworks, cheerleaders, music and organised chanting. Still I can't see Larry the Liver Bird ever shaving a cheeky Man United fans head and it turning into anything but a full on riot. Still, it was FUN.

We have also been to two comic book shops. The first one Laura joined us in going to as we walked through the mildly (very) seedy inner city Denver to find 'All In A Dream' Comics. Spending what to any non comic book fan would seem a ridiculous sum of money the owner regaled us with many stories of life as a comic book pusher in a tough area. I don't know if we would have spent so long if Laura wasn't there. Everyone is very friendly and as someone who likes talking to people Laura is in her element. I'm overfamiliar, guess what I give you nicknames behind your back nothing nasty it's just what I do, but Ms Brown is on another level. Not a day goes by where we don't make a new friend for life. She didn't join us at Time Warp Comics but again it was a really cool place.

All the other students have arrived back now and the campus has sprung into life. It's crazy, from the ghost town of last week to the explosion of life going on now. This would have been great if I wasn't in such a state. We did a bit of drinking, I lost at Poker on the first hand (pocket fives going all in... IDIOT) and we stumbled home in a haze. It was REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY LONG ISLAND ICED TEA.

In Non-America News the Reading Line-Up is out. The Cribs headlining the Radio 1 Tent, Tenacious M&%$£$ckin D, Biffy and TBS on the main stage and Rage Against The Machine... Yes Please.

Peace

Steve

Geek Pie

I've mentioned it before but I'll mention it again, I like lists. I like making lists, I like reading lists and I really like ticking things off lists. There is a website that caters for people like me.
Cracked
Jam filled with useful lists and useful facts. I think you'll enjoy it. One list that has recently caught my eye is their 8 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Geeks.
Now being a geek myself (Seth Cohen Template) I actually did know some of these people were geeks yet still the article warms my heart. Doesn't it make you smile to think He-Man has a degree in chemical engineering? Doesn't it make you think that maybe you might sort of have a chance with Natalie Portman? (In reality you are now probably BOTH not good looking and not intelligent enough to stand a chance)
It doesn't mention it in the article but bad ass mofo Kevin Grevioux as well as banging Kate Beckinsale on a regular basis also writes some pretty kick ass comics. I think he is my new hero.
Some other celebrities you might not now are geeks include avid comic collectors Samuel L. Jackson and Nicholas Cage. (He stole his name from a damn comic character)

SO NOW YOU KNOW!

Peace

Steve

Suspenso

Viva Italia!

I-Tunes just shuffled Journey followed by The Wonders. Nice work I-Tunes.

Peace

Steve

We Could Be Heroes

My Hiro...

I just finished watching Episode 23 and what can I say? The best show on TV today, maybe all time. I won't ruin it for those who havn't seen it yet (Spoilers ahoy!) but if you don't like Heroes then there is obviously something wrong with you. There I said it. And if you like Heroes then you should damn well like comics. You want to know why...

5 REASONS WHY IF YOU LIKE HEROES YOU SHOULD READ COMICS
1. Heroes is a comic book in the form of a TV series. Content aside, it is structured like most modern comic books with single episodes building into small arcs building into one larger arc. The constant reveals and cliffhangers are what comics are all about!
2. The content. The writing staff owe more than a little to the comic book industry in terms of characters, powers and story. Claire (Teenage Cheerleader Wolverine), Parkman (Any number of Mutant Mind Readers), Jessica (The Hulk) and Peter Petrelli has more in common with a certain everyman web slinger movie star hero than just the alliteration. Nathan's speech after the election could have been written by Uncle Ben!
3. Crossover of Personnel. Many of the people involved in bringing Heroes to the screen are also involved in the comic book industry. Jeph Loeb (Co-executive Producer and Writer) is a major star for Marvel Comics. Tim Sale, provider of Isaac Mendez's art, was also chosen from the comic book talent pool. Loeb and Sale actually worked together on a number of the comics that were presented to Micah (sp?) by Candice when she was babysitting. Together they worked on one of my favourite Spider-Man stories of all time in Spider-Man: Blue.
4. You will get the comic book injokes. You will laugh at the fact the two F.B.I agents Alonso and Quesada are named after editors working at Marvel and the sword maker Claremont is named after possibly the greatest X-Men writer of all time. You will feel smart knowing Kirby Plaza is a tribute to one of the truly great comic artists of all time. You will enjoy the Stan Lee cameo all the more. You will chuckle when the phrase 'break the internet in half is used.' You will feel like a geek and it will be fine.
5. Me and you can hang out and comic book geek it up!

So are you inspired? You should be? Here's some material you should hunt down or borrow off me.

Watchmen - The granddaddy of super-hero comics. A deconstruction and celebration of heroic archetypes as well as being a damn good story. It also uses the disaster in New York to unify a divided world thing way before the human bomb and even the horrible real life events of 9 / 11.
Y: The Last Man - BKV's epic saga of the last man on Earth in a world ruled by women. It has the same mix of mystery, action and intrigue as Heroes and a similarily likeable leading man in a cast of interesting characters.
Spider-Man: Blue - I've mentioned Loeb and Sale already. This is a truly moving story of a hero haunted by loss. It also has implied off panel sex scenes.
Scott Pilgrim - Crazy cool indie manga from Brian Lee O'Malley telling the story of wannabee rock star Scott Pilgrim and his attempts to live in a crazy world of Street Fighter 2 like battles with his weird but cool girlfriend's vicious ex-boyfriends.
Blankets - Craig Thompson's raw biography of growing up in a no where town. As gripping as any super-hero fare.

Thats a start. I'll put you on the right track if you want any more!

Peace
Steve

Jermaine has gone to Dorset

Yesterday was Free Comic Book Day. It was awesome. At my local comic shop (aka the stall in the market) Andy Diggle was talking and signing and not only did I get my hands on a copy of pretty much every official free comic book day comic I also got a number of copies of his Adam Strange and The Losers (FOR FREE!). So thank you Andy Diggle and a Happy belated Free Comic Book Day to all.

I am kind of a big deal. Well not really. But for some reason BBC Radio Jersey wanted to ask my opinions on Liberation Day. I talked about freedom and sacrifice and the importance of continuing to celebrate the day with BBQs and other fun things. At one point I was asked what I was up to at the moment, I replied sunbathing. She was asking about university. Anyway, I havn't actually heard the interview but if anyone did, what did you think? My grandparents liked it but then again they like Arsene Wenger so I'm not sure how much their opinion counts.

Lancaster Fried Chicken has arrived... and it's a hell of a lot better than Morecambe Fried Chicken. I sampled the delights last night and I would recommend you pay them a visit. That is unless your a vegetarian. Vegetarians are not allowed to eat fried chicken, so don't even try.

Several of the headline acts for Jersey Live have been announced... The Fratellis, DJ Format, Kasabian, The Enemy, The Rakes and The Alter Kicks included. Much more to come, get a ticket, get involved. Speaking of music my brother has turned me onto an incredible band called Birds of Wales. Download 'The Fine Art of Ballet Dancing' if the lyrics don't make you smile then you don't have a soul.

An exciting week has finished on Hollyoaks. Crazy Will getting his comeuppance, Jermaine Pennant getting laid and Darren agreeing to finance a space rocket. Coming up this week... Gilly develops psychic powers with wacky results, Calvin starts a sanctuary for stray cats and Darren wears some truly ridiculous hats. I'm excited, are you?

Peace

Steve

With Great Power...

Wow. Just wow. Emo Spider-Man rules.

Peace

Steve