Anyone a Dan Brereton fan?!?!?
AardvarkSK
site.
In the article, Mr. Smith discussed Todd McFarlane's desire to have a new,
fully-painted
Black Terror series produced for Image. In the article, Beau indicated Todd
was
interested in having Kent Williams paint the new series, as opposed to the
original painter
Dan Brereton.
As a fan on Dan's art, I was shocked. I greatly enjoyed the first Black
Terror series and
thoroughly enjoyed the artwork. Dan had gotten his start on the Black Terror
and helped
produce a beautifully painted series. Since Todd McFarlane is a vocal
proponent for
creator rights, one would think the rights of the creator do not merely limit
themselves to
the originator of the character. One would think those rights would be extend
to allow
creative teams, who worked quite well together in the past, to continue working
and
enhance a mythology of that character. This can only strengthen to story and
improve the
end product. I would like to see Dan be named as the artist on the series so
he and Beau
can continue on the original vision the had begun with the first series.
If there are any other fans of Dan's work and would also like to see Dan and
Beau work
together again, I urge them to make their wishes known. Please write or e-mail
Todd and
McFarlane productions with this pledge: As a fan of the first series or Dan's
work in
general, we will buy the new series. We are guaranteed consumers. The costs
involved
with this venture are secured, as we will buy it. If Dan is not the artist, we
cannot
guarantee we will buy the book. We may look at it. We may thumb through it in
the
store, but our sale is not certain. Dan and Beau together are a known quality.
We have
seen them work well together, on a story we enjoyed. On his website, Dan makes
mention
of his desire to work with Beau again and being an influence on his writing.
One would
think Beau would like to work with Dan again, as well. With a new artist, the
end product
is not known. With many other comic books being released and as competitive as
the
market is, when a reader has a weekly budget they try to adhere to a known
quantatiy is
generally a 'safe purchase'.
Many readers are hesitant to take a chance with a $5 or $6 book, only to be
disappointed.
Todd is a bright man and a successful businessman. He usually doesn't do
something,
unless he knows the investment is sound. Vote with your dollar and let Todd
know
naming Dan as the artist is a sound investment for McFarlane Productions and
the new Black Terror series.
The addresses are as follows:
Todd McFarlane Productions P.O. Box 27228 Tempe, AZ 85285-7228
or you can e-mail:
Terry Fitzgerald, President of Entertainment: tdf...@aol.com
www.mcfarlane.com/email.html
macbeth
AardvarkSK wrote:
> Recently, I read an article about Beau Smith posted on the Comics Continuum web
> site.
> In the article, Mr. Smith discussed Todd McFarlane's desire to have a new,
> fully-painted
> Black Terror series produced for Image. In the article, Beau indicated Todd
> was
> interested in having Kent Williams paint the new series, as opposed to the
> original painter
> Dan Brereton.
>
> As a fan on Dan's art, I was shocked. I greatly enjoyed the first Black
> Terror series and
> thoroughly enjoyed the artwork. Dan had gotten his start on the Black Terror
> and helped
> produce a beautifully painted series.
It wasn't bad but the production quality wasn't up to much cf the first Nocturnals
series. Not unlike Arcane/Eclipse's M series from Jon Muth, the colours look like
they've been filtered through mud.
> Since Todd McFarlane is a vocal
> proponent for
> creator rights,
...it suits him to be, yeah. The creator's rights clarion call (lotta 'C's
there...) is something often associated with Cerebus - so of course MacFarlane
roped Dave Sim in to Spawn early on, make himself seem like a man with an opinion
to be taken seriously.
> one would think the rights of the creator do not merely limit
> themselves to
> the originator of the character. One would think those rights would be extend
> to allow
> creative teams, who worked quite well together in the past, to continue working
> and
> enhance a mythology of that character. This can only strengthen to story and
> improve the
> end product. I would like to see Dan be named as the artist on the series so
> he and Beau
> can continue on the original vision the had begun with the first series.
Hmmmm. I think you've missed the point somewhat vis-a-vis Eclipse characters.
Creator's rights are important only while Todd is making lots of money. When Todd
doesn't think he will make lots of money they're not important anymore. It's easy.
Just look at what he's done with Miracle Man. There's a finished Gaiman-scripted
MM comic waiting to be published with (I believe) another one ready for artwork.
MM fans have been waiting years to see where the Silver Age storyline was going
and by the looks of things will be waiting even longer. I'm not certain exactly
what the reasons are for Macfarlane delaying it for so long - I *think* it's
because he wasn't breast fed as a child but I guess we can never be certain.
Black Terror was an old comic character Brereton and Smith themselves updated,
btw, at least as far as I remember it was (if I'm right I'm sure you know that
anyway) - not unlike Marvelman.
I agree Black Terror is about the best thing Brereton has been involved in (and
you thought I was going to go for That Chemical Reflex...) - although I haven't
read Thrillkiller - but I think that's mostly down to Beau Smith's writing - no
reflection on Brereton's artwork (although it doesn't represent his best) but, as
I said, because of the lousy production quality.
I'd be hesitant - to put it mildly - to buy anything from Todd Macfarlane
Productions, or whatever the hell it's called. Anyone who makes comics out of sad
old geezers like Kiss obviously has nothing but contempt for the medium itself and
therefore for the comic buying public. It's people like Macfarlane that keep alive
the generally-held perception that comics are infantile garbage - mainly because
in his hands, they are.
Having said that, I wouldn't let my great love for the man *necessarily* put me
off buying his comics - I did get the Ashley Wood issues of the Crow (not an easy
thing to admit) - just to see if the story had, er, advanced at all since O'Barr
(yeah, that sounds convincing). I dare say Bendis has done a competent job at
least scripting Sam & Twitch too, although I wouldn't actually buy the things. So
I'll give his Black Terror update the once-over when it comes out without
expecting much from it. It'll probably be dumbed down, sanitised for an 'all-ages'
market and rotten with Macfarlane's self-congratulatory adverts for yet more of
his godawful 'product'. Yeeaaacchh. Think I'm gonna puke...
>
>
> Todd is a bright man and a successful businessman. He usually doesn't do
> something,
> unless he knows the investment is sound.
Heh. That's that goddamn understatement thing isn't it? Never could get the hang
of that...
> Vote with your dollar and let Todd
> know
> naming Dan as the artist is a sound investment for McFarlane Productions and
> the new Black Terror series.
>
> The addresses are as follows:
> Todd McFarlane Productions P.O. Box 27228 Tempe, AZ 85285-7228
> or you can e-mail:
> Terry Fitzgerald, President of Entertainment: tdf...@aol.com
> www.mcfarlane.com/email.html
Great. I can use that address next time I get threatened with an exploding parcel
of dog shit (as you do).
AardvarkSK
long time!!
Secondly, from what I heard at San Diego, Gaiman's lawyers are talking with
Todd's lawyer about several things. Neil would go into any great detail....but
he did mention excessive merchandising. I figured it tied into not only MM but
also his Angela stuff as well. We all know Todd looks out for Todd first,
second and last.
As for Dan's work on Thrillkiller, I found his colaberation with Chaykin quite
enjoyable.
BRIAN1138
>Having said that, I wouldn't let my great love for the man *necessarily* put
>me
>off buying his comics - I did get the Ashley Wood issues of the Crow (not an
>easy
>thing to admit) - just to see if the story had, er, advanced at all since
>O'Barr
>(yeah, that sounds convincing). I dare say Bendis has done a competent job at
>least scripting Sam & Twitch too, although I wouldn't actually buy the
>things.
though i appreciate the vague back handed compliment and the non supposrt of
not buying a book that you admit doesnt suck...
beau has said that the black terror reports are a misquote.
dan is a true talent and a good friend and its cool that you are standing tall
for the man.
now buy my book and stop casting judgement on books that done even exssit yet.
BENDIS!
Jinx Comics on sale from Image comics
1999 Eisner winner
http://www.jinxworld.com
for JINX news and the new JINXWORLD MESSAGEBOARD
Todd VerBeek
>Just look at what he's done with Miracle Man. There's a finished Gaiman-scripted
>MM comic waiting to be published with (I believe) another one ready for artwork.
>MM fans have been waiting years to see where the Silver Age storyline was going
>and by the looks of things will be waiting even longer. I'm not certain exactly
>what the reasons are for Macfarlane delaying it for so long - I *think* it's
>because he wasn't breast fed as a child but I guess we can never be certain.
Before you blame McFarlane for the fact that now new Miracleman stories
have been forthcoming, I suggest you research the matter a little. The
question of who (if anyone) has the right to do so is not at all clear.
>I'd be hesitant - to put it mildly - to buy anything from Todd Macfarlane
>Productions, or whatever the hell it's called. Anyone who makes comics out of sad
>old geezers like Kiss obviously has nothing but contempt for the medium itself and
>therefore for the comic buying public.
Give me a break. People want to buy them; he produces them. If his
choice of subject matter doesn't meet your standards... so what? I'd say
that anyone proscribing what subject matter is and isn't appropriate for
the medium is showing more contempt for it than he.
>It's people like Macfarlane that keep alive
>the generally-held perception that comics are infantile garbage - mainly because
>in his hands, they are.
If that gives people the impression that all comics are like that, it's
hardly his fault; it's the fault of the folks who publish the good stuff
for not publicising it better.
Cheers, Todd
--
Radix malorum est stupiditas.
macbeth
BRIAN1138 wrote:
> >
> >Having said that, I wouldn't let my great love for the man *necessarily* put
> >me
> >off buying his comics - I did get the Ashley Wood issues of the Crow (not an
> >easy
> >thing to admit) - just to see if the story had, er, advanced at all since
> >O'Barr
> >(yeah, that sounds convincing). I dare say Bendis has done a competent job at
> >least scripting Sam & Twitch too, although I wouldn't actually buy the
> >things.
>
> though i appreciate the vague back handed compliment and the non supposrt of
> not buying a book that you admit doesnt suck...
supporst? No problem, anyway.
>
>
> beau has said that the black terror reports are a misquote.
Really? Better take that up with plantman...
>
>
> dan is a true talent and a good friend and its cool that you are standing tall
> for the man.
Yeah, I dig Brereton's stuff well enough.
>
>
> now buy my book and stop casting judgement on books that done even exssit yet.
Awww. You know I've been buying your stuff since Parts of a Hole and Quivers,
Brian (well, actually you don't because I've altered my name since I was last
here - but think back to your Shakespeare lessons to work that one out and you
might remember noticing I've been pretty complimentary of Goldfish, Jinx and
Torso here in the past).
I didn't buy S&T because it was published by MacFarlane - I think I said to you
at the time, ie when you first announced your intention to script the series,
that I wish there was some other way for you to make the scads of money you so
richly deserve (no irony intended, honest), although I don't particularly expect
you to remember that.
I probably will have a gander at the new Black Terror, FWIW, but if I understand
you right, not only will Dan Brereton be AWOL, so will Beau Smith. So there
needn't be any connection with the original at all beyond the title character -
in fact (light slowly dawns) come to think of it, I dimly remember reading
somewhere that the Black Terror is one of the old Eclipse characters Macfarlane
wants to become part of his 'Spawn universe'. Is that right? Like the Heap? In
which case I won't be buying it. I'm extremely reluctant to fund Macfarlane's ego
transplant any further (ah, I do love a stage villain!)
macbeth
Todd VerBeek wrote:
> My pal macbeth said:
> >Just look at what he's done with Miracle Man. There's a finished Gaiman-scripted
> >MM comic waiting to be published with (I believe) another one ready for artwork.
> >MM fans have been waiting years to see where the Silver Age storyline was going
> >and by the looks of things will be waiting even longer. I'm not certain exactly
> >what the reasons are for Macfarlane delaying it for so long - I *think* it's
> >because he wasn't breast fed as a child but I guess we can never be certain.
>
> Before you blame McFarlane for the fact that now new Miracleman stories
> have been forthcoming, I suggest you research the matter a little. The
> question of who (if anyone) has the right to do so is not at all clear.
Yeah, this has been discussed several times on the NGs hasn't it? I recall reading
about a falling out between Gaiman and Macfarlane over it. I seem to remember thinking
at the time that Gaiman's (percieved) line was the one I favoured but I haven't
followed the subject since - and I'm disgustingly prejudiced anyway.
>
>
> >I'd be hesitant - to put it mildly - to buy anything from Todd Macfarlane
> >Productions, or whatever the hell it's called. Anyone who makes comics out of sad
> >old geezers like Kiss obviously has nothing but contempt for the medium itself and
> >therefore for the comic buying public.
>
> Give me a break. People want to buy them; he produces them. If his
> choice of subject matter doesn't meet your standards... so what?
That's one hell of a question, Todd. So what...? I don't know. I'm expressing an
opinion. Thus...
Someone who uses a medium to produce shit can't have a great deal of respect for the
health of that medium - or so it seems to me. People want them? Sure. Most people
prefer mindless pap (like Kiss:Psycho Circus, although I'd rate TM's other stuff
somewhat higher and the stuff written by others for him higher still) if they can get
it; they prefer not to have to think hard, not to encounter some new way of expressing
something or new use of a medium, because it takes effort - and most people are
essentially lazy. I don't exclude myself from that characterisation. Someone who makes
a killing pandering to people's unwillingness to try something new or think different
(©Steve Jobs) is not (IMO, FWIW) deserving of respect - except as a businessman, of
course (and in Macfarlane's case as an artist - he's undeniably a good superhero
artist). If comics are ever going to be gain widespread recognition as a unique
artform (which may or may not be a good thing) they can't afford too many Todd
Macfarlanes. Obviously, he's far from being alone and he has his equivalents in
Hollywood, the pop music industry etc. etc.
> I'd say
> that anyone proscribing what subject matter is and isn't appropriate for
> the medium is showing more contempt for it than he.
Would you? I'm not sure what you mean. Does that mean you don't want to, or don't feel
able to, make a value judgement about something (comics, in this case) or that you
disagree about my judgement (which is absolutely fair enough: my opinion is as
worthless or otherwise as anyone elses)? I'm not exactly proscribing anything I'm
giving my opinion, dressed up rhetorically in as provocative a way as I think I can
get away with, because I care about comics and I genuinely think that if we want some
kind of choice from the 'mainstream', as represented by Macfarlane, the very least we
have to do is question what's behind his success.
>
>
> >It's people like Macfarlane that keep alive
> >the generally-held perception that comics are infantile garbage - mainly because
> >in his hands, they are.
>
> If that gives people the impression that all comics are like that, it's
> hardly his fault; it's the fault of the folks who publish the good stuff
> for not publicising it better.
Yes and no. Yes, the good stuff should be publicised better. Yes I WISH people who
read comics they think are worthwhile and which they want to share with the rest of us
would say so on the newsgroups - write some poney little 100 word review, whatever,
just spread the word. I wish Fantagraphics and D&Q etc. had more money and Aeon and
Blaceye hadn't folded and Jeff Mason didn't need to work as a lawyer. I wish Image
could've kept its non-line going. I wish Vertigo had become more innovative instead of
retreating (as it seems to be at the moment) into the DC mainstream. I wish there were
more grants for the small press and I wish a great deal more of the wealth of
non-English-speaking comics talent was getting translated.
In short, I wish comics were taken more seriously. Yes, it would be unfair to heap ALL
the blame on Macfarlane's narrow shoulders but he hasn't exactly been conspicuous in
his efforts to help things along in the right direction, has he? Of course, if he were
to put the money he makes out of turkeys like Psycho Circus and the Ozzie Osbourne
travesty into boosting the Small Press Expo or an alternative to the Xeric fund or a
programme of translating 1950s French erotic comic strips or whatever I'd be the first
to raise my glass to him. He's perfectly free and entitled to spend it all on fake
baseballs instead, of course, but as long as he does he won't be getting a Christmas
card from ME.
> --
> Radix malorum est stupiditas.
Goddam it. Latin. I'm hopeless at it. Radix - light? No, can't be. Malorum is bad, I
guess. Stupidatas is something you made up - you could've used Ignoratus or
something... 'Bad something is stupid. Bad vibes? Bad vibes are stupid? Bad vibes are
often extremely necessary. When John Lydon said 'Never trust a hippy,' he was actually
making a serious point...