Riding the Retro Metro: Saturday July 14, 1984!

Redartz:  Come one, come all; it's time again for a quick quest back to the Bronze Age, courtesy of the Retro Metro!  On the docket today is that epochal year 1984, a true high point in 80's pop culture. In the news, everyone's talking about the US presidential campaign, specifically Democrat Walter Mondale's choice of Geraldine Ferraro as his Vice-Presidential running mate: the first woman on a major party ticket. And there's the Los Angeles Olympic Games, opening despite the boycott by the Soviets. 

There's big news on the music front, as well. The number one song on the US Billboard Chart:  Prince, "When Doves Cry"

The genius from Minnesota gives us this gem from the soundtrack to his current film "Purple Rain". The whole album is incredible, and this cut is one of the best.

Rounding out the top five: 
2.  Bruce Springsteen, "Dancing in the Dark"
3.  The Pointer Sisters, "Jump (For My Love)"
4.  Billy Idol, "Eyes Without a Face"
5.  Duran Duran, "The Reflex"

This is one of those rare occasions when the top five all score high on my personal favorite list. Springsteen's hit is danceable, and infectiously melodic. Billy Idol's "Eyes" is a moody,masterpiece. And Duran Duran score another very catchy hit. 

Some other current hits of note:  Laura Branagan, "Self Control"; just a great song. Ray Parker Jr., "Ghostbusters"; impossible to get out of your head; the theme (obviously) to the current smash hit summer blockbuster film . Eddy Grant, "Romancing the Stone", another excellent movie song; from the man who took us to "Electric Avenue". Thompson Twins, "Doctor! Doctor!"- perfect pop from a fine new group (containing no twins, incidentally).

Tops in the UK:  Frankie Goes to Hollywood, "Two Tribes"

Great song and a cool video; and speaking of video, thanks to MTV and the various video music programs for exposing such acts to those of us in the US starving for the latest sounds from 'across the pond'. And one of these days I might just be seen wearing one of those "Frankie Say" t-shirts.



Ah, before we forget: being Saturday, there may be some benefit to checking out the Saturday morning cartoon highlights:   


Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Bill Melendez brings Charles Shultz' characters to Saturday mornings. It's one of the highlights, well worth a look. 
 



Dungeons and Dragons, based upon the immensely popular role playing game. Our D&D group enjoys catching this show. 

Bugs Bunny, Smurfs, Thundarr the Barbarian, The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man- all veteran shows by now, but still worth watching. Especially Bugs; you can never go wrong with Warner Bros. cartoons!














As far as prime time is concerned, for tonight's televised offerings, let's check out the TV Guide...

US Television Schedule: 

William Shatner

ABC:  T.J. Hooker, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island

 These days I'm usually busy on Saturday nights. I've missed seeing William Shatner as T.J. Hooker , but I still catch Fantasy Island from time to time. Tattoo never gets old...

CBS:  Whiz Kids, Airwolf, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer


NBC:  Diff'rent Strokes, Silver Spoons, Mama's Family, People are Funny, The Rousters

 




 NBC relies pretty obviously on it's comedy schedule on Saturday nights. I do have to give a nod to "Mama's Family": Vicki Lawrence is a hoot. Loved that whole shtick since it originated on the incomparable "Carol Burnett Show". A fine comic cast, as well...



 





BBC1:  The Saturday Film: Rio Bravo, Dynasty, Bird of Prey

BBC2:  Primal, Countdown to the Moon, Mick Burke Award 1984, Saturday Review, Cricket: Third Test, Newsnight International: Iran


You know, Saturdays are a perfect time to hit the comic shop (if you're fortunate enough to have one nearby) or the newsstand . Therefore, let's see what's new on the spinner racks:

There's still plenty of excellent reading in comics today! John Byrne continues his epic run on the Fantastic Four, and his Alpha Flight displays some of his finest writing (the terrific artwork needs no explanation). Walt Simonson's Thor is quickly becoming the subject of much attention. Beta Ray Bill is a new character with loads of potential..

There are a couple big anniversary issues out this month, Hulk 300 and Superman 400 (one of those spectaculars with a veritable "Who's Who" of creators involved; buy it for the pinups if for no other reason). 

Then there's "Secret Wars"; Marvel's big company wide project from Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck. Some love it, some hate it; I find it fairly entertaining. 

Away from the Big Two, the indies have loads to offer. Bill Messner-Loebs' "Journey" is one of the most unique, most engaging epics in comics. And "Love and Rockets", by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, is truly wonderful. Graphically beautiful; not really for kids but perfect for a college art student!
So perfect, in fact, I'm off to read an issue. Thus, we say goodbye to 1984, and return to whenever/wherever we find ourselves now. Hope we triggered a few fond memories; if so, be sure to share!

Chew the Fat: Comic Books as the Source Material!

Note: In the following discussion, there may be some slight SPOILERS to the recent superhero movies, particularly Avengers:Infinity War.  We will try to steer clear of any major revelations, but if you are sensitive to any "spoilery" activity or images please tread cautiously.   This topic is not about the movie plots specifically but about the influences from comic books on specific shots or scenes in the movies.

Martinex1: As I've watched recent Marvel movies including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and Avengers: Infinity War, I have noticed scenes or images that had to be influenced from comics from the Silver and Bronze ages.  Surely there have always been key plot points that follow the tracks of the comics; even lesser movies like The Fantastic Four have had to rely on the source material to tell the story.   Today I am talking about something perhaps more subtle in the movies - the brief instances that cause a bit of deja vu.  A character says or acts in a way that really reflects his comic book personality, or a glimpse of a setting seems to have jumped off of a comic panel, or a bit of action could have come from a comic cover - these are the things I am referring to.  

Sometimes the thought that pops into my head is not even related to the specific series that the movie is based on.  Why would the Avengers remind me of an obscure DC issue?  Or why would Thor seem like another character entirely?  Today let's explore and discuss the influence of comics in general as a source to the movies.

I started thinking about this a few days ago when I posted on our Twitter account that often (specifically in Thor: Ragnarok) Thor seemed more like Hercules from the comic books.  His joy of life and humor and eagerness to jump into battle seemed more like Herc than the sometimes thoughtful and brooding Thor from the comics. Even when dealing with tragedy, the Thor of the movies is less full of vengeance and more accepting and optimistic about the future.  Also some comic images came to my mind.  Thor has partaken in his share of beer and mead, but Hercules always seemed more the reveler.  And a very brief glimpse of Thor on Grandmaster's homeworld reminded me of the cover of Bob Layton's Hercules comic.  Take a look...

 

Now I admit that can be total coincidence, but it goes to show how influential comics can be on the cinematic art or at the very least how pervasive they can be to my interpretation of the film.

In Infinity War, Captain America's brief confrontation of Thanos had to be based on the scenes from the Jim Starlin and Ron Lim comics.  Even though Cap was not in his classic togs with his iconic shield and there was little or no dialog during the fight, there was just that glimmer of idealism and strength that Cap exudes while confronting unbeatable odds.  The directors captured that courage and strength of conviction well.

 Thematically, that is pretty on the nose.  But for something a little more obscure take a look at the final images from Thor: Ragnarok.  The Asgardians evacuate in a giant ship only to be dwarfed by something much larger and ominous.  Here is a look at that parting shot.

The escape craft is in the foreground and behind it is a monstrosity that practically blocks out the stars.  Does that seem familiar to you?   Well it did to me!  It reminded me specifically of Avengers Volume 1 Issue # 167, in which the S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier and Nick Fury call the Avengers for help.  The team views the Hellicarrier on their video monitor but there seems to be no sky behind the ship; they pan out to reveal the gigantic ship Drydock which is occupied by the Guardians of the Galaxy.  The comic does not have Asgardians or Thanos in it, but I have to believe the below George Perez image was referenced.

My final example is rather random in that it has no story connection to the Infinity War, the Avengers, the Black Order or any specifics of the movie story,  But when I saw the giant alien wheels unleashed on the warriors and team in Wakanda during the climactic battle, I immediately thought of the Blackhawk comic and the frequent appearances of the Warwheel.

Boy, that crazy thing sure made a lot of appearances (and even in re-crafted covers).  It may have no connection whatsoever to the movie, but it was the first thing that popped into my head when seeing the scene on the silver screen.

So that type of connection is what I would like us to chat about today.  Let's Chew the Fat! What do you think about my examples, and what other instances in recent films had you excited because of their reference and recognizable nature?  Cheers!

Rank and File: The Year's Best Comic Stories, 1984!

Redartz:  Good day, everyone. Ready for another assessment of a year's comic creativity? This time around, we will consider the year 1984. Late in the Bronze Age, but still rife with good reading! And I can testify to that; making the choices once again was difficult, and several quite deserving books were left off my list. But of course it's a subjective thing, anyway. A couple of my picks might surprise  you, I tried to take note of the impact of the stellar independent books appearing at the time. And of course there are other books that I didn't include do to a lack of familiarity with them; which is where you all come in. After seeing my picks, make your lists and tell us all what got missed.

And now, heeeeeeere's the list:


 

Saga of the Swamp Thing 24- "Roots" by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette and John Totleben. The fine climax to the battle with the creepy Floronic Man. With a denouement that would have done EC Comics proud.




 









 



 Journey 9- "Near Spring" by William Messner-Loebs. A perfect example of great characterization and intelligent writing, wound around historical drama with humor and heart. And a chilling description of death beneath the frozen ice.





 









 


Fantastic Four 267- "A Small Loss" by John Byrne. An innovative look at Dr. Octopus, a cool battle with Reed, and a tragic ending. One of Byrne's best FF stories, imho.


 











 




Marvel Fanfare 15- "That Night" by Barry Windsor Smith. A little humor is something I value greatly, and this gem from BWS has plenty. And, the artwork is a treat for the eyes...


 













 


Power Pack 1- "Power Play" by  Louise Simonson, June Brigman and Bob Wiacek. We are introduced to the Power children, and to a unique, well written and clever series. Simonson writes the kids like someone who has 'been there'.


 











 



Superman 400- "The Living Legends of Superman" by Elliot Maggin and just about everyone in comics. An array of different views of the Man of Steel, by the top artists in the business (Eisner, Kirby, Byrne, Steranko, Ditko, and Miller, just a few of them).


 










 



Love and Rockets 10- Just a full book of good stuff by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez. If you haven't met Maggie, Hopey, Penny Century, Fumble and the rest, you've missed out.


 












 


Amazing Spider-Man 259- "All My Pasts Remembered" by Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein. Mary Jane Watson tells her story, after all those years. And you get the Hobgoblin, and the return of Spidey's red-and-blues.


 












 


Thor 350- "Ragnarok and Roll" by  Walter Simonson. Asgard and it's allies vs. Surtur, and what a titanic clash it is. Simonson at his best, writing and drawing.


 














 


America vs. The Justice Society 1- "I Accuse" by Roy and Danette Thomas, Rafael Kayanan, Rich Buckler, Jerry Ordway, Alfredo Alcala and Bill Collins. Golden age goodness, courtroom drama, history, and loads of characters...


















Well, there you have it. A time capsule of the best of 1984; from my perspective. But what about your best list? You all may now proceed to take your shot, make your list, and enumerate your '84 Hall of Fame...

Two Questions: Jim Shooter Writing and Thor the Mighty!

Martinex1: I have a couple of questions (or series of questions) to last you the next couple of days, so please share your thoughts and commentary.  Cheers all!

Question 1: What do you think about Jim Shooter as a writer?  We can discuss his work as an editor as well, but how does his work in both creative areas (writer and editor) compare?  Where does Jim Shooter fit in your rankings as a comic creator?  In what ways did he impact your collecting or enjoyment of the art form?

To refresh your memory, here is just a tiny sample of the issues that Jim Shooter wrote (starting way back in 1966).

Did you know that Jim Shooter also pencilled some issues?  His work had a bit of a Steve Ditko feel.  Here is an example from Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #57.  The example is inked by Jim Mooney.

Question 2:  With Thor on our minds because of the recent movie, what Thor stories resonated most with you?  Many people consider the Walter Simonson issues to be among the best, do you agree?  Other than those stories are there Thor books from the Bronze Age that you admire?   What are your favorite Thor tales?  Who are your favorite Thor creators?  Did you like Thor's supporting cast?Where does Thor rank as a character that you follow or collect? Why do you despise, tolerate, like, or love the character?