The 2014/15 television season has become well known as the season of the comic book television series. While we used to be content with the occasional Smallville or Birds of Prey (ok, no one was content with Birds of Prey), it’s now possible to watch comic book programming 5 nights a week (or more thanks to DVR). While most of these shows have been ratings successes, I’ve been looking at them on my own scale of general artistry and adaptation. To me, not all of them have been stellar, but it’s certainly been interesting to watch them grow, regardless.
Archive for the ‘Constantine’ Category
PILOT LITE: 2014-2015 Season in Review
Posted: June 30, 2015 in Agent Carter, Agents of SHIELD, Arrow, Constantine, Daredevil, DC, Flash, Gotham, iZombie, Legends of Tomorrow, Lucifer, Marvel, Powers, Preacher, Supergirl, Vertigo, Walking DeadTags: Agent Carter, Agents of SHIELD, Arrow, Constantine, Daredevil, DC, Flash, Gotham, iZombie, Legends of Tomorrow, Lucifer, Marvel, Powers, Preacher, Supergirl, Vertigo, Walking Dead
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This is the first of Comic Book Media’s CommentaryCasts. I’ve been trying to figure out a better way to post the actual casts, rather than just on a page with a link at the top of the screen. I’ve found that even friends and frequent users of the site have missed updates on them, so I’m hoping an actual blog update will help to rectify this problem. Thus, I’ll be keeping the original CommentaryCast page, but I’ll also be giving each a place in the blog feed. I’m hoping this will extend the reach a bit. So as not to flood the page with all of the CC’s at once, I’ll post one a week until I’m caught up. After that, I’ll post a brand new edition that Baer and I recorded a few weeks ago (it’s Blade. Are you ready to roll with this?). Also, we’re looking at getting them placed on iTunes and getting some clips posted on YouTube. I’ll be sure to update you all when that happens. So, without further ado…that doesn’t look right…(adieu?)…without further bullcrap, here’s Constantine. If you haven’t checked it out yet, give it a listen. And, as always, sorry for all of the bad words.
2014 CBM Year in Review
Posted: December 23, 2014 in Agents of SHIELD, Arrow, Baer, Batman, Captain America, Constantine, DC, Flash, Gotham, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hercules, I Frankenstein, Image, Marvel, Sin City, Snowpiercer, Spider-Man, TMNT, Walking Dead, X-Men
It’s been a damn good year for comic book media. Perhaps the biggest advances have been in the realm of television. Once the black sheep of the entertainment industry, TV is now the go-to for intricately plotted, nuanced and serialized drama. Add to that the continuing dominance of comic book movies and it’s no surprise that countless properties continue to be optioned and adapted.
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THE UNADAPTED: Criminal Macabre
Posted: December 6, 2014 in Andrew, Cal McDonald, Constantine, Criminal Macabre, Dark Horse, Guest Column, Hellblazer, IDW, The Unadapted**This edition of The Unadapted was written by novelist Andrew Prenger. He’s covering my ass for being late with my post on Justice League: Mortal Part 2. Enjoy his look at Criminal Macabre, a comic I literally know nothing about.**
The most surprising thing about this title is that it technically started in 1990. So that means the main character, Cal McDonald, has been around for over 24 years. Yet most comic book readers would be at a loss to know anything about it. Were it on Jeopardyit would be the awkward question everyone quietly stared at their feet for until time ran out and Alex Trebek read the answer off his cue card.
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PILOT LITE: Mid-season check-up.
Posted: November 27, 2014 in Agent Carter, Agents of SHIELD, Arrow, Constantine, DC, Flash, Gotham, Hellblazer, Image, iZombie, Marvel, Powers, Vertigo, Walking DeadThis television season is nearing its mid point (when did mid-season finales become a thing? Seems recent to me) and as such a lot of shows are going on winter hiatus. Thus, it feels like a good time to check in and see how everything’s progressing.
The Flash
I think this is the probably been the most consistent show in its first season. It quickly and easily established its tone in the pilot as well as the season-long storyline. There haven’t been any major revelations or changes to the status quo as of yet, and that’s fine. Arrow built up a pretty impressive world within its first couple of seasons. The Flash has taken that world and (literally) run with it. The introduction of Barry back in Arrow‘s second season kind of feels like the Nick Fury stinger scene in Iron Man, in retrospect. Now, we get to see how cool this newly expanded universe can be. The show skews a bit on the formulaic side for now, but its episodic nature only enhances the “comic-bookishness” of it for me. It’s amazing how much more natural a “villain of the week” story can feel when said villains are culled from DC’s long history of characters. Speaking of characters, the actors on this show do a hell of a job. Grant Gustin’s Barry is just idealistic enough to be loveable but doesn’t come off as naïve. Jesse L. Martin’s Det. West has become the soul of the show as his mentorly relationship with Barry has progressed. And then there’s Dr. Wells. Speculation has been rampant as to just what is motivating Tom Cavanagh’s character. I guess we’ll see.
PILOT LITE: Constantine (2014 television pilot)
Posted: October 27, 2014 in Constantine, DC, Deadman, Dr. Fate, Hellblazer, Spectre, Swamp Thing, Vertigo
I am easily the biggest Hellblazer fan that I know. This isn’t intended to sound like a boast, but I own John Constantine’s first appearance in Swamp Thing, all 300 issues of the ongoing title and every single crossover, special, miniseries, guest-spot and novel that the Vertigo character has been featured in. Again, I’m not trying to brag (well, maybe a little), I just want you to understand the respect and reverence I have for this character.
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Comic Book Media 