Now in our fourth calendar year
Most think that "The Matrix" is a comic adaptation and, while the Wachowski Brothers have deep roots into comics (Larry wrote on the Clive Barker title Ectokid), gets lumped into the comic category. Some argue that story is based on Chris Kubasik’s story for a role-playing game, but this screenplay actually pre-dates their debut "Bound". The 1999 comic book was released as a promotion to be handed out at the movie theaters, but was recalled by Warner Brothers “due to content.”
A sex scene, without nudity, and the words "vagina" and "fuck" got the comic pulled from moviegoer’s hands to ensure that underage kids wouldn’t get their mitts on this excellent little mag. The original print run was reportedly 500,000 copies, but no one knows exactly how many survived to the homes of fanboys around the world.
The comic delivers a Paul Chadwick story with an awesome Geoff Darrow cover. I’m sorry that I don’t have a scan, but copies are resurfacing, of course, on ebay -- you should check it out. The story has little connections to the movie, but falls in line with the concept. I believe that the current generation will look back at "The Matrix" the way many of us view “Star Wars”, and Star Wars #1 reflects that.
On a related note: I anxiously await the first showing on the fifteenth of May (I have five kids, I can’t go to the Wednesday night showings), but my lovely wife could care less. She has NEVER seen the first movie. That’s right. Not once. Not that I haven’t tried. So, we catch a promo for the FOX broadcast of "The Matrix" and she gives me the look, but I say nothing. “Aren’t you going to try to convince to watch it with you?”, she says.
Well, a network broadcast of this movie is sacrilegious if you ask me, but I say "No." I paraphrase what I went on to say: I not only don’t want her to see it now, I’m making a vow that I’ll do everything I can to prevent it. After four years of trying, debating, arguing etc....all to no avail, then no. She can’t see it. I can then say that I’m married to the one person who’s never seen it. That’ll be my new intro. “This is my wife Laura, she’s never seen ‘The Matrix’.”
I may be tough, but it’s better than selling out to a FOX broadcast of the Wachowski masterpiece.
THE SLUSH PILE
The reviews...
STARMAN (issues 0 and 1-5): I avoided this title when it hit the market -- I’m not much into hype. This time, however, the hype was backed up with the best DC re-launch since they did Sandman. I was never into Starman, but James Robinson’s story deals with the history and sets up a future for this character that goes beyond engaging. Dealing with tragedy, a reluctant Jack carries on the Knight heritage and science of being Starman. Why do we really care? Because Jack is one of us. He is a fanboy. Running a shop of junk, the old stuff that only “WE” could appreciate, he doesn’t get along with his father (the old Starman) and he doesn’t even to care to understand the world that his father is from - full of super-villains and saving the city. This series was nominated for several awards and now I know why.
BATMAN: DARK VICTORY: Jeph Loeb (writer) and Tim Sale (artist) follow-up the The Long Halloween with a fantastic detective story. As a huge fan of the dark knight, Loeb manages to survive the two biggest pitfalls while writing the caped crusader: keep Batman a detective and not a superhero and involve the secondary characters. Batman attempts to solve an actual crime. There is mystery and intrigue, not just fist-a-cuffs with the latest escapee from Arkham. Loeb keeps us focused on the puzzling murders while interacting with ALL of the primary villains. The role of commissioner Gordon is not forgotten and we get a Robin that we don’t want to throw under a bus. Tim Sale’s approach on the diverse criminals is amazing. I actually liked Soloman Grundy. Anyway, great find - check it out.
On the pile...
ASTRO CITY (the series 1-3, some later stuff): Kurt Busiek’s complex universe of superheroes defending a large metropolitan city (stays on the pile for one more week).
Heavy Liquid: written, drawn, colored and lettered by Paul Pope - whew, and I bet you thought Todd McFarlane tried to do it all.
ONE SHOTS
WARNING Simpson Fans: There is a release of a Duff Beer Can that has playing cards inside. You can also get a set of coasters, poker chips etc...DO NOT confuse this can with the VERY RARE 1996 Australian cans of "Duff Beer". Once FOX found out, it was pulled.
Marvel and Barnes & Noble re-release the Marvel Masterworks in soft cover for a reasonable $12.99. Masterworks reprint the early issues in the line of Marvel’s main titles (e.g. Spider-Man, Avengers, Hulk etc...) These collections were previously only available in hardback at a lofty price.
Variety reports that Phillip Levin ("Smallville") is being brought in to write "Wonder Woman".
In Marvel movie news: Mark Frost (of Twin Peaks fame) was brought in to work on the "Fantastic Four" screenplay with the overly ambitious notions of opening November 2004. No cast for Peyton Reed ("Bring it On"). FF is unlikely for 2004 with "Blade 3" and "Iron Fist" on the slate. Meanwhile, everyone is excited and happy at the X-camp except for Halle Berry, whose characters needs to be beefed up for her to return for a X3 and Bryan Singer who has not signed on for the next chaper.
Harrison Ford is taking time off to rest and prepare for the "Indiana Jones 4" shoot.
"The Matrix Reloaded" soundtrack rocks with Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park, Deftones and Rob Zombie and will most certainly play an extraordinary (and underrated) role in the movie. The musical score requires the Wachowski visuals of the film to fully appreciate the mood.
On that music note, I heard Audioslave’s "Like a Stone" on the radio. They have joined the Lollapalooza tour with Incubus and Jane’s Addiction. I really loved this band's album, but it’s only a matter of time before "Like a Stone" ends up in a Chevy commercial.
Lastly, the Coors Light "Wingman" commercial is one of funniest ads I may have ever seen. How often do you need to listen to the words to get the gag. Simply awesome.
UP NEXT
Nostalgic spin-offs and themes, or just crap.
"Splash Page" is ©2003 by Brandon Jones. Webpage design and all graphics herein (except where otherwise noted) are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2003 by Nolan B. Canova.