Tarantino Comics - Issue 23

Please forgive me, but I've been to 3 cons since I've last posted an  issue of Tarantino Comics.  This new optics degree is really kicking my ass, so I haven't been able to watch as many movies as I'd like.  But never fear, I have several new covers to share!  So let's start with the beginning of my 2012 Comic Convention Tour - MegaCon.  Inspired from Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino Comics #23 was illustrated by Ashley Lanni.

Ashley drew a very elegant piece depicting Shoshanna smoking her cigarette in the cafe.  Although not a lot of action actually happens in this scene, Shoshanna is forever haunted by the memories of her family being slaughtered by Colonel Landa.  As Shoshanna suffers through the musings of Fredrick Zoller, Ashley's  "Eisner-ish" sensibilities beautifully depict these emotions through the "Au Revoir" second hand smoke.  In addition to this creative cover, Shoshanna's likeness is almost spot on with Mélanie Laurent.


If you want to see more of Ashley's work, be sure to check out her blog at  http://ashleylanni.blogspot.com/ .  Support her work as she definitely has some awesome artistic talent.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three - A TV Episode made for the Movies

Although I've never seen the remake by Tony Scott, Joseph Sargent's The Taking of Pelham 123 has a realistic film style that has influenced the movies of today. Taking place in New York City, four men hijack a subway train demanding a ransom of one million dollars. If the city is unable to make the payment within one hour, they will start murdering hostages one by one. With a rescue mission headed by the city transit department, will Lieutenant Zachary Garber (played by Walter Matthau) prevent the criminals from killing?

The Taking of Pelham 123 captures the realistic grittiness happening in the films of the 1970's. It opens up with an powerful musical score where the booming horns and trombones foreshadow the danger upcoming in the film. Even though the story is fictional, the people and settings are real, allowing even the exaggerated to be believable. I'm not certain, but upon viewing, most scenes look like they were shot on location, taking place in either the subway tunnels or city streets. In a similar vain to the French Connection, there is a fun car chase sequence where the protagonist is speeding to keep up with a train - But rather than pursuing a tram visibly over head, the subway being chased is racing hidden down below.

The film's biggest strength is the showcase of realistic dialogue and attitude from New York City. The conversations are highly entertaining and may be even more memorable than the action itself. The script is filled with humorous puns and wittiness that allows the audience to let out a few chuckles. Looking over Joseph Sargent's filmography, most of his work has been in television. Since television usually has a smaller budget than the movies, they rely more on the verbal interactions between people. Sargent masterfully directs these interactions whether its hostage negations over the radio or even right at hand between two officers driving in a car.

One last note I must mention since this blog is named after Mr. Tarantino - The disguised criminals are given code names after the colors of the rainbow - Mr. Blue, Mr. Green, Mr. Grey, and Mr. Brown. Besides green and grey, the idea of code names definitely has a familiar ring... Although their uniforms are not as sharp looking as the Reservoir Dogs, their attire is more British looking probably because they are led by Robert Shaw. And like most heist crews we see on the silver screen, personalities clash among its members leading to accidental death and disaster.


So on Death List Five, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three ranks #3.

Screw The Hunger Games - Watch Battle Royale!

All across the news media (especially my Facebook feed), I've seen so much buzz on the highly anticipated Hollywood Blockbuster - The Hunger Games. If you haven't already purchased a ticket for this weekend, chances are you'll be sadly disappointed arriving to a sold-out show. However, if you want to avoid seeing 21 Jump Street for a second time, pick up a copy of the original Hunger Games - Battle Royale!

Now I'm going to be a hypocrite since I've neither seen nor read Suzanne Collins' novels, but The Hunger Games sounds like a ripoff of Battle Royale. Let's compare each film's IMDB one-sentence synopsis:

Battle Royale: "In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act."

The Hunger Games: "Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match."

With the exception of Katniss Everdeen, Entertainment Weekly even points out the similarities between Battle Royale and The Hunger Games. I'm fairly certain this weekend's movie based on the 2008 book will be pretty awesome, but how can you not think there is a little theft of ideas from the 2000 Japanese film?

I'm probably angering a lot of fans because I'm talking a lot of smack for someone who has never seen either film, but until now, Americans couldn't get their hands on Battle Royale unless they pirated a bootleg copy. Luckily (and smartly planned) Anchor Bay Entertainment has finally made one of the most controversial film series readily available on Blu-Ray disc. And why am I so excited? Look at the red sticker on my beautifully packaged collection:

Tarantino! Until I have enough time to watch, digest, and enjoy, 'Nuff Said!

Psycho - What does it Share with The Empire Strikes Back?

If you ask a random person off the street about The Flash's secret identity, more than likely they've never read a comic book in their life. Furthermore, I doubt they'd be able to tell you Barry Allen (and I really doubt if they would tell Jay, Wally, or Bart). However, if you ask anyone about Superman's, they'll quickly respond Clark Kent. Similarly, only cinephiles can tell you the director of movies like Strangers on a Train, Dial M for Murder, and Rebecca. But the minute you mention Psycho, immediately Alfred Hitchcock registers to the brain, regardless if they've seen the movie or not.

Everyone knows Psycho's plot: Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh) decides to run away after she steals $40,000 from her workplace. Tired from driving, Marion stops for some rest off the old highway - The Bates Motel. Run by a peculiar young man named Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins), he also takes care of his cruel, yet ill mother in the old house behind the motel. Not caring for Norman's attraction to their new customer, Mrs. Bates brutally stabs and kills Marion in the shower. Being the loyal son that he is, Norman gathers all evidence of Marion and disposes of it by throwing it into a nearby swamp. But when Marion's sister and lover begin searching for her, what secrets and darkness will they discover at the Bates Motel?

If you are one of the few people who doesn't know the ending to Hitchcock's film, stop reading now and do yourself a service - Pick up Psycho and watch a Cinematic Masterpiece. I'd love to be in your shoes!

Now, I'm going to believe most people are like me and probably knew the film's "twist" before even seeing it. In my case, Universal Studios spoiled Psycho's ending in their Alfred Hitchcock Exhibit when I was only a kindergartner. I vividly remember because my family got to skip to the front of the line since my grandfather was chosen to play Norman Bates in a reenactment of Psycho's shower scene. I laugh back on it now, but I was terrified to sleep next to my Grandpa that night...

Just as everyone knows Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father, it's synonymous that Norman Bates is the killer. These pieces of pop culture are so ingrained with society that they've become common knowledge. Personally, I wish I could rewatch this film and be as surprised as those who first viewed it in 1960. I imagine the next generation will have a similar relationship to The Sixth Sense since it's parodied so much in movies and television. Regardless, if you do know the ending of Psycho, you can easily enjoy the movie as the suspense is created through the characters, cinematography, and music.

I highly recommend picking up the latest Blu-Ray because it's filled with tons of bonus features and has the seal of approval from TCM. I haven't watched Psycho in quite a while, but Anthony Perkins blows Vince Vaughn out of the water. He plays the role perfectly by showing a likable guy filled with frustrated innocence who can quickly transform into a terrifying murderer. The character of Norman Bates has made major impact on cinematic history, creating a passageway for slashers and bad guys to exist on the silver screen today.

So on Death List Five, Psycho ranks #4

Tarantino Comics - Issue 22

This is long overdue, but it's about time I showcase the final issue of Tarantino Comics from Heroes Con 2011. Presenting an issue inspired from Kill Bill, Tarantino Comics #22 was illustrated by Jay Potts.

There was no better way to end my 2011 convention season with an issue drawn by an artist who totally gets the genre of exploitation. Jay beautifully drew and inked a realistic portrayal of the infamous Elle Driver. Taking place in the close quarters of a mobile home, Jay's line work captures the claustrophobia of the scene. In addition to the fantastic artwork, I love the tagline - "An Eye for an Eye" - foreshadowing Beatrix's revenge for her master Pai Mei.

At the convention, Jay was the number one person I wanted to get a sketch from because he does an awesome blaxploitation webcomic called World of Hurt. Originally I thought he would have chose something from Jackie Brown, but I was pleasantly surprised by his final choice. Jay's artwork is reminiscent of the old Marvel Black and White Magazines and I believe he would make a kick ass Kung Fu or horror book. So be sure to check Jay's artwork, storytelling, blog posts, and opinions at http://worldofhurtonline.com/

Be sure to check back soon as I've got some recent new covers from this year's MegaCon - and these are some of my favorites yet!

The Woman in Black - Did the PG-13 Rating Ruin my Movie Experience?

I love going to the movie theatre because there's nothing like watching a great film on the big screen. My favorite movie experience of all time was Grindhouse - Not only was the double feature awesome, but the audience was terrific as well. It was a midnight showing where everyone wanted to be there and enjoy some Tarantino / Rodriguez action. Although there were loud outbursts of laughter, shock, and disgust, it only enhanced the movie rather than hinder it.

However, I went to a film the other day and had the exact opposite experience: Teenagers were yelling, cussing, showing off, throwing popcorn, talking on cellphones, and playing with the houselights. Majority of the audience was either exuding of hormones or dreamy-eyed over Harry Potter . Although I'm trying to isolate my viewing experience from the content of the film, The Woman in Black was a weak horror film.

Before I become even more disgusted by my fellow audience members, let's go over the premise of this film directed by James Watkins: Daniel Radcliffe is a young lawyer who recently lost his wife. Although he is filled with sadness and pain, Radcliffe must go to another village and settle the estate of a dead woman. When he visits the house, Radcliffe sees a terrifying ghost, The Woman in Black. A sighting of this evil spirit brings nothing but a dark omen - Young children of the town kill themselves. These deaths are horrific, ranging anywhere from jumping out of two-story windows, drowning themselves in the bottom of a lake, or incinerating their bodies in a blazing building. With the townspeople blaming Radcliffe for plaguing their children, will he be able to solve the Woman in Black's mystery before it's too late to save his own son?

I thought this film particularly suffered from having a weak and convoluted storyline. There was really no character development and it was never clear what loose ends Radcliffe had to tie up in the haunted house. The strongest points were the costuming, lighting, and set design. Set in Old England, the film's darkness and texture carried the presence of the old Hammer films. But despite the creepiness of the possessed toys reminiscent of Poltergeist, all of the horror relied on cheap scare shots and loud noises.

Now, this probably isn't a fair statement, but I believe I would have enjoyed this film a lot more if it was rated R. Would it have kept immature adolescents away from my presence? Yes, but I was expecting more thrill and scare. I've seen both The Ring and The Grudge (both PG-13 films) on the big screen and they both conducted enjoyable movie experiences. These films had enthralling stories and a dark ambiance to keep their audience entertained. I know I'm ranting, but with the exception of being Radcliffe's first film after Harry Potter, this movie has no elements of cult status.

So on Death List Five, The Woman in Black ranks #2.

Tarantino Comics - Issue 21

Besides not having enough time to write blog posts, I've been trying to spread out my presentation of Tarantino Comics since Convention Season always seems so far away. However, in two weeks, Mega Con will be in town and I'll be able to commission some more comic covers! So presenting an issue from 2011's Heroes Con, Tarantino Comics #21 was illustrated by Doug Dabbs.

Inspired from Inglourious Basterds, Doug depicts the darkness of Colonel Hans Landa aiming his pistol at Shosanna as she narrowly escapes from the LaPadite Dairy Farm. Over the last five years of collecting original art, the art most appealing to my eye has a dark and sketchy tone. In a similar vain to Alex Maleev or Michael Lark, Doug captures this scene as if it's coming from film noir. Doug first drew The Shadow in my Pulp Sketchbook and he knocked it out of the park. I'm glad I came back as he portrayed the essence of Landa in a cinematic manner.

Be sure to check out more of Doug's work at http://www.dougdabbs.com/ . In particular from Oni Press, check out his art in the original graphic novel Holliday, coming out later this year. It's a modern-day and urban telling of the O.K. Corral, so it should definitely fit the spirit of Tarantino's Django Unchained in December.