Redartz: Greetings, good day and welcome! Today we offer Two Questions for you to ponder, two questions that are, in this case, related. As veterans of that Marvelous (and Distinctly Cool) era known as the Bronze Age, many of our tastes and preferences in popular culture are related to that time. Comics, film, books, music, TV, you name it. As much as we may enjoy the world and its offerings today, there will always be a special fondness for that time. That said, we do live in the modern world, and like any era, it has good points and flaws. Which brings us to our questions for today:
QUESTION 1: Name one element of current popular culture that you feel other Bronze Agers would enjoy. Here we get to be optimists; look for that Silver lining!
QUESTION 2: Now the flip side, a chance to indulge the curmudgeon lurking within: Name one element of current popular culture that you find intolerable.
Once again, to get things started, I'll provide my answers:
1. Here's a suggestion for a really enjoyable current comic. Indeed, one of very few that I buy with any regularity. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, written by Ryan North and drawn by Erica Henderson. This comic is loads of fun. North and Henderson fill the book with laughs, puns, and fond 'winks' at various superhero tropes (an example of the humor: Squirrel Girl has ongoing text messages with Tony Stark and Kraven the Hunter). It has the feel of a Bronze Age comic: a lighthearted tone, likeable supporting characters, and even an old-fashioned editorial feel. Like the Marvel Bullpen popped up today to do a book. The clever touches extend even to the bottom borders of each page, where Squirrel Girl (aka Doreen Green) adds a few comments regarding the contents of said page). The book has great art: Erica Henderson has a nice style, not slick but warm and well suited for humor. And the book even has a letters page, with personal comments by Ryan and Erica. I give this book 5 "Bronze Medallions"! Oh, and I love the logo.
2. On the other hand, there is a big facet of current pop culture, specifically music, that I cannot stand: auto-tune. Aaaargh, even the word gives me a headache. I still try to keep up, to some degree, with the modern music scene. Unfortunately it's hard to do so when seeking out only 'real' singers. Perhaps it's just me, but that fake sound just grrraaaates on my ears and nerves. Any time I hear an auto-tuned song (which is waaay too frequently) I wince and reach for the tuner. Thank heavens for Adele...
Martinex1: Great questions Red! Here are my answers that immediately jumped to mind.
1. As discussed recently, I've enjoyed the explosion of television shows that are dedicated to the iconic super-heroes. But I have to say that I have particularly enjoyed the various Netflix series for Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones. I just started watching the latest, Iron Fist, and despite what the critics say I like it so far. I think Netflix has found a way to incorporate the soap opera aspects of Bronze Age comics into their shows. There are a lot of subplots, some that don't go anywhere but may just be seeds for future programs. Episodes unravel like issues building to a major arc's crescendo as the series evolves. There are plenty of supporting characters and intriguing twists. And the villains are not portrayed as simply evil creatures, but there are levels to all of their actions. In many cases the shows lead the watcher to develop an empathy and even sympathy for the bad guys to some degree. The shows can be violent so they are not family friendly. And although the characters are slightly modified they really seem to capture the spirit of the comics, the heroes, and the threats. The Netflix series average around 4 Bronze Medallions for me, which is far better than I expected.
2. I will keep this simple, I am not a fan of movie remakes - particularly remakes of classic or beloved films. The recent trend of remaking films or franchises that are just a couple of decades old baffles me. And when it is a masterpiece being rerouted for a flashier but weaker version, I am mystified. Whether Willie Wonka or the Magnificent Seven, I think it is a misstep to try to redesign those for the current age. The new film just cannot live up to the original. Something like Planet of the Apes is etched in my memory and part of my cultural upbringing, so even though the new versions have interesting aspects I find the mystique woefully missing. I contend that there are plenty of creative people in the world and there are plenty of untapped science fiction, fantasy, drama, and comic sources available that we don't have to keep going to the same well. I actually don't mind if a film builds on a theme, or pays homage, to previous films , but the bland etching of the same wood seems like a money grab to me. So to the trend of remaking everything... no thank you.
24 comments:
The only comic of recent times I really enjoyed was the 'Worlds Greatest Comic' mini-series by Larsen and Stephenson, which heralded the FF's Lee/Kirby genre.., loving the Bruce Timm contributions as well, but it works best when they channel the King. Granted it's not a **new** style or original premise, but I don't care.
I bought the hard cover edition.
It's retro and pretty darn awesome.
As for what I don't like these days..? The list could go on and on. I'd share the same idea about movie remakes.. Everyone grandly touts today's originality, but a Ghostbusters and a CHiPs remake...? Really..?
Again to be fair, those are just the 'big hollywood' movies, there's plenty and plenty of original smaller movies I typically enjoy far more.
I haven't been to any recent comic movies, but will have to take in Civil War, Doc Strange, and Antman someday soon. From what I've seen, I'm in absolutely no hurry to take in a DC movie.
I'm still VERY baffled why no one's attempting a decent FF movie. Yep, a 'decent' one.
1) E-books :)
2) Trump and Brexit :(
Wow, you do ask some good questions!
Dealing in generalities, the sheer abundance of content and cultural 'stuff'now available is a joy. A case in point, last weekend I fancied some noisy music and searched a well-known video site for Siege videos. Up popped a 1984 Siege appearance on Boston public access TV. At the time of original broadcast I'll wager only a handful of late-to-bed Boston residents saw it to be offended by it. Now, in 2017, over 85.000 people have seen the video from all over the world. The downside of that is...
...that culture and associated personal identities are overly accessible now. The search, the thrill of the hunt, the idea that there is an 'overground' and an 'underground' constantly at odds has been lost. Back in the day I might have picked up a grainy VHS copy of the Siege video via convoluted tape swaps involving about six people across three continents. The pleasure of finally receiving that parcel would have made all the effort worthwhile. Now, the process is: tap screen; watch video; 'like' video; repeat (or more likely never repeat due to the limitless amount of content available)
In addition few if any of those 85,000 viewers would have been 'offended' by the music of Siege because they searched for it in the first place. So paradoxically we now have less cultural cross-fertilisation and serendipity than we used to.
So there are two sides to every story and the answer IMO depends which part of the process we are looking at. Apologies if this didn't really answer the question!
With the convergence of computers and telecommunications I can now wake up on Saturday morning and watch LIVE English or Spanish League soccer as I eat breakfast! Compare this to my youth in the 60s and 70s where ABC would record a non-USA event on tape, put on the Concord (remember those?) and fly to the USA for a Sunday showing on television (remember those?). The bad will follow...
1. a. The good is Future Quest. Any comic book that lets all of my favorite Hanna-Barbera heroes come together in one book just makes me smile. Seeing the cast of Jonny Quest interact with those of Frankenstein Jr, Herculoids, Space Ghost, Galaxy Trio, Mightor, the Impossibles and more is something I've wanted for a long time. And the best bonus is when artist Steve Rude gives us some infrequent, but fantastic, covers and interior artwork. This is the only book I currently buy. All others are checked out at the local library in trade collections. Cheaper and more enjoyable, since stories tend to be needlessly stretched out these days.
1. b. Star Wars Rebels - I just love this show! The cast of characters, voice work (including Tom Baker!), storylines, etc. - everything about this show makes me happy!
2. The hatefulness and violence in so many walks of life, including comics and shows. My 12 year old nephew has definitely picked up on this, telling me that the cartoons and comics that I've introduced him to from my silver and bronze age are so much better than what he would've found on his own. He loves classic Disney and Silver & Bronze Age Marvel.
1. Valiants new run, its like a modern+bronze love child!
2. facebook, tweeter, instagram,snapchat...meh, they are ruining society
Yes indeed, "The thrill of the hunt " is gone thanks to eBay, YouTube, etc.
Many interesting observations, gang!
Colin Bray- fine analysis of today's cultural availability. Good point about the dissipation of "underground" and "overground". And it does seem that the easy access to whatever appeals to our personal taste reduces the chances of encountering something new or contradictory. And this is true in entertainment, and in politics...
Disneymarvel- "Future Quest" is fun. Haven't picked all of it up yet, but certainly enjoyed what I've seen. And thanks for the love for Steve Rude! Great talent, underrated IMHO.
CharlieHorse 47- great comment regarding the Internet and the abundance of "fake news". Between the phony stories, and the people who try to discredit authentic information, it can be challenging to sort things out. Which is all the more reason for folks to pay attention, read, and think for themselves.
Sorry, didn't mean to climb on a soapbox today...:)
Perhaps to lighten the tone a little, we do live in 'the golden age of reprints' meaning the content we love is more accessible than ever. That is worth celebrating :)
Hmmm, interesting questions. I like it when you guys get "deep".
1) I'm not exactly what you'd call cutting edge when it comes to music, but there are a few current bands that are as good as (or better than) anything I listened to growing up: Mobina Galore (a cool, Canadian punkish duo); The Struts (a great English band); The Pretty Reckless (with Taylor Momsen on lead vocals). In fact, there are lots of Canadian bands that should probably have wider recognition (Billy Talent, Tegan & Sara, Wintersleep).
2) Something I don't care for ... reality shows, most of which are not even close to reality and make celebrities out of people with no discernible talents other than looking good.
1. I like that the internet can bring together folks of such disparate backgrounds to reminisce on things from their youth. Amazing how similar a lot of our stories are
2. I don't like people bringing up politics on a comics blog. There are a million other places to hash that shit out, please don't do it here.
Yoyo
I do apologize. I interpreted too broadly. Thanks.
1.Something I like:Melissa Benoist as Supergirl. I'm not 100% crazy about the series (Supergirl doesn't need a fake SHIELD to fight crime, she's got Superman-like powers!), but Benoist plays the role perfectly, she's up there with Downey's Iron Man/Stark when it comes to recent casting of superheroes.
(honorable mentions:Netflix series Cage and STranger Things)
2.Something I don't like:DC's Cinematic Universe. I thought last year's Suicide Squad and Batman V. Superman were terrible and I have low expectations for future films.
And I second Mike's endorsement of the Struts, great catch 3-chord guitar rock:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GuUbziASwE
Fair point Yoyo. And I agree with you on the positive power of the Internet to share our interests and experiences. We shouldn't knock it too much given we wouldn't be here without it.
Hi everyone,
A few thoughts on today's discussions from Martinex1 and myself:
Martinex1-
I would suggest that any political discussion that evolves out of the topic for the day is welcome. After all comics have a history in political commentary from Hitler being punched by Cap to Englehart's views in the 70s. I would ask that specific political leaders or legislative decisions be left to other sites as you can assume we have visitors from both sides of the aisle. But if we are talking about the zeitgeist, gestalt, philosophy, general affect on pop culture etc then we don't mind that evolution of conversation. We do like to go deep sometimes. Just keep it clean, cordial, family reader friendly and be aware that if it gets too heated or confrontational we would ask that we stop. But overall this is a place where polite discussion and intelligent and thoughtful conversations are welcome. There is a line of course in fair discourse and if this is a site of friends gathering then there are obvious signposts. I saw nothing wrong with any of the comments today, so no need to apologize. I also suspect (but don't know for certain) that the comment on keeping politics off of BitBA was more a commentary on how other sites have totally devolved into angry fighting - we are a far cry from that and never want to go there. I just ask that we all stay aware that there are different sides with different views but we are all friends (via the internet or not). Redartz and I ( and Doug and Karen) before us set out to create a friendly place to share our passions. I think we've all done that together quite well. And we've had some nice deep conversations that don't always exist in today's world. So carry on. No hard feelings. Cheers!
Redartz-
I really can't add much to what Martinex1 has written . Only that our community has always exhibited intelligence, humor, patience, wit, kindness and civility. Different viewpoints, yes, different opinions, doubtlessly. Nonetheless, the mutual respect displayed here daily speaks volumes for the quality of said community.
Marty and Red:
I agree that we are all adults here and can keep it civil. Spend three minutes on your Facebook feed and it's a whole other world of us vs. them. This place should be a haven from that crap.
Acknowledging that we all come from different countries and political philosophies, stuff like "Trump sucks" or "Obama blows" should be just not bothered with. And to be completely frank, I really don't want to see any politics here. Period. It sickens me how folks let trivial shit like politics intrude into every damn aspect of their interaction with others.
And with that out of my system, carry on.
Yoyo
So far I've watched both seasons of Daredevil as well as Jessica Jones and enjoyed both. Need to see Luke Cage and Iron Fist to get caught up on their Marvel series. Haven't been buying too many comics in recent years, although I did get the recent Howard the Duck collections -- the first non-Gerber take on the character I've really enjoyed and the little taste of Squirrel Girl in HTD has intrigued me enough to want to check that out as well. As of late reality is harsh enough that I'd like a little more well-done escapist amusement to while away some of my limited free-time.
I recall a brief time back in the BABs incarnation when there was some strident fellow who insisted on turning EVERYTHING into fodder for a "the corporate/military/entertainment/banking megalopolex is coming to steal your rights & souls out from under your noses, you pathetic sheep" -type rant, and was clearly stunned that we wouldn't and couldn't rise to the levels of terror he was striving to induce. We just kept firmly insisting, "Not here, dude-", and he sputtered one last time, and left. We've seen us carefully and thoughtfully state a bit of our own political views and beliefs now and then, but we've always been wonderfully conscientious about not descending into aggressive advocacy and/or proselytizing. I've always admired us for that, yup.
Thing I like? To pick one, I'd say that along with the Golden Age of Reprints is the fact that it's kind of a Golden Age for the availability of a HUGE swath of great series throughout the history of television. Man, if you liked it, there's a DARNED good chance it's out there on DVD somewhere-- and the first place to check should well be your local library system. I sometimes pinch myself, thinking, How on earth could this much fantastic, beloved, first-rate entertainment be available for FREE? And with NO COMMERCIALS??? And then, if not the library, patient shopping on ebay, Amazon and the like almost always yields great results. Really, the blessing is almost its own curse, 'cause ya NEVER can justify watching as much television as you'd like to!
Thing I don't Like? Ohhh, it's more of a "better when I was a kid" sort of thing. . . but the fact that so much of our entertainment and information doesn't have a physical, three-dimensional "thing" that it's attached to (like a book, or a disc, or a vinyl record, or a magazine, or a tape, etc, etc), has somehow taken away some of the emotional attachment that we almost instinctively want to give. We still experience the digitally-delivered entertainment the same way-- but there's not a physical entity to hang its memory onto, y'know? Thus, those experiences will surely become even more fleeting over time-- especially for the younger generations for whom it's the norm. . .
Sentimental to the extreme, I know, but it still makes me rather sad. . .
HB
Fred- yes, the recent Howard stories were pretty enjoyable. I give a lot of credit to writer Chip Zdarsky. Incidentally, his work on the new incarnation of "Jughead" has been good as well.
HB- thanks for your comments, we try to 'take the high road'. Your recommendation of the library is a wise one. I need to follow your lead there. And you also make a good point about the intangible state of entertainment today. Makes you wonder what folks will look for in the flea market in 20 years. Hard to resell the 'cloud'...
1. I enjoyed Mark Waid's Daredevil run quite a bit. In fact it's the only comic published in the last 10-years or so that I read on a regular basis. I didn't buy the individual issues, but I own all of the hardcovers and TPBs of both series. As with all comics today, the original series only ran for about 2-3 years and then they ended it and started over with a new #1 of what was basically a continuation of the exact same comic with the same creative team, etc.. I will also admit the series started strong with a lot of cool classic bronz-age type superheroics, but it eventually fell somewhat into that modern soap opera trap, and as it went along it undid some of the good things it established early on. But it was still better than anything else Marvel was doing the last few years. So of course it had to go. So they cancelled it, revamped it, and relaunched it (yet again) with a new #1 and a new creative team. Which is when I bailed out.
2. Aside from Waid's brief stint on DD, modern day comics pretty much totally suck! There I said it. I shudder to use the word but I absolutely hate (nay despise) what Marvel and DC have done to my once beloved comics. It's like someone went inside my mind and took everything that I loved about superhero comics, and then set out to do the exact opposite and purposely destroy them. If I was a 12-year old today, I would have never gotten into comics at all. In fact, it always amazes me that anyone can still read them. I just personally can't find anything at all appealing about anything they are regurgitating out today. But that's just me I guess.
1- Ed Brubaker/ Sean Phillips comic team. Their latest awesome book: The Fade Out.
-Darwyn Cooke. Great artist/writer-- I'm reading New Frontier now.
-The Strumbellas. Great Canadian band with a big hit last year, Spirits. Fantastic fun live show.
2- Flat Earthers! How can this still be a thing? In general, people who ignore mountains of scientific evidence, and instead put all their faith in crackpot theories.
I agree with Yoyo.. (that sounds like an awesome bumper sticker...) Absolutely no politics here. I enjoy this fine group of gents (and any females that join us), to be above the fray of social media where seemingly everyone at a keyboard or blackberry is SUDDENLY a 'political analyst'.
I mean.., sheeeeesh.
I liken this safe haven as a 'Shelter from the Storm', as Bob Dylan once sang, people.
Thanks for your restraint and for answering a far greater call.. COMICS. :)
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