Chew the Fat: Undergrounds, Indies and Comics that 'Pushed the Envelope'...

 

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Redartz:   One book that really served to educate me early on about the comics industry and all it's variations was Les Daniels' "Comix: A History of Comic Books in America". Published in 1971, it was fairly current in 1974 when I got into comics seriously. Although the chapters on humor, funny animals, Marvel and DC were familiar territory for the burgeoning reader in me, the chapter on Underground Comix (spelled with an 'x' to differentiate from mainstream comics) was a real eye-opener. 

Here were described all the things that my parents were originally afraid that comics would expose me to: politics, sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll. Some of the material Daniels reprinted was explicit enough to make my naive self slightly uncomfortable. But some years later, I discovered a lot of great reading in those same Undergrounds. In particular, "Arcade: the Comics Revue" from Art Speigelman and Bill Griffith, showcased work by many of the Underground's top talents: Robert Crumb, Denis Kitchen,
Aline Kominsky, Spiegelman and Griffith. 

Bill Griffith was the man behind "Zippy the Pinhead", a very odd book that I found irresistable. Another book he produced was "Griffith Observatory", a heavily satiric, critical eye on American society of the late 1970's. 

Art Spiegelman, among many other things, gave us the monumental graphic series (and later novel) "Maus". And to this day, "Maus" remains the most powerful, most gut-wrenching, most impactful comic I've ever read. 

Which brings up another point about Undergrounds. Originally Undergrounds, which arose in the 60's and early 70's, were focused mainly on the non-code approved subjects mentioned above. Hence they were primarily available through 'head shops', college bookstores and such. But as they faded from the scene by the late 70's, they evolved into the Independent comics we enjoyed in the 80's and beyond. That may be a bit of an oversimplification, but many of the creators, subject matter and material that made the Undergrounds paved the way for books like "Maus".  We got Harvey Pekar's "American Splendor", Los Bros Hernandez' "Love and Rockets", and so on. Then there was Daniel Clowes, known for "Ghost World" and "Eightball", but I'm fond of his "Lloyd Llewelyn".

Therefore, this week, let's join the Underground. Whether it was Crumb's "Zap", or Howard Cruse's "Barefootz", what comics (comix) did you get a kick out of? Did you risk your parents' disapproval by indulging in a few Undergrounds? Did you follow any of the 80's indies? Could "The Walking Dead" exist without the ground being broken by Kitchen Sink's "Death Rattle"?  It's all on the table, all that edgy, risky, 'hide it from Mom and Dad' stuff...

Two Questions: Field of Dreams, Comics Style

 

 Redartz: If you're any fan of American Baseball, you've heard about the recent "Field of Dreams" game. If not, you may be familiar with the iconic Kevin Costner movie by that title. Well, in both cases, part of the charm (perhaps the whole point) is the magical blending of past and present. Or to paraphrase James Earl Jones' speech, ...All that was good...and could be again...". 

Anyway, it seemed like it might be fun to apply that approach to comics. Just how, you ask? Well, in a two fold question form, that's how. And for our UK contingent, never fear- you can answer these questions too; they aren't baseball specific. Shall we begin?

The first part of the question parallels the movie, bringing the past into the present. Therefore, your challenge is to think of a comic book or series from the past  (say, before Marvel circa 1961). Then offer your ideal creative team of Bronze age-or-later  vintage to bring new life to that title. 

My submission: It's common knowledge that I loved Marvel's "Man-Thing " series, especially under Gerber and Ploog. And the book still gets reboots in our current world. So, let's dig waaaay back to the EC Comics of the 1950s and try Ghastly Graham Ingels on the book! Bet he'd be a perfect fit...

Man-Thing by Mike Ploog

 

Old Witch by Graham Ingels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second part of the question is based upon the recent game, wherein the present was revised as the past. Your challenge here is just the opposite of the first part, i.e. name a recent (Bronze age or later) comic or series, and present a classic creative team from the Halcyon Days of Early Comicdom. 

My submission: Anyone familiar with "Lady Luck"? A cool character created by  Will Eisner and Chuck Mazoujian,published as part of the famous "Spirit Sections", and by  Quality Comics. To my mind, the first choice for a contemporary artist for her would be Bruce Timm. I'd buy that book in a heartbeat!

 

Lady Luck by Gill Fox

Batgirl by Bruce Timm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and incidentally- for any fellow baseball fans out there, feel free to toss in a comment or two about the movie and/or the game. If you haven't guessed yet,  I enjoyed both. And I'm ecstatic that next year's Field of Dreams game will involve the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs.  Oh, for a ticket...

Follow the Leader: Travelling in Time, But Which Way and How Far?

 

Redartz:  Greetings,  all! Yes, the Leader has returned this week, and he's awaiting the first stout-hearted commenter to submit a discussion topic. I'm sure our vocal community will step up to the challenge !

And speaking of stepping up,  may I take this opportunity to promote our BitBA Twitter feed? Our old pal Martinex has been keeping the Twitter world, well, atwitter about all things Bronze. If you haven't checked it out,  consider yourself most cordially invited!

Animation Congregation: The Flintstones- First Family of Animation!

 

Redartz:  Way back in 1960, a show debuted on ABC that would change the rules of tv animation forever. That show was "The Flintstones"; the first prime time animated series on US television. As such, it paved the way for such shows as the Simpsons, many years later. The Flintstones, from the fine folks at Hanna Barbera,  ran on ABC for six seasons; after which it became a familiar staple of Saturday mornings for the next several decades. Watching Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty is one of the earliest tv memories I have; as that show was one of the few evening shows that little Redartz was allowed to watch (having debuted the same year the Flintstones did; purely coincidentally). 

Of course, most of my Flintstone viewing was done on weekdays after school: the show was syndicated, and shown for years every afternoon. The Flintstones and Rubbles became as familiar as my own family, and it was always a treat to watch; even when viewing an episode rerun for the sixth time. And of course the show's iconic theme song is burned into the memory of every kid and former kid from the last five decades! Speaking of that theme, we saw it in all it's glory up above. But the closing theme was replaced for awhile by this charming bit with Pebbles and Bamm Bamm; you may remember it...

 

 By the way, Pebbles and Bamm Bamm had a show of their own, originating in our own Bronze age circa 1971.  It  was just the first  in a long line of Flintstones-based shows, movies and specials...

 One of the many appealing features of "The Flintstones" was the preponderance of guest stars who made appearances on the show. I have particularly fond memories of  "Ann Margrock"...

 

  

 

 Then there was Stoney Curtis...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And even Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York doing their magic from "Bewitched"...

 

 

 Those are but a few. No doubt you all can name some other favorite cameos. As with the Batman show a couple years later, the Flintstones'  popularity seemed to attract others who 'wanted to get in on the act'.

Indeed, the Flintstones truly became a pop culture monolith; tie-ins and promotions were popping up everywhere and continue to this day. How many of us had Flintstone lunchboxes, played with Flintstone colorforms, or took Flintstone vitamins? And then there was "Pebbles Cereal". It was a favorite at our house, and you can still pick up a box yet today on the shelf at your local supermarket. Interesting fun fact: some of you may remember Post (the manufacturer of "Pebbles" cereal) years ago had a cereal called "Rice Krinkles". Kind of like Rice Krispies, but sweetened; they vanished from the shelves in the mid to late 60's. Apparently they were re-branded into "Pebbles" at the request of the folks at Post. Oh, and Cocoa Pebbles are my choice, although the Fruity ones are good too.

 

 

 

And  how could we fail to mention the Flintstones' countless appearances in print? It's testimony to the show's ongoing popularity and influence that every major comic book publisher in the United States has published the characters at one time or another. Dell, Gold Key, Charlton, Marvel, Archie, Harvey and DC all have had a turn presenting the adventures of the Stone Age icons. I'd draw your attention to DC specifically, having had some fun with "The Flintstones and the Jetsons", and featuring Fred and friends in "Scooby Doo Team-Up". Here's a gallery of Flintstone comics, old and new, including examples from each of those afore-mentioned publishers. 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, lest you think that "The Flintstones" is just a part of television's past. there is word of a new series coming on Fox called "Bedrock". Apparently twenty years later than the events from the original series, it will give us Fred approaching retirement age and Pebbles as a young adult. Will it be worth watching? Only time will tell, but it just goes to show you that you can't keep a good caveman down..

Oh, one more bit of vintage- here's the Screen Gems tag that followed the ending credits for the Flintstones.  It all comes back to you...

Chew the Fat: Second Chances, Afterthoughts, and Updates...

 

Redartz:  You know how sometimes, in the middle of a conversation, you draw a blank? There's something you want to say, but you just can't quite put it all together; and by the time it comes to you, the conversation has moved on. Well, this week the discussion has you and your belated comment completely in center stage.Or, it may simply be that there has been new information, new experience, new stories to tell since a given topic was addressed. As we generally live week-to-week, it can be challenging to go back and add a thought to something weeks or months past. Whatever the reason, this time around we are opening up the forum for a review of the year's topics to this point; to give you the chance to add that update; insert that late comment, put the exclamation on that previous point.  

An update to a recent post is what prompted this little interlude: a few weeks ago we discussed the Disney Ducks and specifically Uncle Scrooge. I mentioned that I was starting Don Rosa's "The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck"; since then I've completed that volume. It was so impressive, it became necessary to give you some updated thoughts. And here they are:

First off, it's a beautiful presentation package. Two huge volumes in a nice slipcase. Quality stock pages with fantastic color reproduction.  Fantagraphics built this collection to last. The first volume features Don Rosa's original 12 part series of "Life and Times". The second volume is filled with additional stories and background related to but not actually part of the series. It's a bin of comics riches well worth diving into and burrowing through...

Secondly,  the stories are phenomenal. I just finished volume 1 and am amazed at the detail Rosa included. I'm no expert on Carl Barks' entire library.  But its apparent that Rosa has touched on many elements, major and trivial, that I recall from Barks' original tales. The characterizations are full and engaging, the guest appearances wide ranging. And the artwork? Spectacular,  again a wealth of richness. One can easily see why this tale won the Eisner Award. It's one of the most enjoyable comic novels I've ever read. Can't wait to start on Volume 2! Oh, here's a sample page from the first volume...

For any of you who might be interested,  this book gets my highest recommendation!

Now that you have my update,  the opportunity falls to you. And to make it a bit easier for you, here's a lighting list of all the topics we have dealt with this year so far: 

Gil Kane, Fred Hembeck, Popeye, Classic Films, Modelling kits, Eclectic Music, Snow, the Fantastic Four, Close shaves, DC's Adventure Comics, the Best Comics of the Bronze Age, Cars in Pop Culture, B/W Science Fiction, Situation Comedies, Bicycling, Comic Book Oddities, Homecomings, Barry Smith, Live Concert Albums, Unexpected Finds, Yearbooks, Reruns, the Disney Ducks, Summertime, Progressive Rock, Marvel on Video, Fast Food and Joe Kubert. Whew... 

Ok, we've laid out the spread for you. It's a veritable banquet; so now's the time to remedy all those instances of  " Wish I'd said that"...