Comic Rantings from Across the Pond

By Mark Frankland

Hello it’s time for another barely coherent rant about comics by that British guy.

Since I posted my last—some would say controversial—article. it appears that some rather big news has hit the comic book reading world. So consider this something of a rundown of my opinion on what has been going on in comics in the last few weeks, plus some other stuff that I just want to sound off about. I will try to keep it short and as filled with barely constrained bitterness as possible

Ultimate Spider-Man

******* called it. I knew the new Spiderman was going to be African-American. I just didn’t think it would be this guy. I figured it was going to be the Ultimate version of Ben Reilly, also African-American, and a dab hand at creating Spidermen. But I am apparently only partially omnipotent, so I was a little off.

Am I upset about the fact that we will now have a black Spiderman? Hell no! I’m not a moron.  In fact there are only two things that shock me about this change:

Wonder Woman

IFanboy has provided a review of the Wonder Woman pilot. You can read it here.

The gang over at IFanboy also has a handful of screen shots of the Amazonian Warrior.

This last picture is bad ass.

I would LOVE to get our hands on the pilot. errrrr

DAMN YOU NBC

Wonder Woman's Short Shorts

Perhaps this is too literal a translation certain elements of the Wonder Woman costume.

A picture has appeared online of Adrianne Palicki in the classic Wonder Woman costume, from the set of David E. Kelly’s NBC pilot (the network passed on the pilot two weeks ago).

As NBC President Robert Greenblatt told TVLine last month, Palicki would also appear in the heroine’s more iconic garb—specifically the star-spangled panties. And he wasn’t kidding. A lot of fans were upset when photos of Palicki first appeared and they were inspired by the current Wonder Woman costume designed by Jim Lee. According to reports, test audiences also didn’t respond well to the modernized outfit featured in the pilot.

I think the Lee costume is more appropriate because it's more practical—except maybe not completely so at the top. The costume pictured above is simply too literal. While this is how everyone pictures Wonder Woman, the costume just does not make sense because it is flat-out too cheese-cakey. That said, Palicki looks gorgeous and I wish her the best in her career. I found the anonymous comments posted on various websites about her to be ruthlessly mean-spirited.

Wonder No More

I am sure by now fans are aware that NBC decided to pass on the David E Kelly adaption of Wonder Woman for television.

You can read the report here via EW.com.

I can't say this is disappointing news because from the get go this 'idea' has been engulfed with problems and negativity.

From stories of a bad script to the outcry from fans on Adrianne Palicki attire as the Amazonian Princess.

It was just obvious that this project was doomed.

I am sure most will just see this as a reflection of the character, as she is a hard nut to crack when it comes to making her contemporary.

But superheroes do have a place on TV and there is an audience for them. So hopefully this isn't a reflection on the genre...

Oh well.

Sif was fun to watch in Thor, and if you squint your eyes we can pretend that it was Wonder Woman.

Happy Friday The 13th.

Wonder Woman's DNA

As a fan of superhero comics I am looking forward to DC's Flashpoint series.

As a fanboy I am looking forward to Flashpoint's Wonder Woman mini series.

Why?

Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (A.K.A. DnA).

They hardly do me wrong. I have been a fan since their Legion run back in the early 2000s.

CBR has an interview with them about their two Flashpoint mini series, Wonder Woman and Lois Lane.

Check it out here.

'Wonder Woman' Pilot Gets Rejiggered with Action

I am really hopeful that Wonder Woman is a fresh, funny, exciting take on the Amazon Princess that captures a solid audience upon its premiere.

Not only because I want to see a superhero property succeed on television—one where the protagonist wears a costume while performing acts of derring-do. I want Wonder Woman to succeed because the series from David E. Kelly has been so unabashedly maligned after the release of a script review of a draft of the pilot and the release of a series of viciously criticized still photos of lead actress Adrianne Palicki in costume.

To add fuel to the fire, io9 reported yesterday that the script has been rewritten to include action more befitting a series called Wonder Woman. This makes sense. Kelley has himself previously admitted that the source material was not in his comfort zone. I would expect the Wonder Woman critics to take this as a tactic to fix what they believe to be a train wreck.

While I was never entirely enthusiastic about Kelley taking on this material, the guy has produced enough incredible television that he deserves more of a chance than he has gotten to date.

io9 is also reporting that the series will see Steve Trevor (Justin Bruening) crash landing on Themiscyra and being saved by Diana in the form of a flashback. This was refreshing news for me. For some reason I got the feeling that Diana’s roots would be alluded to in the series with little more than brief mentions of Paradise Island and Amazons.

I think the only thing that will quiet the fervent fanboys and fangirls is a trailer for the new Fall series. I wouldn’t be surprised if NBC premiered the pilot at Comic-Con this year in an attempt to generate some Heroes-style buzz.

Stay tuned and stay nice.

Put Down the Pitchforks, the Star-Spangled Panties Are In

Rabid fanboys and fangirls can put down their pitchforks, torches, and mice now.

Wonder Woman will don her famous—albeit somewhat ridiculous—star spangled panties in the David E. Kelly television adaptation of the Amazon princess. NBC President Robert Greenblatt told TV Line earlier this week that the iconic “shorts” are going to appear in the Wonder Woman pilot along with the overly-maligned pants costume that appeared in the pilot’s first press photo last month.

I seriously can’t imagine that she will wear the traditional garb on a regular basis. There’s no disputing that Wonder Woman’s classic costume is iconic, but it is utterly impractical. Seriously, she wears go-go boots, star-spangled panties and a corset—it’s clobberin’ time! However, artists specializing in cheesecake have really done wonders with Diana’s outfit (specifically Adam Hughes and the late Michael Turner).

Greenblatt said, “…it’s always good to hear the feedback. I’d rather have people really passionately engaged in conversation, even if they hate something, than be kind of bored.” Mission accomplished.

Personally, I’d love it if people would stop ragging on the damn costume and wait for the show to air. Then rag away on Wonder Woman’s rags.

Wonder Woman and Spider-Man

WOW...

This year Spider-Man and Wonder Woman are both underway in their 'reboot'.

The reactions to their update/modern/reboot attire is not only negative...its mean.

Perhaps its me.

Maybe I should be going f*cking crazy.... and allow my avatar/ Internet self to confess to the world how much and how badly I hate these people in their costumes.

Why not be as mean and as judgmental as possible?

Why not use my key pad as my tool...no my weapon, to rocket my obvious correct opinion on something I know nothing about.

All I need to see are these (on set) pictures to prove what I already know...

This is going to suck

This is an Epic Fail

This is the stupidest thing I have ever seen

She looks like a hooker

He looks like a f*g

I am a fan of superheroes and how dare they attempt to make something for me and my peers.

I hate them...I hate them all.

OY...

To the people leaving harsh remarks....GET OVER YOURSELF.

This is suppose to be fun.

I love what they are doing and can't wait to see both The Amazing Spider-Man and Wonder Woman.

-Jerry Ahern

Adrianne Palicki in Wonderful Action

Here are some shots of Wonder Woman in action on the set of her new TV series.

You'll notice that some tweaks have been done to the costume.

Not too bad...if I say so.

But I am sure the debate is in full swing.

Wonder Woman Has Her Steve Trevor

Back in the 80’s when Wonder Woman got her post-Crisis reboot, Steve Trevor was in his 40’s while Diana was young and virile. Their relationship has long since disappeared from the pages of Wonder Woman, but the two will always remain linked in the memories of mainstream audiences.

It looks like David E. Kelley has decided to skew young (and sexy) with Steve Trevor, who is not a colonel in this version—instead he works for the Justice Department and is an Army veteran. Comic Book Movie is reporting that Justin Bruening (Knight Rider) will be Diana’s main squeeze in the new series. Breuning joins Adrianne Palicki as Wonder Woman, Elizabeth Hurley, Cary Elwes, Tracie Thoms and Pedro Pascal on the NBC series.

Adrianne Palicki as Wonder Woman....

Ready or Not...here she is.

Ready to make herstory....

Let the debate begin.....

I say by Comic Con we will be seeing every other cosplayer in this suit.

Wonder Woman from David E Kelly is scheduled to air this Fall.

First look: Wonder Woman...kind of.

New Wonder Woman Adrianne Palicki showed up to the screening of her new film "Elektra Luxx", BUT who cares... here we get a good look at Palicki with her new raven colored hair, which gives us a bit of a clue as to how our new Amazonian hero will look.

Fans went crazy a while back when we got a first look at (red head) Emma Stone in her Gwen Stacy blonde locks...

So what do we think? (Here is a hint...we are happy)

"As You Wish...Wonder Woman"

More and More people are joining the new Wonder Woman series.

Per Deadline

EXCLUSIVE: Cary Elwes is set to co-star opposite Adrienne Palicki in David E. Kelley's Wonder Woman reboot for NBC. The project stars Palicki as comic book heroine Wonder Woman/Diana Themyscira/Diana Prince, who is a successful corporate executive working to balance all the elements of her complicated life. Elwes will play Henry Detmer, the acting CEO of Themyscira Industries, who is deeply devoted to Diana. He runs the day-to-day operations of the company and acts like an uncle to Diana, though he could be a possible love interest down the line. Elwes' only previous regular TV series gig was his starring role on The X-Files. He recently did a couple episodes of USA's Psych. The actor, repped by APA and KLWG, is filming Gary Marshall's New Year’s Eve and was recently seen in No Strings Attached. He has Tin Tin coming out later this year.

I am thinking they are trying to get as many older people on this as possible to make Wonder Woman look even more beautiful and youthful as possible.

Deadline also reported today that Pedro Pascal and Tracie Thoms have joined the wonderful the project.

Thoms will play Etta, personal assistant to Diana Prince and Pasca will be playing a police liaison who aids Diana.

PS: Did anyone watch "Birds of Prey" when it was on the air? It wasn't horrible..anyway they should get Ashley Scott to play Cheetah.

Wonder Woman Is About To Get Bedazzled

Elizabeth Hurley has confirmed that she is the villain for the new Wonder Woman series.

Today she tweeted "Thrilled to be doing the NBC pilot Wonder Woman. I'll be playing the evil villain. Can't wait."

Hurley now joins Adrianne Palicki  who is our new "Wonder Woman,"  and we can only assume that Ms. Hurley will be playing some kind of evil goddess... (  I can't see her in a Cheetah outfit)

The pilot was written by David E. Kelley and will be directed by Jeffrey Reiner, the new series is scheduled to air in the fall.

New Wonder Woman

Per Variety Adrianne Palicki is the next/new Wonder Woman.

What do we think Cape Town Commuters...does she seem Amazonian enough?

"Palicki, who played Tyra Collette on the first three seasons of NBC series Friday Night Lights, is no stranger to superhero adaptations: She was the evil Siren in the ill-fated Aquaman pilot. She also portrayed Sam Winchester’s doomed girlfriend in the pilot episode of Supernatural, and appeared in Fox’s short-lived drama Lone Star. Palicki co-stars in the upcoming remake of Red Dawn."

Kelley's 'Wonder Woman' Script Reviewed by Bleeding Cool

Bleeding Cool has gotten their bloody hands on what they claim to be David E. Kelley’s Wonder Woman script. As you may recall, NBC purchased the pilot for the 2011/2012 season after Kelley was initially unable to sell the pilot to the major networks.

From the sounds of things, there are elements that ring true to the comic books, but enough to make fans scratch their heads in befuddlement. Of course it’s not fair to judge a script by its spoilers, so click here to read for yourself (for the most part, it is spoiler free).

The villain in the series is Veronica Cale, a character introduced during Greg Rucka’s 2003 run on Wonder Woman. In the comics Cale is unimpressed with Diana’s mission of do-gooding and quest for peace as these are easily achievable goals someone of Wonder Woman’s background. As previously reported, the lasso and the bracelets are also a part of the story, which should make fans happy.

There is no doubt in my mind that Wonder Woman cannot be adapted in a television series without a fair amount of retooling. That is fine. From what Bleeding Cool has offered up, I’m not certain that the material is being handled with care.

NBC Buys Kelley's Wonder Woman Pilot

It was announced this weekend that NBC has picked up the pilot for David E. Kelley’s Wonder Woman script.  

Deadline broke the story—and my heart—when they described Wonder Woman as “a vigilante crime fighter in L.A. but also a successful corporate executive and a modern woman trying to balance all of the elements of her extraordinary life.”

The only words from that description that match my own are probably “woman” and “extraordinary.” And maybe “the.” As much as I say it is unfair to judge something before we’ve seen it, things like this are the exception. I call it the “Jack Black Rule of Comic Book Adaptations” (made famous by the shocking choice by Warner Bros. to briefly cast Black as Hal Jordan in a Green Lantern movie).

I think screenwriters sometimes use the word vigilante as a synonym for gritty. The short description sounds like it has nothing to do with the character Wonder Woman that I know. I am the last person to expect a literal translation from comics to film, but I do expect the essence of the character to be there.

I believe bringing Wonder Woman to film or television would be no easy task for even the most talented of writers, but these guys shouldn’t do so at the expense of the character. If you’re going to rejigger that with which we are familiar to a point that it becomes pretty unrecognizable, then create a wholly original character like the Cape or the cheerleader from Heroes.

I really hope I’m wrong and that Kelley has developed something special for the Amazonian Princess. For now I’ll keep my arms crossed, my brow furrowed, and my expectations right where they belong. High.

Wonder Woman is Still Waiting for Her Close-Up

David E. Kelly can add his name into the famous pool of filmmakers who threw their golden tiara into ring only to walk away with a pitch that we can only begin to imagine.

The super producer, most famously known for quirky television series centering on lawyers, took a stab at a Wonder Woman TV script but failed to pique the interest of any of the major networks. There have been grumblings that ABC wouldn’t touch the property because its parent company is Disney—the company that acquired Marvel Comics in 2009—and Wonder Woman belongs to DC Comics.

Rumors indicate that the lasso and invisible jet were there so there were some key elements to the character’s mythos to keep fans happy, but there hasn’t been much else said about Kelly’s approach to the character. About a month after the announcement that he would be trying his hand at bringing the character back to the small screen, where she continues to memorably live in the memories of fans who watched Lynda Carter portrayal of the Amazon Queen in the late 70’s, Kelly informed fans that a new Wonder Woman series was not a sure thing.

Perhaps it isn’t Princess Diana’s time to shine just yet. Personally, I would prefer to see the character on the big screen throttling the hell out of expensive-looking mythological characters and such. Will Wonder Woman eventually get her shot at a big screen adaptation? For now we can only wonder.

JMS Ends His Runs on 'Superman' and 'Wonder Woman'

DC announced today that J. Michael Straczynski would be off his monthly runs on Superman and Wonder Woman to focus on a sequel to wildly successful Superman: Earth One OGN. Earth One hit No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list during its first week out so naturally DC is eager to see what more can be done with this fledgling brand.

Good call on DC for knowing how to take advantage of their talent. Personally I was frustrated with Straczynski’s “Grounded” storyline in Superman, partly because the story was dull and partly because the writer couldn’t seem to find the character’s voice. While Earth One wasn’t exactly what we’ve come to know about Superman, that wasn’t the point. This was a new take on the Man of Steel and it required the freshness that Straczynski was able to bring. The author’s retelling (or re-imagining) was unencumbered by what came before it and that may be key to why it has been embraced.

Sadly we won’t get to see the exact road he would have taken Diana down in the pages of Wonder Woman. It has been a brief and fascinating road as Wonder Woman has been forced into a new reality and odyssey to find her way back to her world. This was a fantastic way to address a character that is slowly becoming synonymous with reboot. There was little to not like about Straczynski’s run on this title.

Chris Roberson (iZombie) will take over the reigns of Superman with issue #707 in January and Phil Hester (Firebreather) begins writing Wonder Woman as of issue #605 (currently scheduled for December). DC stated that both writers will continue to work from Straczynski’s story notes. I pray that Roberson will take Superman in another direction (i.e. “Grounded… in the Heart of the Phantom Zone!”).

Straczynski’s monthly runs may have been shortened at DC, but it looks like the publisher is really playing to his strengths by letting him control his own playground.

Our First Possible Wonder Woman: Tanit Phoenix

And the casting rumors begin today!

I’ll be honest, when I heard that David E. Kelly was looking into a Wonder Woman reboot for the small screen, I thought “It’ll never happen.” However, while not the largest step forward, news has surfaced of the first name to be thrown into the pool of possible actresses to take on the Amazonian princess: Tanit Phoenix.

Phoenix is a former model from South Africa and has starred in Lost Boys: The Thirst and will appear in next year’s Death Race 2. She looks the part—which, come to think of it, might be a sexist comment. For a better idea of who Phoenix is, check out the YouTube video below.

Kelley’s Wonder Woman project is targeting a 2011 debut.