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----------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Interviews Paul Dale Roberts Silhouet98@cs.com Interview with Stephen Fox penciller of ChiSai Interviewed by Paul Dale Roberts, Publisher, Jazma Online! Question: Tell us something personal about yourself, the schools you went to, your family life or whatever you would like to disclose. Honestly, I think I'm your average "wanna draw comics for a living-guy." I went to two different high schools, and two different colleges. I didn't study art at all really, since in my house drawing comics was always such an unrealistic goal. I truthfully didn't think about trying to "break in" until I looked back at life, and the one consistency was drawing and telling stories. Question: What was the first comic book you ever read? It was one of those "Legion of Superheroes" Mini comics...it had Wildfire's origin in it....man, I thought Wildfire was the friggin coolest thing I had ever seen. Question: How did the concept of ChiSai come about? Actually, ChiSai is totally Bart's creation... he designed everything from the tattoos, to her breasts...and I'm not kidding about the breasts, he actually sent photo reference. Question: How did you get the art gig for ChiSai? What other comics have you worked on? I actually went through a tryout stage and the a final "audition" against two other artists. ChiSai will be my first official comic work, but I did a bunch of cards for the CyberPunk Collectible Card Game. Question: Who are the main characters of ChiSai? ChiSai herself--badass done wrong, Gertrude--badass in leather, Richard--everyday guy living with the fact that his woman (ChiSai) could maime him at will, and ultimately the villain which I'll let you discover for yourself. Question: What is your website address? www.stephenfox.biz Question: How can someone contact you? steve@stephenfox.biz or click on the link on my page. Question: Who are your 3 fictional heroes and why? 1. Nightwing...as anyone that visits my site will be able to tell...its the ultimate coming of age story; and since I have a brother that intimidates me just by being a great man...it's easy to relate. 2. Kin Rai...as lame and egotistical as it sounds, he's one of the characters in a story I've been working on for the last five years. He's a savage warrior in a society of refined knight-like heroes. I think he's appealing since he lets me think about what it would be like to have no fear, more skill than anyone could fit in a human, and unquestionable confidence. 3. Optimus Prime...if you need a reason, you wouldn't get it anyway. Question: Who are your 3 real life heroes and why? 1. Ken Fox...my brother. Growing up a geek would have been a lot harder if I hadn't had a guardian in the form of a weight- lifting, kick-boxing, "I understand your pain" brother. He's what I am when I have courage. Question: What comic books do you read now? Teen Titans, Flash, Chobits, and I adore Zot, even though it's out of print. Question: What cons will you be attending? WizardWorld Philly, Chicago, and God willing San Diego Con...oh yeah, DragonCon, and GenCon Question: Your thoughts on the comic book industry. Ever since DC ran that campaign waaay back before Crisis: "Comics aren't just for kids anymore!" It really seems like comics have been doing their best to completely ditch kids in favor of having street cred. Honestly, as a kid, I wouldn't give a damn about comics today; first because they don't cater to fans or kids anymore. They cater to the talent. I am so damn tired of hearing about what artist is drawing what and which writer is being recruited from movies...all it does is offer this huge sacrifice to the latest "I can squeeze you guys in between Gigli and Jersey Girl" monster and leave the fans with a "What the hell just happened?" taste in their mouth. Ultimately, kids and fans didn't become fans from these big epic stories, they become fans because comics used to dare them to participate. They had letters pages, fan galleries, "Stan's Soapbox"...it's all been ditched in favor of cool looking ad space. Fans won't come back to comics until they're the most important part of the experience. From Marvels "one more special cover!," to Image=pretty pictures, lousy words, and DC's dead hero of the month, comics have completely forgotten that comics are fun only when those that used to read them, and dream of working with them finally get to. Other than that...uh...hem...comics are cool...yeah...cough. Question: What are your recreational activities? I watch a lot of movies, and work on the house I just bought. Question: What books are your favorites? Tom's Midnight Garden, and the Thrawn Trilogy (star wars) Question: What are your favorite cartoons, movies, TV shows? Iron Giant is my favorite feature cartoon. Invader Zim, and B:TAS are best series...and for best butt-kicking in a television series, the award goes to...........BUFFY! Question: What hobbies do you have? Drawing, and designing random characters for when I own Marvel...(just kidding by the way...heh.) Question: If ChiSai becomes a movie, who should play the character parts and why? FeFe Dobson as Chi....because Bart would commit L.A. based genocide otherwise. Gertrude I think Alicia Silverstone... Question: This ends the interview...any last words of wisdom? Comics are an art form of their own, and as entertainment I think they have a potential that very few have reached....at the same time, a high concept comic doesn't have to alienate kids in favor of higher brain function. Anyway thanks for the opportunity to talk about me, I'd better go though...I have to finish drawing this blood-drenched Sai... _________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- [6] Interviews Richard Vasseur richardv@sympatico.ca Ali Russell script writer on "Isis" the movie from Blue Water Productions interviewed by Richard Vasseur, Vice President-Jazma Online! www.jazmaonline.com Richard: Is this movie going to stay close to the comic the "Legend of Isis"? Ali: There are a few differences. For instance, I decided to make the main character (In the comic-Jessica, in the script- Alex) a bit younger. Instead of being in her twenties, Alex will be around 16. Also, in the comic, Isis is stolen away on her wedding day, and is brought to present day as the alter ego of Jessica. In my script, Alex uncovers the powers of a dormant Isis through a bracelet she discovers in an Egyptian tomb. Richard: What is the basic story outline? Ali: Since her mother has recently passed away, Alex, a high school misfit, has to spend the summer with her archaeologist father, as he searches for a tomb in Egypt. She actually discovers the tomb and swipes a bracelet from a sarcophagus. Little does she know, it is the Bracelet of Isis, and she is now empowered with the spirit of the Egyptian goddess. Unfortunately, she has also reawakened the god, Set, Isis's evil brother, who is bent on destroying Isis and claiming her powers. Alex, with the help of her father, must find a way to banish Set back to the underworld. Richard: Is the movie going to be heavy into the Egyptian mythos? Ali: It will not be like a course in Egyptian mythology, but there will be some educational points. The characters of Isis, Set, and Rah are real Egyptian gods, and there are a few references to key archaeological finds. I did a lot of research about Egypt and found it fascinating, so I did want to include some of the history and lore. But it is also a fun story about how an estranged father and daughter reunite. There is a lot of heart in it. Richard: Why will Isis be made younger in the movie than she is in the comic? Ali: I felt that the market for teenage-girl films is very popular at this time, so I wanted to capitalize on that aspect. But more importantly, all these recent girl movies take place in high school, and deal with, albeit funny, mundane issues. I remember when I was 17 (not that long ago :) ) I thought about more than just how to become popular or date the quarterback. I feel that this movie will show its audience that its cool to like history or science and to be adventurous. I see it as a Spider-Man, but geared more towards girls. Richard: Have you ever watched the Isis TV series? Ali: Sadly no. I was not around when that series was on TV, and I have not been able to locate any copies- I wonder if there is a reason behind that ;) But if I had been able to, Im not sure I would have wanted to watch them. I was already determined to make the character younger, and I was not going to put her in a costume with bulletproof wristbands or anything. I wanted the main character to be a normal real person. And no, Alex never screams "Oh Mighty Isis." :) Richard: Did you do any research into Egyptian legends? Ali: I did lots of research and found many interesting stories and legends. Unfortunately I couldn't possibly use all of the information. Maybe it will come in handy for a sequel though? I was particularly interested in the Egyptian Pantheon, and their individual specialties. There were also many legends pertaining to Isis and her husband Osiris, but as our girl is only 17, I didn't want to bring in any marriage stories, but I was able to sneak Osiris in there. I also had to research the archaeological finds in the region. Alex's father is an archaeologist, and I had to make sure that I was able to relate to him and what he was trying to do. He comes up with a whole new theory on the pyramids in Giza, and I had to make sure his idea could be a possibility. Richard: Who do you think would be good to play the lead role? Ali: There are so many talented young actresses out there these days. Ideally? Someone like Amanda Bynes, who is relatable to young women, and still possesses that wholesome, innocence. I loved her in What a Girl Wants. The character of Alex is extremely intellectual but is able to be witty and adorable at the same time. I think she would do a great job. Of course there are many others- Hilary Duff or one of the Olsen twins would be great too! Richard: Have you worked on any other scripts? Ali: I have written other scripts, but not for any studio before. I am pretty new to this whole thing. I did do an adaptation of a children's novel, and I also wrote an Irish war epic, while I was in school. But my agent, manager, and I are working on a bunch of other ideas! Richard: Do you have any formal training? Ali: I received my B.S. in Film, with a focus in Screenwriting from Boston University in 2003. As an undergrad, I also took all of the graduate level classes they had to offer. Once I finished school, I moved out to LA, where I enrolled in the one year Professional Program at UCLA. I won Honorable Mention in their contest, and I am considering applying to the Masters Program there this fall. Richard: How long do you think it will take till the movie makes it to the big screen? Ali: Well, let's hope Paramount and Grammnet decide to make it first!! It is very difficult to get a studio to actually make your movie. Should they decide to, I would guess anywhere from a year or two, with all the casting, filming and editing processes. I'll keep you posted!! Richard: Are there any other super heroes you would like to script write for? Ali: The creator of Isis, Darren Davis, and I are working together on developing a screenplay for the 10th Muse. I read all the comics and absolutely loved the character. Intelligence is a big factor for me in female characters. I am really impressed with strong smart women. Enough of the damsels in distress! Of course I have found all super hero stories to be pretty cool, so I'd consider any brought my way. Richard: What other future projects do you have planned? Ali: I am working with comicbook writer, Rob Liefeld on a few ideas, that hopefully will sell. Like I mentioned before, Darren and I are focusing on the 10th Muse (Id love to make it a TV series). I am also looking at some books to adapt. Richard: How is writing a movie script different than writing a comic book? Ali: I have never written a comic book, but after reading them, Id say that there are actually a lot of similarities. Both focus on character development and driving the plot, but with a comic book, you don't include smaller details and actions that you would in a script, and you have more time to develop storylines. With a movie, you have 120 pages max, so you have to narrow down what you want to include and what you have to leave out. Also, I think the dialogue is much different. In comics, you didn't get much of a chance to have your characters engage in long conversations. But the action set pieces in comics are great, and really help when you're adapting it to a screenplay. Richard: Any last words of wisdom? Ali: I hardly think Im in a position to impart any wisdom, I'm still trying to acquire it from others :) But I can say that ever since I was in middle school, I loved writing. It was my passion. And even though I knew it would be really hard to make a living out of screenwriting, I went to college for it any ways. I had never been to LA before I moved out here in 2003, and I had to work as a waitress to pay the bills, but I practiced and honed my craft, and I development give up, no matter what other people said (and believe me, I heard it all!). As a result, I am living my dream. I can only hope that other people wont let their peers and society deter them from living theirs. ***************** Cindy Margolis actress/model and new cover model for "The Tenth Muse" from Blue Water Productions interviewed by Richard Vasseur, Vice-President Jazma Online! www.jazmaonline.com Richard: How did you first break into the entertainment business? Cindy: It really wasn't planned. as a school project I designed a line of greeting cards. When I couldn't get any of my friends to model for the cards..I did it myself. An agent saw the pics and my career was started! Richard: How did you become involved with Blue Water Productions? Cindy: I was approached by Darren Davis the creator of the 10th Muse through my "right hand man", Neil Cirucci. Since I've always been a comic book fan (Wonder Woman was my hero!) I decided to do the project. Richard: What can you tell us about the comic?..The 10th Muse is a character. She combines all the qualities that a Super Hero should have and she still remains a great role model at the same time. The more I learn and read about the 10th Muse i realize what a great fan base and cult following she has. I'm going to try to live up to the fantastic image of the 10th Muse! Richard: What super hero character besides "The Tenth Muse" would you most like to portray? Cindy: I'd have to say Wonder Woman. Growing up she was my fave and it would be phenomenal to play her in a movie..of course...my first choice would still be The 10th Muse!' Richard: What comics did you read as a child? Cindy: I was a big fan of Archie Comics and Casper the friendly Ghost. I really like a series of comics called Journey into the Unknown. I like being scared! Richard: What super power would you like to have? Cindy: Invisibility. I'd love to be able to sneak into places where a woman wouldn't ordinarily be allowed!! Richard: How would you compare being a model to being an actress? Cindy: They are a lot alike. When you're modeling you're actually "acting" for the camera and the photographer. It's more fun, too because there are no lines to memorize. Richard: How do you feel being looked at as a role model? Cindy: I'm very comfortable with it. I've lived my life in a way that I feel would be an example to young women and I've always given my best in everything I've tried. Richard: Do you consider yourself to be a sex symbol? Cindy: Absolutely not!! living in La all my life I see countless numbers of women who work at malls, diners, shoe stores, etc etc who are way more sexy than I could ever be. "Don't ever believe the Hype!!" Richard: You were 1999's most downloaded woman on the Net. How does it feel to know all those people consider you to be beautiful? Cindy: Beauty is something that was bestowed upon you by God and by having good genes! But having inner beauty is something you develop on your own..and I like to think I have that. Richard: You are also America's # 1 Pin-Up poster model. What do you attribute that to? Cindy: A lot of hard work and great photographers! A good photographer can make you look incredible, even when you're not feeling very sexy. I've done over 125 posters and I have worked with some of the best photographers in the world. They made me Amercia's Number one Pin Up. Richard: Do you have any other career plans for the future? Cindy: Right now I am working on a few different projects. A reality show based on myself and my husband's lives. A televised Poker Tourney in Las Vegas..and..a late night animated series called CINDY BC. Richard: What do you do if you have some spare time? Cindy: Believe it or not, in my spare time I hunt for the best fast food places to eat in California!! I am a junk food junkie. My favorite is anything I get from Dell Taco! Richard: Any last words for all your fans? Cindy: Yes. No matter what you do..be true to yourself. If you truly believe in what you are doing do not let ANYBODY steer you in a different direction. Trust in your own instincts. _________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Suspended Animation Michael Vance MiklVance2@worldnet.att.net [Michael Vance became a professional freelance writer in 1977. He has been published in dozens of magazines and as a syndicated columnist and cartoonist in over 500 newspapers. His history book, Forbidden Adventure:The History of the American Comics Group, has been called a "benchmark in comics history." He briefly ghosted an internationally syndicated comic strip, and his own strip for five years called Holiday Out that was reprinted as a comic book. Vance also wrote comic book titles including Straw Men, Angel of Death, The Adventures of Captain Nemo, Holiday Out and Bloodtide. His work has appeared in several comic book anthologies, and he is listed in the Who's Who of American Comic Books and Comic Book Superstars. Vance's weekly comics review column, Suspended Animation, has been continuously published for more than fifteen years, currently reaching more than 750,000 readers in fanzines, newspapers, and in over eighty websites. In addition, he worked in newspapers for twenty-two years as an editor, writer and advertising manager, creating three successful newspaper magazines. Michael Vance is currently communications director of a nonprofit agency, the Tulsa Boys' Home, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a Christian.] Lex Talionis: A Jungle Tale, published by Image Comics, 48 pages, $5.95. I always loved wildlife documentaries. Since childhood, I could sit and watch National Geographic programs and the like for hours ...especially if they dealt with primates. In college, I saw Gorillas in The Mist, the movie about the life of Dian Fossey, and it became one of my favorites. So, it's probably a cinch that I'd like any dramatic comics work on gorillas. Well, truth is, there's just not a whole lot of them out there, but until more come along, Lex Talionis: A Jungle Tale will do. A safari guide is killed by a rampaging gorilla. According to the experts, however, the attack never should have happened, since gorillas don't attack unprovoked. So, something's amiss, and a mystery ensues. Nearly a year old, Lex Talionis is Aneurin Wright's first published comics work, and, as writer and artist, it's really not a bad initial offering. The characters, though not immensely "fleshed out," (How much can you expect in 48 pages?) are fairly believable. This may actually be due, in part, to the simplicity of the story, as Wright doesn't try to "cram" too much in. It's basically cause, effect, and reaction, though not exactly in that order. The real highlight, however, is the artwork. Wright uses something never seen in comics production before. Called "reduction point," it's a print-making technique that I'm certainly not qualified to explain, but, happily, more than qualified to appreciate. Different color intensities are used throughout the work, evoking just the right mood, most of the time. Sometimes muted, sometimes nearly garish, Wright wields his "palette" well enough to properly enhance his story. "Lush," "lavish" and "eye-catching" are all adjectives I would use in describing Lex Talionis. Lex Talionis: A Jungle Tale is recommended for those who enjoy an intelligent story told in bold fashion. Some language makes it unsuitable for younger readers. Look for it at comic shops, comic conventions or at online auctions. Review by Mark Allen _________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- [8] O'Shea's Offhand Opinions Tim O'Shea timmito@yahoo.com [This column was originally run at http://www.thegreatcurve.net] O'Shea's Offhand Opinions http://www.thegreatcurve.net/2005/01/oodles-of-offhand- opinions.html The key to offhand opinions is it's a gut reaction with bare bones analysis. I tell you if it's worth buying in a basic Yes or No situation. This week, we have two new features (one that longtime readers of Offhand Opinions may remember from past incarnations). First off, the return of Ron's pick of the week (for last week). A little background, Ron manages the local bookstore where I buy my comics. We've been friends since the mid-1980s and the man knows comics. So for last week, Ron liked Bullseye: Greatest Hits 5 (of 5) [Marvel] by Way and Dillon. Secondly, we have a brand new feature-my pick of the week. This week my pick is Fantastic Four 522 [Marvel] by Waid and Wieringo. Mystique 23 (Marvel) McKeever/Garcia/Fernandez The book is already cancelled, and yet they slap Wolverine on the cover. Once and while a cover screams "we need to boost sales" and this one does. If McKeever sticks around, he could be a Warren Ellis type writer I could stomach. But this series was not it. Rogue and that whole baggage of characterizations are so shoehorned into this issue. No Legion of the Super-Heroes 2 (DC) Waid/Kitson First scene of this issue, I felt that feeling I always get whenever reading a Legion reboot - you're losing me - too obscure - help! Fortunately it was only one scene and Waid was able to pull me back in. I want to love this reboot, and I remain hooked, but wary. Yes Uncanny X-Men 454 (Marvel) Claremont/Park/Sibal I was about to really slam the cover, and I realized it was Paul Smith! I cannot fathom that the guy behind Leave it to Chance (along with James Robinson, of course) could do such cheesecake (inherent to the objectified Hellfire ladies I know...) that makes one feel so icky. The actual story leaves us wondering "what is the limit to Wolverine's healing factor" or actually when asked the question I realized "I don't care." No New X-Men/Academy X 9 (Marvel) DeFillipis/Weir/Ryan A seance? They have mutant powers and they have to go the seance route? What's next, Scarlet Witch totally deconstructs the Aveng- never mind. No Arana 1 (Marvel) Avery/Cruz/Olazaba The twisted part of me wants Wolverine's crossover to kick in to this book. Yea, I'm mean. In all seriousness, I actually enjoy this book. The father/daughter dynamics in particular are an asset to this series. Yes X23 #2 Kyle/Yost/Tan Origins that cure insomnia. I mean I fell asleep on the background/credit page. Toss in an element of child torture (but she's actually a clone, defenders may say) and I can actually declare reading this issue sickened me. No Fantastic Four 522 (Marvel) Waid/Wieringo/Kesel There are many times when I read Waid's writing and I think "this guy should be making movies". This issue has such a moment between Johnny and his team-mates. Yes The Amazing Spider-Man 516 (Marvel) Straczynski/Deodato Jr/Brooks The plot stinks on toast. I mean I care nothing for the "old previously unrevealed friend of Pete from high school"...and yet as usual JMS crafts these little Parker family moments that keep me coming back. If you like the little moments, shell out the dough, if you need actual plot...look elsewhere. Maybe (the first "maybe" of 2005!) Planetary 22 (Wildstorm) Ellis/Cassaday/Martin So much talent...so little interest. Warren Ellis is slowly rivaling Chris Claremont for most chasing own tail/tale in a comic series. No Batman 636 (DC) Winick/Mahnke/Nguyen Nightwing and Batman working together make for great dynamics. But yikes, Winick is trying to tweak Batman's dialogue a tad and it flounders when he starts talking in a Rainman vein toward the end of this issue. Plus Mahnke does not work in Gotham for me. No Nightwing Year One 102 (DC) Dixon/Beatty/McDaniel/Owens Dick Grayson and Clark Kent provide for some fun scenes. The whole angry Batman is over the top even though it's firmly in continuity. Yes The Spectacular Spider-Man 24 (Marvel) Barnes/Eaton/Smith The whole Sarah story is nearly laughable in terms of the soap opera scenery munching. I mean JMS set up this house of cards with this retro-continuity. And Samm Barnes has little to work with, unfortunately. In terms of art, it's amazing that Scot Eaton doesn't look as strong when inked by Cam Smith (versus when inked by Drew Geraci). No Black Widow 5 (Marvel Knights) Morgan/Sienkiewicz/Parlov Morgan clearly hopes to redefine Natasha/Widow with this miniseries. And unfortunately the art is just too Chaykin-esque for me to sign off on this. Not to mention, is it just me, or has Marvel been fairly quiet when it comes to promoting this book? Maybe I'm wrong. No _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater? Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good! http://us.click.yahoo.com/pkgkPB/SOnJAA/Zx0JAA/bGIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Thanks for subscribing to the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine (CBEM) --------------------------->Disclaimer<--------------------------- This is an ANNOUNCE only mailing list, only the Editor can send messages to the list. No one else has access to the subscriber list. Replies to these messages will be received by the Editor ONLY, so you must CC: individual contributors if you want them to get your E-Mail. The E-mail to the E-mag MAY be used in future issues at the Editor's discretion UNLESS you specifically request that they not be. It is our policy to withhold names and/or Addresses, by request only, from letters of comment. All contributors are required to use their real name and have a valid Email address for their columns to be published. Send Email comments to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Material for inclusion in the Emag - press releases, solicitations, column submissions, Letters to the Editor, guesses for the trivia contest should be sent to ComicBkNet@aol.com The EDITOR, not the submitter, has final approval and edit rights on ALL material. Printed comic books and advanced copies for review in the Emag should be sent via US Mail or UPS to David L. 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