I’VE WAXED lyrical before about the genius that is Mark Millar, the Scottish writer who is now the leading comic book author in the world.
I was told by my dealer in strict confidence a few months ago that his latest masterpiece, Kickass, was to be made into a movie, following the success of the movie Wanted, also based on a Millar work.
I only mention this because Carolyn and I had a conversation the other night about the legendary Glen Michael and whether or not he was still alive. He is, and he’s to make a chameo appearance in the movie of Kickass at Mark’s request.
Before you snort and dismiss “superhero” literature for being only for kids, check out Millar’s The Ultimates, Wanted or Superman: Red Son. I’m sure my dealer can secure any of them for you at a good price, and he runs an excellent mail order service.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Mark Millar’s a genius. And he’s Scottish. Huzzah!
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Thursday 9 October 2008 at 7:08 pm
Yes, but he’s not even in the same league as Alan Moore.
Thursday 9 October 2008 at 8:21 pm
Better than that, Tom: he’s doing book launches around Scotland!
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/displayDetailEvent.do?searchType=1&author=Glen|Michael
Thursday 9 October 2008 at 9:13 pm
Nothing wrong with liking comic books, whatever your age. It’s a medium for telling stories, like any other. Video games used to be seen as something for kids – these days, the average gamer is 28 and the most profitable market to pitch a game at is the 18-35 range. It’s perfectly possible to tell a “grown up” story through comic books.
That said, I’ve often found US comic books, even those pitched primarily at adults, difficult to get into, despite my best intentions. There’s still a reluctance to move past the old super-hero stereotypes, even if they do put a darker twist on them. Maybe I’m over-generalising, but UK artists (yes, including Mark Millar) tend to have a slightly quirkier take, which appeals to me. Of course, the Japanese are still the masters of the medium, but they’re creating against a social background that’s much more accepting of comics as grown-up entertainment.
Friday 10 October 2008 at 10:03 pm
This book is disgusting, you should be ashamed of yourself, Tom.
Not for the first time:
Hang down your head, Tom Harris
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Harris
For recomending this evil, porno scie-fie.
Friday 10 October 2008 at 10:04 pm
You seem to have no taste, Aunt Flo
Well, none that does you credit
Your really shouldn’t write reviews
Until you’ve gone and read it
Friday 10 October 2008 at 10:05 pm
” “superhero” literature ”
Super hero: this sicko, violence glorying rubbish?
Oh, pul……ease.