thedeadlyhook (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
thedeadlyhook) wrote2008-07-20 12:04 am
thedeadlyhook) wrote2008-07-20 12:04 am
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Animated Hellboy - Damn, That Was Good Stuff!
Huh, that was interesting. Toys and I were just watching the two Hellboy Animated movies on Cartoon Network (there was a marathon tonight) and they were both infinitely superior to the Hellboy 2 movie that I recently bitched about. As in, they were actually like the comics, right down to some of the most memorable imagery and the loveable Office-esque character interactions. There's also more than one female character, and they actually talk about, y'know, work. Such as actual supernatural research, as in the name of the organization, the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense.
And real supernatural mythology, too - the film set in Japan featured real Japanese yokai, folklorish monsters, instead of the usual made-up stuff that Hollywood trots out.
Although... I'm damned if I can figure out why the animation was so good and the live-action film so lame. Largely the same creative staff all around, right down to the voice work. Maybe Mike Mignola is just a really laid-back guy who lets people do whatever with his property, and the animation guy just happens to be a bigger fan? Who knows.
But for those interested in why the Hellboy issue irks me so much - here's the driving philosophy behind Hellboy that I respond to.
It's a nature versus nurture story. Hellboy's origin is that he's the son of a major demon, summoned to this plane by Nazi scientists to help Hitler conquer the world. Additionally, he's the central feature of a prophecy about the Apocalypse, namely that he'll bring it about with his stone "right hand of fate."
But none of this matters to Hellboy because he was raised by a nice kindly old man who fed him pancakes and gave him a happy childhood.
Hellboy loves this world. That's why he fights. It's worth more to him than being a big cheese in hell.
That's worth something to me, message-wise. I'm tired of nihilistic, "oh, the word sucks" messages, especially for heroes. I want to hear what they're fighting for.
Boom-deyadda.
Oh, and damn, ABC Family (we're checking out Tim Burton's original Batman movie, which I haven't seen in years, for nostalgia value - shut up) just played a trailer for some new series called Samurai Girl, and now I'm dying to see it. All on the strength of one gag where some white girl (college roommate?) finds the Japanese heroine hiding in her closet for some reason, and reacts with "I thought you were that dead girl from The Grudge!" Bwah. Plus there's posing with weapons and beach-exercise-fu ala Karate Kid. I can't resist.
At this time next week, I'll be at San Diego Comic-Con. I haven't been in about three years, and I've been warned that "it's gotten more corporate." More than it was? Like, as in the year they drove a full-size Batmobile onto the dealer floor? My mind boggles.
I sorta can't wait. The bargain bins, they wait for my searching fingers. I have back issues that need finding, particularly anything featuring Hannibal King.
And real supernatural mythology, too - the film set in Japan featured real Japanese yokai, folklorish monsters, instead of the usual made-up stuff that Hollywood trots out.
Although... I'm damned if I can figure out why the animation was so good and the live-action film so lame. Largely the same creative staff all around, right down to the voice work. Maybe Mike Mignola is just a really laid-back guy who lets people do whatever with his property, and the animation guy just happens to be a bigger fan? Who knows.
But for those interested in why the Hellboy issue irks me so much - here's the driving philosophy behind Hellboy that I respond to.
It's a nature versus nurture story. Hellboy's origin is that he's the son of a major demon, summoned to this plane by Nazi scientists to help Hitler conquer the world. Additionally, he's the central feature of a prophecy about the Apocalypse, namely that he'll bring it about with his stone "right hand of fate."
But none of this matters to Hellboy because he was raised by a nice kindly old man who fed him pancakes and gave him a happy childhood.
Hellboy loves this world. That's why he fights. It's worth more to him than being a big cheese in hell.
That's worth something to me, message-wise. I'm tired of nihilistic, "oh, the word sucks" messages, especially for heroes. I want to hear what they're fighting for.
Boom-deyadda.
Oh, and damn, ABC Family (we're checking out Tim Burton's original Batman movie, which I haven't seen in years, for nostalgia value - shut up) just played a trailer for some new series called Samurai Girl, and now I'm dying to see it. All on the strength of one gag where some white girl (college roommate?) finds the Japanese heroine hiding in her closet for some reason, and reacts with "I thought you were that dead girl from The Grudge!" Bwah. Plus there's posing with weapons and beach-exercise-fu ala Karate Kid. I can't resist.
At this time next week, I'll be at San Diego Comic-Con. I haven't been in about three years, and I've been warned that "it's gotten more corporate." More than it was? Like, as in the year they drove a full-size Batmobile onto the dealer floor? My mind boggles.
I sorta can't wait. The bargain bins, they wait for my searching fingers. I have back issues that need finding, particularly anything featuring Hannibal King.
no subject
When are you arriving? I'll just be kicking around Wednesday evening, as I don't think Astrid will arrive until midnight or so.
How about fish tacos at Anthony's? It's near the Maritime Museaum on the waterot. Say 5-ish? Or lunch there on Thursday at noon?
(The Watchemen trailer! Aiyeeee! I saw it and geeked! Ahhhhh!)
no subject
I haven't seen anything for Watchmen yet, so I'm completely unspoiled so far. Great to hear that it looks good!
no subject
No, it's farther down the boardwalk, past the big docked aircraft carrier ship/museum. If you need a steer, just ask any of the bicycle rickshaw dudes.
Call me Wednesday night and I'll give you crystal directions. :)
no subject
Just checked out the Watchmen trailer on the Apple site. I have to admit, it looks pretty cool. Although from the trailer, it almost seems like the entire thing was filmed in slow motion. Hee.