WW: CHICAGO '06 - PETER DAVID TALKS WONDER MAN

[MattBrady]

<a href="http://www.newsarama.com/WW_Chicago_06/Marvel/wonderman.html"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/WW_Chicago_06/Marvel/WONDERMAN001_bwcov_t.jpg" Border="0" align=right></a>He’s back.

Officially announced (although previously mentioned) during today’s <b>Mondo Marvel</b> panel at Chicago, <B>Wonder Man: My Fair Supervillian</B> is scheduled as a five-issue mini-series beginning in December, written by fan-fav vet Peter David and illustrated by Andrew Currie.

The title <B>My Fair Supervillian</B> brings to mind a more than passing inference of the early 20th century play <B>Pygmalion</B> and the musical-turned-film <B>My Fair Lady</B>. Could Simon be trying to rehabilitate a villain into a hero ala Henry Higgins? And if so, who's the story’s Eliza?

When asked about this, writer Peter David comes clean...

Click <a href=http://www.newsarama.com/WW_Chicago_06/Marvel/wonderman.html>here</a> for this full <i>WizardWorld</i> story...

<blockquote><I>Newsarama's WizardWorld: Chicago '06 coverage is sponsored by <b>ValiantFans.com</b>, home to the fans of the VALIANT Universe.</i></blockquote><center><a href="http://www.valiantFans.com" TARGET="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/WW_Chicago_06/sponsor/valiantfans.gif" hspace="0" vspace="0" border=0></A></center>

[xdemon]

Sounds like fun!

[farwell3d]

This is going to rule.

[Kolimar]

WW: CHICAGO '06 - PETER DAVID TALKS WONDER MAN
He’s back.

YAY!! :D :D :D :)

[Kolimar]

and illustrated by Andrew Currie.

Never heard about him. I think. :confused: :o :D

[Comiccub]

Wow that is some god aweful art. I was looking forward to this book but i don't think I can get past the art work.

[350z]

Now this series looks like fun. I don't like "humorous" comics in any way (I think humor works much better in other media), but I do like humorous moments in comics. Peter David is a master of this, however. Pygmalion and My Fair Lady are two of my favorite works of all time. I applaud Peter David for trying to create a work in the same vein. George Bernard Shaw was a playwright genius--especially genius at witty dialog. I am confident that he can do something similar.

[Kolimar]

The title My Fair Supervillian brings to mind a more than passing inference of the early 20th century play Pygmalion and the musical-turned-film My Fair Lady. Could Simon be trying to rehabilitate a villain into a hero ala Henry Higgins? And if so, who's the story’s Eliza?

Great. :mad: Now, obsessive as I am:o :(, I need to know more about the play and the musical. Even read it and watch it, respectively. :p :p :D :D ;)

[kcekada]

Huh?!

That artwork looks like something out of "What the?!"

Is this going to be a comedy series? Oh well ... at least he'll be in Mighty Avengers, but wait -- Bendis is writing that -- so Simon we'll mostly be standing around and having meaningful conversations with his fellow teammates.

What fun!

Okay, neither series will probably be as bad as all that -- but I'm keeping expectations to a minimum.

[Kolimar]

“Yup. Simon winds up rising to a challenge issued by his agent to rehabilitate a vicious supervillain named Ladykiller who assaults them at an L.A. eatery. The concept is that the entire process is being filmed as a documentary. And, as one can imagine, hilarity (tinged with tragedy) ensues.”

When asked further about the new villain Ladykiller and the potential to make things hard on Wonder Man, David was quick to reveal more. “Well, Ladykiller's "family" of supervillains isn't going to take kindly to Simon's project, and are going to have something to say about it.”

I can almost see a ninja-like family with powers connected to Eastern martial arts, mysticism, cyberenhancements, etc. :D ;)

[Kolimar]

Wow that is some god aweful art. I was looking forward to this book but i don't think I can get past the art work.

I don't see anything seriously wrong with the art considering it has a bit of a cartoony feel. The one thing that bothers me (and that shows the strongest cartoony vibe) is Ladykiller's ankles. In general, it's not bad but those ankles are too much of a contrast with the faces and bodies. Let's hope he improves.

[Kolimar]

“I've always thought Wonder Man was a cool character,” David said succinctly. Very "old school," as it were, a term that's been applied to me not a few times. I've liked the concept of the guy who has his own checkered past that he's trying to overcome. It's often said that the villains are more interesting than the heroes. So a hero with some villainy in his past is almost by definition the best of both worlds.”

I fully agree.

[Kolimar]

“Civil War really doesn't factor into it. As all-consuming as Civil War has been for the Marvel universe, there's nothing to say that we can't do stories that have nothing to do with Civil War at all,” explained David. “In fact, if the Marvel Universe were all Civil War, all the time, I'd have to think that would get pretty boring for the fans.”

Correctomundo. :D ;) :)

[Kolimar]

While it’s been revealed that Wonder Man will likely be a member of the new post-CW Mighty Avengers title by Brian Bendis & Frank Cho, David said that this mini-series won’t play much a part of this five issue mini-series.

Isn't Mighty Avengers supposed to be an ongoing? :confused:

[BillReed]

Aww, c'mon, the art isn't that bad.

[Kolimar]

“Since Henry Higgins didn't accomplish his endeavors alone, neither will Simon. Both Hank McCoy and Carol Danvers will be involved to bring their own dynamic to the process,” promised David.

A WM mini without Hank is unthinkable. And Carol is a tasty morsel. :p :D ;)

[Kolimar]

“What can I say? I have a weakness for blondes named ‘Danvers.’”

You want those of us who remember the way it was and the way it is now to cry? Congratulations. :mad: :( Sniff... Sigh... http://bestsmileys.com/crying/3.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/crying/7.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/crying/4.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/crying/9.gif

:p :D :)

[ejulp]

Never heard about him. I think. :confused: :o :D

if i'm not mistaken, he was the inker for bryan hitch on much of the first volume of the ultimates.

[Titan Slade]

Never heard about him. I think. :confused: :o :D

Currie drew some old school Avengers West Coast issues 15 years ago, and he was the original inker over Hitch's pencils in Ultimates vol.1 before Neary took over as the regular inker. And any solo Wonderman project is a must buy for me. I'm a huge fan of Simon.

[Kolimar]

“And what it comes down to is that I'm not promising tight continuity plug-ins to Civil War, but instead simply a really good story involving deep moral issues and some unexpected twists and turns,” said David. “Anyone who's interested in reading anything like that is welcome to join us.”

The sad thing is, that should be more than enough but, somehow, it's not. :(

[avengingtitan]

Simon + Beast + PAD = EXCELSIOR

I'm so gonna buy this.

[kalorama]

This looks very promising. Like the artwork, and David is usually good for entertaining comics.

[farwell3d]

Great. :mad: Now, obsessive as I am:o :(, I need to know more about the play and the musical. Even read it and watch it, respectively. :p :p :D :D ;)


Pygmallion is a spectacular play by George Bernard Shaw. There is a rather old black and white film version of it.

My Fair Lady is a musical adaptation, which other than adding songs, does a very good job of keeping the dialouge that Shaw wrote (as mentioned above, that was Shaw's strongest point)

The play deals with a language instructor (Henry Higgins) and his bet that he can pass a common, poor, street urchin (Eliza Dolittle) off as a lady, just by dressing her better and teaching her how to speak proper english. It's a great story in and of itself, but it also has a brilliant backdrop, the way that, in England, the way a person spoke had at least as much (and quite often, more) to do with how successful s/he would be in life as did any merit or skill. It also is full of proto-feminism, and is damn funny.

Roger Ebert included My Fair Lady is his "Great movies" section, the review of which can be read right here: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/REVIEWS08/601010301/1023

As well as his original 4 star review: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19940923/REVIEWS/409230302/1023

(Does it show that I was a theatre major, and that I love this play/movie/musical/movie?)

[HG_studios]

You want those of us who remember the way it was and the way it is now to cry? Congratulations. :mad: :( Sniff... Sigh... http://bestsmileys.com/crying/3.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/crying/7.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/crying/4.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/crying/9.gif

:p :D :)

What about those of us who WANT to remember the way it was, but are getting tired of waiting for DC to get on the ball and reprint David's work on both Supergirl and Aquaman?

[Bevbos]

Looks good, and has a great premise, although I'm personally getting a little tired of "feel good" superhero comics. But these are the characters who are going to be appearing on the pro-reg team, so I suppose a bit of feel good-ism is called for.

As for the art... what are you people complaining about? Looks like cool, sylized cartoon art.

[The Beyonder]

As for the art... what are you people complaining about? Looks like cool, sylized cartoon art.

I like cool, stylized cartoon art. But Wonder man looks like Spock and Jay Leno's love child.

The rest of the art isn't bad at all, save for the fact that there aren't a whole lot of backgrounds in the panels.

[DBHughes]

Wow that is some god aweful art. I was looking forward to this book but i don't think I can get past the art work.

Seconded. :(

[dgmagill]

I don't see anything seriously wrong with the art considering it has a bit of a cartoony feel. The one thing that bothers me (and that shows the strongest cartoony vibe) is Ladykiller's ankles. In general, it's not bad but those ankles are too much of a contrast with the faces and bodies. Let's hope he improves.
My sentiments exactly - my eye was drawn to the impossibly thin ankles right away. It looks as if Simon could surround her ankle with one finger. Otherwise, it's not really awful - as long as the colorist doesn't muddy it up.

I might have to check this out, as I am a great fan of the play/movie/musical, and PAD's writing is usually top-notch when combining humor and tragedy.

DGM

[Punchy]

PAD and Wonder Man should be a good mix.

[heelmark]

Written by Peter David. That's enough to sell me on any book. Plus it's a Wonder Man story. Awesome. Beast is in there too? Keeps getting better! I'm just wondering who that dude in the preview art is. :confused:
What's that you say? That's Wonder Man? In those pages?
Nah, you're kidding right? The real preview art is going to be added to the article later, right?
Right?

Really? :eek:

[Irishfan1]

I am glad to see Wonder Man back and that PAD is writing him. The art work on the other hand is too cartoony (ie something a 12 year old might draw). It's just depressing to see such a great character and PAD's writing associated with such ridiculous art.

I am a huge Wonder Man fan, but this is one I will not get.

[Spaz_Monkey]

I have total faith in PAD. With him at the helm, I have no doubt that this'll be a great, fun series to read. Soon as I can, I'll be adding it to my buy pile!

[Chris Hunter]

Art looks great. This will be on the pull list.

Is this the same Currie that has been inking Bryan Hitch on The Ultimates (V1 I believe)?

[strathcona]

Art looks great to me. Better than most of the supposedly 'hot' artists of today.

[Pascal]

I like the artwork. Never read any Wonder Man stories.

[AdamYJ]

I'm personally getting a little tired of "feel good" superhero comics.

Really? You act as if there have been a whole lot of those. 85% of the superhero comics I run across are dripping with angst.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this. I like a lot of Peter David's stuff. Also, Wonder Man is my favorite Avenger. It's a good match for me.

[Radiate]

Looks good, and has a great premise, although I'm personally getting a little tired of "feel good" superhero comics. But these are the characters who are going to be appearing on the pro-reg team, so I suppose a bit of feel good-ism is called for.

As for the art... what are you people complaining about? Looks like cool, sylized cartoon art.

Jeez, i dunno what comics you've been reading lately, but my pull list is far from "feel good" lol!:p

As an English Lit. student, this premise sounds awesome and original! can't wait to read it.

RADIATE!

[Bevbos]

It's true... it's more angst out there than feel good stuff... I guess it's 'cause I'm here at 'rama so much and I hear so much dang bitchin' about "why can't they just make a good old fashioned superhero comic" etc... let's face it, angst makes for a good comic!

[motteditor]

Can't say I'm crazy about the art, but still looking forward to this. Glad to see Beast and Warbird will be involved as well.

[kalorama]

It's true... it's more angst out there than feel good stuff... I guess it's 'cause I'm here at 'rama so much and I hear so much dang bitchin' about "why can't they just make a good old fashioned superhero comic" etc... let's face it, angst makes for a good comic!

Sadly, that's a misconception that too many current creators make. Good writing and art makes for good comics, angst or not.

[JLAJRC]

I like cool, stylized cartoon art. But Wonder man looks like Spock and Jay Leno's love child.

The rest of the art isn't bad at all, save for the fact that there aren't a whole lot of backgrounds in the panels.

Actually, I thought he looked more like Henry Rollins. This mini could be fun.

[RedRonin]

Can't wait.

PAD has been golden at Marvel so far.

[astronato]

As a kid, I never liked Wonderman. I think it was the awful red outfit, but they have done a nice job updating his less than iconic look.The artwork shown is very nice. He's never looked better.

I was lapsed a long time from comics so the recent Giant Hulk one shot with The End was my introduction to PAD (well, I did try Spidey and didn't like it). But the Hulk as Prometheus was really well done. Wonder Man as Professor Henry Higgins sounds like fun. All the stars must be alligned, coz I'll be checking this out.

[farwell3d]

As long as the artwork is clear (i.e. I can tell what's going on and who's who in the story) than the script is always more important to me.

The list of artists who will prevent me from buying a book is very, very small. This artwork is nowhere near bad enough looking to make that list.*

*List includes Carlos Meglia and Rob Liefield. Off-hand, I can't think of anyone else.

[Jeremy Williams]

The artwork is excruciatingly cartoonish! I was hoping for something different from the last more humourus series.

Wonderman is my favorite character but i`m gonna pass until he`s taken more seriously.

p.s. I wouldn`t mind PAD to write an ongoing of him where he could build another mythology for Simon like he did for Aquaman.

[Terram]

Looks like a lot of fun, I hope it's as good as his previous mini on a typical team-character, Madrox.

[beta-ray]

Wow that is some god aweful art. I was looking forward to this book but i don't think I can get past the art work.

I can get past it, but I can't say I am thrilled with the art. As long as it is clear and not TOO god-awful though, the story should shine through. I' pretty confident PAD can shine through...

[OcCaM]

Too many feel good comics????????????????? WTF?????????????????

I like She-Hulk and all, ummmm where's the others?????? I suppose Spider-Girl's out there, but I don't really like that title. Then there's NextWave but ummmm well sorry folks THAT is some ugly, ridiculous art I can't get past. And I used to like Imnnonen. And the writing on NextWave UGH! Not a big fan of Ellis anyway. I think Fell is his only good comic out there, but that's me. Don't think I've laughed at ANY of his jokes in that book.

Now, if there are many of those feel good comics out there from the big two I'm missing I'd love to know. Thanks!

Might have to pass on this though, I get enough PAD fix between Xfactor and Spidey. And with the forthcoming Agents of Atlas and Iron Fist, I have to make some hard decisions.

In fact Iron Fist will be taking the place of Teen Titans, which I haven't really liked that much since the beginning! (Sorry Johns, but it IS the onlly one of your books I've never enjoyed.)

Bottom line is that I'm at about 60 titles right now, and I can't really afford too many new ones.

Then again this might be the last chance to see this character written well in a long time. Bendis is one of the WORST writers ever, and with his unrealistic dialogue and ploddingly dull plots and mismanaged characterizations, I'd better take what I can get for WonderMan. Even though Ms. Marvel and Beast get love elsewhere, poor WonderMan will not.

Sigh decisions and not enough cash. Ah well, time to start getting down to one meal a day I suppose. *grumble grumble*

Why can't we go back to the 90's when I could afford the couple or so good titles on the market? :D

[motteditor]

Bendis is one of the WORST writers ever, and with his unrealistic dialogue and ploddingly dull plots and mismanaged characterizations, I'd better take what I can get for WonderMan. Even though Ms. Marvel and Beast get love elsewhere, poor WonderMan will not.

Can't tell if you're aware of this or not, but Simon will apparently be in one of the Avengers titles post-CW. They're both by Bendis, so given your feelings expressed here you probably won't be happy, but he is appearing. (I'm thinking you probably did know all this, but your phrasing above left me unsure.)

[Michael P]

Pygmallion is a spectacular play by George Bernard Shaw. There is a rather old black and white film version of it.

My Fair Lady is a musical adaptation, which other than adding songs, does a very good job of keeping the dialouge that Shaw wrote (as mentioned above, that was Shaw's strongest point)

The play deals with a language instructor (Henry Higgins) and his bet that he can pass a common, poor, street urchin (Eliza Dolittle) off as a lady, just by dressing her better and teaching her how to speak proper english. It's a great story in and of itself, but it also has a brilliant backdrop, the way that, in England, the way a person spoke had at least as much (and quite often, more) to do with how successful s/he would be in life as did any merit or skill. It also is full of proto-feminism, and is damn funny.

Roger Ebert included My Fair Lady is his "Great movies" section, the review of which can be read right here: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/REVIEWS08/601010301/1023

As well as his original 4 star review: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19940923/REVIEWS/409230302/1023

(Does it show that I was a theatre major, and that I love this play/movie/musical/movie?)That sounds so ripped off from "She's All That."

[motteditor]

That sounds so ripped off from "She's All That."

You know, for about five seconds there, I thought you were being serious. : )

[farwell3d]

I don't even know what "She's All That" is, truth be told.

[Tandaemonium]

A comic about self-fulfilling prophecies?! I'm there!

[SJNeal]

The art blows. I'll still buy it though, cuz I love me some Wonder Man and PAD... :cool: