ZORRO RETURNS TO COMICS IN MAY

[MattBrady]

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

Zorro returns to comics from NBM’s Papercutz in May, reuniting editor Jim Salicrup with acclaimed Zorro writer Don McGregor.

According to Salicrup, the new Zorro is sure to appeal to fans of anime and manga as well. “But we’re also keeping everything that’s made his one of the true classic swashbucklers and beloved action heroes of our time,” Salicrup added.

Zorro first appeared in The Curse of Capistrano, a novel by pulp writer Johnston McCulley. The swashbuckler has been made into several movies such as The Mark of Zorro (1920) and its sequel Don Q, Son of Zorro, The Mark of Zorro (1940) and most recently, The Mask of Zorro in 1998.

Later this year, Antonio Banderas reunites with Catherine Zeta Jones for The Legend of Zorro, the sequel to the 1998 film. Banderas’ Alejandro Murrieta is the new Zorro instead of Don Diego De La Vega, the original masked hero and master swordsman, although Anthony Hopkins played an aged De La Vega in the first movie.

“The [new] movie once again features Antonio Banderas as the “son” of Zorro, while our comics and graphic novels will primarily focus on the original Zorro,” Salicrup explained. “This doesn't rule out our doing a graphic novel that features the movie characters, say in story that takes place between the two movies, or something cool like that.

“Papercutz is looking to create great series of graphic novels based on world-famous characters. For example, this year we're tying into Nancy Drew's 75th Anniversary, and the recent hugely successful re-launch of her books from Simon & Schuster. With Zorro, we're confident the new movie, with an even bigger budget than The Mask of Zorro, will make a huge splash. Besides, it's Zorro! What's cooler than that?”

The editor’s worked together with McGregor on Zorro back in their Topps days, so it’s no surprise that he and the writer are teaming up again for the new series from Papercutz. “I'm a big fan of Don's, which must be very obvious! The reason for that, is Don knows what makes this type of heroic adventure work on so many levels! Don both pushes the material in new directions while understanding it's rich and exciting history. He knows how to mix the larger-than-life threats and menaces, with very human characters, which only heightens the sense of peril.

“Don really understands what makes Zorro work. With all the so-called "grim and gritty" characters, it's such a thrill to have a true swashbuckler back in action in comics again! But, Don knows how to get behind Zorro's winning smile and show us the man behind the mask. I think Don surprised comics fans when he created Lady Rawhide back in the Topps Zorro comic, and I think Don shook up the slumbering world of adventure strips when he wrote the syndicated Zorro comic strip for two years not that long ago. And now Don will be breaking new ground with both the Zorro comics and graphic novels from Papercutz.

What adventures is Zorro embarking on this time around? “In the new series, we are going on an adventure with Zorro, as he protects the beautiful Eulalia Bandini from the clutches of Captain Monasterio. Eulalia's horrible crime...? She dared defend Zorro from the power-mad Monasterio, even got face scarred in the process!

“Now, Zorro seeks to find a safe haven for her, traveling up north into regions of California we've never seen Zorro in before. But while staying one step ahead of Monasterio, Zorro must also cope with the brutal realities of nature, as they journey through Yellowstone and into the frigid North. And along the way, Zorro and Eulalia, meet both new friends, such as Amelie and Thierry Besson, as well as deadly new foes, such as Ripklaw and Lucifer Trapp.

The art will be handled by Sidney Lima. “He is a European artist influenced by the best of American superhero artists and the finest manga artists,” Salicrup said. “Like Don, he's not afraid to try new and different approaches to his work to keep it new and fresh, as well as dynamic and exciting.”

As with Papercutz’s earlier release Hardy Boys, Salicrup said they’ll be “pre-serializing” Zorro in a monthly, full-color comic book series -- with 28 pages of Zorro each issue -- and then collecting every three issues into a complete pocket-sized graphic novel in both hardcover and softcover formats.”

[adamcasey]

I wonder what The Masked Man would have to say about fictionalization of his exploits...

[slash]

Hm. I'm not too thrilled with the artwork...
If I remember correctly the last Zorro comic was Marvel's in the early 90s. The quality was pretty good even though it was just a rehash of the TV show episodes.

[Beetle Bomb]

Future quarter bin book. Sad to say...

But then, a lot of other good comics ended up there too.

Glad to see Zorro back though. I'll really like this book I think. And I'm pleased that it's being handled by guys who really like the character and are doing this because of that reason. I hope it sells well.

[The Creeper]

Can't wait to get The Masked Man's thoughts on this.

[mike616]

Don't forget about his Faithful Steed.Im sure Masked Man will be happy about this!

[GeorgeG]

I think it would be better to go back to the novelization route instead of the comic for this property.

Looking forward to the movie though. Loved The Mask of Zorro (vastly underrated).

[JohnPopa]

McGregor's overly verbose writing that smothered the art was the problem with the Topps' series which mostly seemed to be sad attempts at putting recurring super hero/villain like characters in Zorro's world.

So I'm not buying a new series from a writer that I think dropped the ball last time.

And I'm a big Zorro fan, otherwise.

[idkidd]

McGregor's overly verbose writing that smothered the art was the problem with the Topps' series which mostly seemed to be sad attempts at putting recurring super hero/villain like characters in Zorro's world.

So I'm not buying a new series from a writer that I think dropped the ball last time.

Interesting assessment. Could make an interesting article. If the series *eventually* failed with McGregor at the helm the last time around, why is he back now? Does papercutz attribute the failure to other issues back in the Topps days or do they think the book was just aimed at the wrong market back then?

[Arcadian Daze]

I'm just guessing as to Jim Salicrup's reasoning for giving the book to Macgregor. He did write a very well thought of Zorro newspaper strip in which he avoided his natural tendancy to be verbose. The stories were excellent as well. Although the style of art wouldn't have been my choice either, Zorro's had more illustrative artists on his last few outings and these haven't worked. This is very much in keeping with Papercutz style though.

[PopCultureComix]

Nope, No Zorro for me. Been there, done that. The big slashing 'Z' was cool back in the day, but this guy gets resurrected more than most super-heroes. No matter how well it's done, I dont think it'll garner much interect any which way it's put together but, good luck with it.. Just my mutterings!!!!

[Bakema NL]

Nice that Zorro is returning in comics. But the art turns me off, I felt it coming when I read "sure to appeal to fans of anime and manga as well" and then I clicked the pics and especially the portryalal of the girl in the 3rd pic makes me go "yuck"...........it's just not for me, but maybe others will like it, Zorro is still a fun character.

The 2nd movie is something I eagerly await. Catherine Zeta Jones is just dropdead gorgeous, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in that movie.......DROOLLLLL....and her butt in Entrapment of course, instant highriser for me.

[Cabro]

I know Sidney, the artist (he's from Brazil, not Europe...) He is a pretty good artist, but I don't think these pages aren't the best examples. Click here to see his website and look at what he can do.

[The Masked Man]

Ah, such interesting news!

Of course, no artist has yet been granted the divine talent that can capture my true romantic, dashing and elusive nature! And no hand-guided pen, pencil, brush or graphic software can ever capture the sweet miracle of a living, breathing woman's wondrous essence, the rose petal feel of her lips, the warmth of her bare flesh...and the...um...yes, well, anyway...if these tales serve to inspire others to resist evil and fight tyranny than they are very fine things!

Huzzah!

[Faithful Steed]

Originally posted by The Masked Man
Ah, such interesting news!

Of course, no artist has yet been granted the divine talent that can capture my true romantic, dashing and elusive nature!

Whinny Whiiiinny...



nicker!!!

[enabler]

I love the character of Zorro and bought the Topps series. While I appreciate McGregor's enthusiasm, the scripts did tend to get wordy, and the Lady Rawhide attempt at "bad girl" book status was rather ridiculous.

My real reservation for this new series is the art. Just not my taste.

The coolest Zorro to see print since Alex Toth is Brian Bolland's:

[hjcho]

Originally posted by enabler
I love the character of Zorro and bought the Topps series. While I appreciate McGregor's enthusiasm, the scripts did tend to get wordy, and the Lady Rawhide attempt at "bad girl" book status was rather ridiculous.

My real reservation for this new series is the art. Just not my taste.

The coolest Zorro to see print since Alex Toth is Brian Bolland's:

This cover was painted by Brian Stelfreeze; I assume that is who you meant. I am not aware of and Bolland renditions of the masked man.

[Jacob Gilbert]

Originally posted by MattBrady
by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

Zorro returns to comics from NBM’s Papercutz in May, reuniting editor Jim Salicrup with acclaimed Zorro writer Don McGregor.

According to Salicrup, the new Zorro is sure to appeal to fans of anime and manga as well. “But we’re also keeping everything that’s made his one of the true classic swashbucklers and beloved action heroes of our time,” Salicrup added.

Zorro first appeared in The Curse of Capistrano, a novel by pulp writer Johnston McCulley. The swashbuckler has been made into several movies such as The Mark of Zorro (1920) and its sequel Don Q, Son of Zorro, The Mark of Zorro (1940) and most recently, The Mask of Zorro in 1998.

Later this year, Antonio Banderas reunites with Catherine Zeta Jones for The Legend of Zorro, the sequel to the 1998 film. Banderas’ Alejandro Murrieta is the new Zorro instead of Don Diego De La Vega, the original masked hero and master swordsman, although Anthony Hopkins played an aged De La Vega in the first movie.

“The [new] movie once again features Antonio Banderas as the “son” of Zorro, while our comics and graphic novels will primarily focus on the original Zorro,” Salicrup explained. “This doesn't rule out our doing a graphic novel that features the movie characters, say in story that takes place between the two movies, or something cool like that.

“Papercutz is looking to create great series of graphic novels based on world-famous characters. For example, this year we're tying into Nancy Drew's 75th Anniversary, and the recent hugely successful re-launch of her books from Simon & Schuster. With Zorro, we're confident the new movie, with an even bigger budget than The Mask of Zorro, will make a huge splash. Besides, it's Zorro! What's cooler than that?”

The editor’s worked together with McGregor on Zorro back in their Topps days, so it’s no surprise that he and the writer are teaming up again for the new series from Papercutz. “I'm a big fan of Don's, which must be very obvious! The reason for that, is Don knows what makes this type of heroic adventure work on so many levels! Don both pushes the material in new directions while understanding it's rich and exciting history. He knows how to mix the larger-than-life threats and menaces, with very human characters, which only heightens the sense of peril.

“Don really understands what makes Zorro work. With all the so-called "grim and gritty" characters, it's such a thrill to have a true swashbuckler back in action in comics again! But, Don knows how to get behind Zorro's winning smile and show us the man behind the mask. I think Don surprised comics fans when he created Lady Rawhide back in the Topps Zorro comic, and I think Don shook up the slumbering world of adventure strips when he wrote the syndicated Zorro comic strip for two years not that long ago. And now Don will be breaking new ground with both the Zorro comics and graphic novels from Papercutz.

What adventures is Zorro embarking on this time around? “In the new series, we are going on an adventure with Zorro, as he protects the beautiful Eulalia Bandini from the clutches of Captain Monasterio. Eulalia's horrible crime...? She dared defend Zorro from the power-mad Monasterio, even got face scarred in the process!

“Now, Zorro seeks to find a safe haven for her, traveling up north into regions of California we've never seen Zorro in before. But while staying one step ahead of Monasterio, Zorro must also cope with the brutal realities of nature, as they journey through Yellowstone and into the frigid North. And along the way, Zorro and Eulalia, meet both new friends, such as Amelie and Thierry Besson, as well as deadly new foes, such as Ripklaw and Lucifer Trapp.

The art will be handled by Sidney Lima. “He is a European artist influenced by the best of American superhero artists and the finest manga artists,” Salicrup said. “Like Don, he's not afraid to try new and different approaches to his work to keep it new and fresh, as well as dynamic and exciting.”

As with Papercutz’s earlier release Hardy Boys, Salicrup said they’ll be “pre-serializing” Zorro in a monthly, full-color comic book series -- with 28 pages of Zorro each issue -- and then collecting every three issues into a complete pocket-sized graphic novel in both hardcover and softcover formats.”

I read McGregor's Zorro series from Topps. I don't think the spinoff miniseries, Matanzas (sp?), that Mike Mayhew was to do was ever released. Will Lady Rawhide (created for the Topps series) be part of this new book? Oh, by the way, I just put in an order for it.

Long as we're talking Papercutz, how come no one complains when the Hardy Boys has fallen behind? Issue 3 was due in January, but didn't come out until mid-February. Issue 4 is late, but neither was on the list of shipping changes. Has the Nancy Drew GN come out yet?