WW PHILLY: HOLLYWOOD AND THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

[MattBrady]

by Gordon Holmes

Ahmet Zappa and Christian Beranek, the heads of Disney’s new Kingdom Comics division, were on hand Saturday at Wizard World: Philadelphia to discuss their new venture as well as the steps necessary to translate works from graphic novels to films and back again. Experienced comic writer Tony DiGerolamo (The Simpsons) hosted the hour-long Q&A event.

When asked how the duo would deal with the use of Disney’s beloved characters, Zappa responded, “We’re not trying to make Mickey Mouse comics. The goal of Kingdom Comics is to reimagine some of the great properties they have that are not so familiar to people. The biggest idea is to create new graphic novels that hit the Disney specifics, like a PG-13 adventure or a science-fiction piece tonally like Pirates of the Caribbean or National Treasure.”

Beranek added, “We’re doing the live-action Disney movies, we’re not really doing any animated stuff. We’d like to find a really cool way to take a Battlestar Galactica-style way of updating stuff.”

In response to a question about the hiring writers for Kingdom Comics, Beranek explained, ‘The best analogy to think of is if we make your graphic novel, it’s as if it’s being pre-optioned for a film. So it’s not like those rights as a creator are being ignored, they’re being negotiated.”

Zappa added, “That means you have the might of the Disney machine behind you, which is the world’s largest comic-book publishing entity. If we’re publishing it, then Disney is making a serious commitment to make it successful.”

On the topic of how an ongoing monthly comic can be translated into a live-action format and whether or not that would be a venue Kingdom Comics would explore, Beranek said, “The Walking Dead is doing a good job, it could be a television show, but for us I don’t see that model right now. The monthly and bi-monthly format is waning, and graphic novels are picking up. There’re more people waiting for the trade.”

In response to a query about whether or not Kingdom Comics would basically become ‘storyboards on steroids,’ Beranek made it clear that it was his intention to create ‘the best graphic novels possible.”

Later, on a personal note, Zappa explained his affinity for comics saying, “I didn’t know how to read, until comics were involved. Spider-Man comics were actually what got me into reading. That was an amazing point for me.”

To wrap up the proceedings, Zappa and Beranek answered a question regarding their dream licenses.

“Megaforce. Megaforce is my dream license.’ Beranek responded without blinking.

Zappa laughed as he described his choice, “Death Race 2000 to me is my favorite.”

[Reliant]

When asked how the duo would deal with the use of Disney’s beloved characters, Zappa responded, “We’re not trying to make Mickey Mouse comics. The goal of Kingdom Comics is to reimagine some of the great properties they have that are not so familiar to people. The biggest idea is to create new graphic novels that hit the Disney specifics, like a PG-13 adventure or a science-fiction piece tonally like Pirates of the Caribbean or National Treasure.”

Beranek added, “We’re doing the live-action Disney movies, we’re not really doing any animated stuff. We’d like to find a really cool way to take a Battlestar Galactica-style way of updating stuff.”

Don't know why, but I'm suddenly thinking of a slightly edgier take on 1979's The Black Hole now--this time with sexy female robots...

[TheToileteer]

I don't suppose there is much demand for "Chicken Little" or "Home on the Range" comics... How about "Treasure Planet," or that "Atlantis" movie with Michael J. Fox...?

Looking over wikipedia's list... Dragonslayer? Johnny Tremain or Davy Crockett? Darby O'Gill? Condorman? Sky High? Benji? Honey I Shrunk the Kids...? Princess Diaries? Angels in the Outfield?

Some of them I don't think they still have the rights to, like "The Rocketeer" or "Popeye."

Some strange ones that I have no idea what they are: "The Gnome-Mobile"..."The Boatniks"..."Sacred Planet"..."Lt. Robin Crusoe, USN"...

[vbartilucci]

As I'm sure people like Don Rosa would leap in to correct, Disney is not a comics publisher. They license the characters to European publishers, ad it is THEY who are the largest comics publishers in the world. Just a minor point

They did not mention any titles specifically, preferring to wait until they had a complete creative staff. But for those who like to draw inferences, they went out of their way to mention Condorman, or more specifically the original Robert Sheckley novel "The Game of X", a total of FIVE TIMES, without provocation or in answer to any specific questions, throughout the panel. Draw your own conclusions.

Originally Posted by TheToileteer

ISome strange ones that I have no idea what they are: "The Gnome-Mobile"..."The Boatniks"..."Sacred Planet"..."Lt. Robin Crusoe, USN"...

Robinson Crusoe USN was exactly what it sounds like - a modern version of the story, with a Navy sailor in the titular role. Gnomemobile was a thematic sequel to Darby O'Gill, using the same forced "film the little people from a way ways away" technology. It took place in Appalachia, and was primarily about two young gnomes the cast was trying to get together. Cute.

IMHO, I think Darby O'Gill could actually do quite well, but more in Europe than in America, so I doubt they'd go with it.

The one I'd love to see them do (other than Condorman) is Dr. Syn AKA The Scarecrow of Ronmey Marsh. I also think, cosidering the popularity of tween shows like High School Musical, the Medfield College series (The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Now You See Him Now You Don't, etc) could be turned into a strong series with crossover potential.

[Akcoll99]

Originally Posted by TheToileteer

Looking over wikipedia's list... Dragonslayer?

I'd buy a Dragonslayer comic.

As long as it's better than the comic that Blue Water has been putting out for its contemporary, Clash Of The Titans. That's been such a disappointment...

[Peasily]

Sancho the Homing Steer?

[Kon-EL]

so when the 1st book gets solicited where will it be in Previews? under Disney Press or Kingdom Comics? cuz i was looking at August previews catalog and from Disney Press there was a High School Musical OGN listed.

[CBeranek]

Originally Posted by Kon-EL

so when the 1st book gets solicited where will it be in Previews? under Disney Press or Kingdom Comics? cuz i was looking at August previews catalog and from Disney Press there was a High School Musical OGN listed.

It will be under Kingdom Comics. Won't be until 2009. Right now we're setting up titles and creative teams.

Thanks for your interest!