Being Val Kilmer: The star of Tombstone, The Doors, and Batman Forever discussed

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

According to Wikipedia, Val Kilmer began as a stage actor. Yet he will forever be known for his memorable roles, not Iceman in “Top Gun,” or his comedic role in “Real Genius” but for his more serious roles in films like “Tombstone,” “The Doors,” and “The Salton Sea.”

Kilmer was always stoic in his portrayals of heroes like Bruce Wayne. While the script behind the “Batman Forever” film was weak, Kilmer seemed out of his element in tackling the hero Batman. Michael Keaton and Christian Bale were more suited to this role of Batman.

As an outcast, Kilmer has always been stellar. In “The Doors,” Kilmer portrayed played the part of music icon, and drug addict, Jim Morrison. Kilmer perfected the character like few others could do, and proved what he could do with a manageable script.

In “Tombstone,” Kilmer moved into the field of westerns, playing Doc Holiday, a classic anti-hero. With this role Kilmer proved his ability to not only use improvisation (the famous wink before the major gun fight of the movie) but in playing a sickly, down-and-out character with finesse.

Kilmer seemed to break out in popularity in the 1990s. He worked film roles that many other actors must have wished for. With “The Doors,” “Tombstone,” and “Batman Forever” Kilmer worked into his role as a star. It wouldn’t bode well for his later films in the 2000s, but action films like “The Saint”kept him working before a series of poor films during that era.

Other notable films starring Val Kilmer during the 1990s included “The Ghost and the Darkness,” where he played a bridge builder in Africa fighting a man-eating lion (this film also featured Michael Douglas). He also played a role in the hit Pacino/Deniro film “Heat,” capping off one of the better run of films for any actor at the time.

What was Val Kilmer’s high mark after the 1990s was “The Salton Sea” a seamless movie with some similarities to “The Doors” because of the drug use. The film wasn’t a hit because of its small release (according to Wikipedia), but was a classic for fans of films like “Scarface” and “Blow.”

For years Kilmer was one of the high rolers in the film industry, including action roles like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more serious dramas in the vein of Johnny Depp.

Val Kilmer may not be a high roler in the film business anymore, but he is still a working actor with titles to his name of late including “Spartan,” “Alexander,” and the recent film with Denzel Washington, “Déjà Vu.”

What has been an incredibly successful career makes Val Kilmer the Jack Nicholson of his era, in the vein of classics he made again and again in the 1990s. While many recent films, and his early career, are suspect, the future looks promising for his fans.

Over on A Comic Eye: The $1 Comic Bin

Over on A Writer's Eye: Telling The Small Stories

Get A TV Wall Bracket For A Reasonable Price

Want a quality gift for the 2008 year? Want something different for a loved one? A good gift I recently found is a TV Wall Bracket from Dekomount. You can get a wall bracket for a LCD TV, a plasma TV, or even a plasma wall bracket. The LCD TV wall bracket has a slim design, features a safety bar and wall bracket to secure the TV, and all at an affordable price. Another slim design is the plasma wall bracket. The plasma wall bracket can be purchased in fixed or tilt-capable models. The tilt capable plasma wall brackets have a 15 degree range of movement for your viewing pleasure. Lastly, the plasma TV wall bracket is made with precision engineered steel for ease of use, and can work on TV screen of 32 to 63 inches. All these products are easy to mount. All products have a price match guarantee, can be shipped next day and can be tracked, have an 18 month warranty, have a money back guarantee, and can be bough directly from the manufacturer. For a quality TV Wall Bracket check out www.dekomount.co.uk.

Get Quality, Artful Invitations from Printed4U.co.uk

Unique for unique gifts to give 2008? Interested in getting quality wedding invitations and party invitations? Printed4u.co.uk has been offering top invitations since 1999, using talented artists from across the UK. The best part is, wherever you are in the world, you can order them, not just in the UK. If you want a Scottish, Mexican, or beach wedding, for example, the site offers specialized prints. For the money, it is a very good value. The prices are in pounds, the British currency (FYI). The first 20 illustrated cards, which is the minimum order, are 27 pounds, and 6 pounds per ten cards afterwards. The first 20 blank cards are 25 pounds, and 5 pounds for every 10 cards after. Lastly, the deluxe package is 32 pounds with the minimum order, and 8 pounds for every 10 cards after. The website is very easy to follow, and there appear to be no hidden charges. Also, there are customer testimonials which offer glowing reviews of the service provided by Printed4u.uk. This site should be considered for those of you looking for quality wedding invitations and party invitations.

Being Quentin Tarantino: From ‘Pulp Fiction’ to ‘Kill Bill’

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Quentin Tarantino did not define the noir crime film, but he certainly has added to its resonance. With noir films like “Pulp Fiction,” “Jackie Brown,” and “Kill Bill,” Tarantino is widely considered one of the better American directors in recent memory. Often the blood splatters, the woman are scantily clad if dressed at all, and language can be as severe as the curses of a sailor. Tarantino is not the most prolific of directors, but every few years he brings out a genre classic—creating interrelated stories with vigor. This article defines what it means to be a Tarantino fan.

“Pulp Fiction” put Quentin Tarantino on the map. This homage to crime drama did not take itself to seriously, but set about the directors career, as well as bringing John Travolta back to stardom. The story works as crime drama: The killings and blood are frequent, the actors on the edge of drugs and power, and the scenes themselves as deep as possible. It not only saved John Travolta’s career and began Tarantino’s, but put Samuel L. Jackson on the map. Tarantino wrote and directed the story of multiple characters living on the verge; it included a boxer who wouldn’t take a fall, thugs who had amusing conversation as they killed, and all in the midst of a drug infested world.

The “Kill Bill” films played upon similar things as “Pulp Fiction.” The concept of revenge was even greater in “Kill Bill.” But the excessive violence played out in both films, as did the comedic elements Tarantino seems to love playing on—usually found in dialogue. The film starred Uma Thurman, who was also in “Pulp Fiction,” and her intent for revenge against a former lover named Bill. Bill had sent a hit team to kill Thurman just as she was getting married. She lived through it, but lost a child and a husband. She sought out revenge. It turns out Thurman’s character is a deft fighter, and she hunted down those responsible for the attack—including Bill—and found a variety of fighters along the way. “Kill Bill” featured the biggest fight sequence Tarantino ever used; Thurman’s character was attacked by close to a hundred Japanese fighters in one scene.

Other films to note by Tarantino include “Jackie Brown,” and his first film “Reservoir Dogs.” Both films showed Tarantino’s touch for dialogue. But “Jackie Brown” had less violence than most of the director’s films; likely because it was based on a book by Elmore Leonard. “Reservoir Dogs” has all the violence typical to Tarantino films, but it worked best because of the dialogue.

Quentin Tarantino works because of his ability to find the disturbing, the noir, and the action of films that is used so much. Yet with films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill” he also showed an ability to handle a complicated narrative—even with the dialogue and violence being the focus. It seems a career of this director is only just beginning; but it waits to be seen if he will be considered as talented as the likes of Stanley Kubrick.

Over on A Comic Eye: Confessions of a Comic Fan Volume 4

Over on A Writer's Eye: The Joy of Writing

Start A Small Business the Easy Way

Ready to start a small business? Worried about earning a profit in the short term? As a freelance writer about to begin a business, I can relate. What you will need is quality Business Credit Cards. Cardfusion.com actually offers a worthwhile service without trying to steal your money or ways to hit you with interest. Cardfusion.com is a service which offers a selection of business credit cards. You can usually view more than 100 different cards at any time. This is a comparison service which should be utilized. Businesses are in need of startup capital, and Cardfusion.com can help. On the other side, if you are a average person with a small business, you get the same service as the big shots. If you are a writer interested in expanding your client base, it will take time. A variety of Business Credit Cards can help. The next time you are willing to start your small business, whether it is art related or not, consider using Cardfusion.com.

More Thoughts on 'Writers On Comics Scriptwriting'

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Writers On Comics Scriptwriting truly changed the way I looked at writing comics, at the people who made them happen, and on the chances of getting a story published. It not only delved into the mindsets of the writers like Todd McFarlane, Joe Kelly, Jeph Loeb, Kurt Busiek, Grant Morrison, and others, but provided a handy guide – formed as interviews – to getting a work looked at.

Writing a comic script can be joyous, but there are so many avenues to go that, while fun, it can be a daunting enterprise. What really makes this book work for me is the scripts and outlines the writers published here.

They provided a general guideline for writers to follow.

Some liked working from a short script, letting the artists take control of the pages.

Others prefer a full script method, dominating the pages themselves. They all have an ability to enliven the human condition – a trait all storytellers must have – and by doing this they make their comics important.

It goes to show you that, as no two fiction writers have the same methods, no two comic writers do either.

As the book goes deeper, providing more and more anaysis of the craft, it’s obvious that these writers were all, once, unknown, and they made themselves known through hard work. Some, like Todd McFarlane, started out as artists, but wanted the control that the writer had; so they took to writing and drawing.

Writers by nature are an odd group, and comic writers may be the oddest of them all. Some start out small, work their way up. A good comic writer can put out several comic scripts a month, so their isn’t much demand for writers. Still, each of these writers knew what they wanted to do when they found one could make a living writing comics.

Another interesting thing to note, is that this book was published before Neil Gaiman became a major novelist, and his scripts are probably the most literary of all the works, so it comes to mind that he had the talent all along. Many writers start out with novels, thinking the comic market to hard to break into – Orson Scott Card comes to mind – but many started with comics.

But this book is a handy tool. It was the first book I bought on comic scriptwriting. There are others, but I doubt any will as inventive, important, and obtuse (in a good way, by means of the odd writers) as this work.

There is a second edition to this book which explores the minds of other creators like Kevin Smith, but, in comparison, this volume would be hard to beat.

Over on A Comic Eye: Scion: Royal Wedding

Over on A Writer's Eye: The Idea Factory

Unipapers.org offers professional student help

Students have it easy these days with the wealth of material on the internet designed to help to study. The problem is, there are almost too many sites wishing to help students, including countless poor ones. Unipapers.org is one professional site which any serious student should take a look at. Unipapers.org offers any student a large variety of services to get that good grade. You can get help with a Research Paper Proposal, Medical research paper, and even help Writing a Dissertation. For a one stop source for all your academic needs, Unipapers should prove helpful for any level of student.

Thoughts on Painkiller Jane: A Series Which Didn't Survive

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

The Sci-Fi channel has a wide variety of great series playing. Some are reruns, like “X-Files,” while others are classics of our time like “Battlestar Galactica.” There are many others, including “Eureka,” “John Doe,” “Ghost Hunters,” and “Stargate SG1.” What The Sci-Fi channel sought was a new hit using a science fiction twist; it found this in “Painkiller Jane.”

The story of “Painkiller Jane” was based on a comic book series by Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Quesada in 1995 (as shown in the link above). According to Wikipedia, this series was published by Event Comics originally, although the series has been relaunched.

The main character of “Painkiller Jane” is aptly named Jane, and used to be called Painkiller Jane by her father when she was young.

Jane was a regular cop for many years, doing major drug busts, but also finding herself in some odd situations. Eventually, she runs into a situation she cannot explain, one where a man appears to be able to duplicate herself. Jane is able to get out of the situation, but only by using her wit in defeating this character.

She ends up finding herself in a government conspiracy, along with dealing with people who seem to have more than natural powers. What powers do they have? It appears to be a form of telepathy, a way of playing with the mind.

Jane is recruited by a secret government agency after impressing a few people. At first, she declines the offer. There wouldn’t be a “Painkiller Jane” story had she not followed the leader of the agency back to his headquarters, and finally joined up.

That’s a basic synopsis of the stories found in the pilot for “Painkiller Jane,” which had to have surprised many a fan of science fiction.

The story of “Painkiller Jane” is far from original, but originality isn’t needed when a work has fresh characters and plenty of action. Jane ended up fighting many villains in later series, mostly telepaths with the power to control minds or do other things.

Terminator star Kristiana Locken plays Jane in the series, making it a big move in her career. Locken hadn’t been successful since her appearance in the Terminator 3 movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, but appears to be back with a science fiction hit.

In the end, this is the only fiction on TV that I will go out of my way to watch. It does have a typical comic book clichéd storyline, but that’s what makes it great.

“Painkiller Jane” should be watched by all science fiction and comic book fans. If you’re looking for more major science fiction series, or info on ones from the past, check out this article written for Associated Content.

Over on A Writer's Eye: The Draftsman Writing Column Session 3

Over on A Comic Eye: A Review of Sojourn Volume 5: A Fantasy Classic

An Interesting Gift From VisionBedding.com

In a rush for a good and unique Christmas or birthday gift? VisoonBedding may be the answer to your problem. You can get Personalized Graduation Gifts of a wide variety. First, the possibilities are really endless. Have a family picture you feel is important? Visionbedding can put the image on a variety of items, including blankets, pillows, and even dog bedding. There are also a variety of set images to be used. There are bedding sets for all ages from this retailer. But the best option may be the photo blankets and photo throws, which bring a whole new level to what can be done with bedding. The picture clarity is very high for many items. Borders are offered to the items for free. These items cannot be had anywhere else. Now, with Visionbedding you can give a gift that really matters. This may be one of those original and unique gift items you’ve been looking for. Take a peak at VisionBedding.

Oversize RC offers a unique sort of collecting for the hobby fan

An interesting site I recently discovered is OversizeRC.com, where you can buy an interesting variety of Large Cale 2 Stroke items, like 1/5 scale monster truck, and at discount prices. The shipping is available to collectors and hobby fans across the world. According to their mission statement, OversizeRc.com intends to deliver its item to a worldwide market at very competitive prices. I looked through the items available, and most of the newer items ranged from $50-150. It can be a complicated to collect such items, and having a one stop for these collectibles proves the site is one of a kind. The brands sold include Jetpro Exhausts, Zenoah and Chung Yang Engines, and all Smartech and Fs Racing 2ws and 4wd vehicles. Collectors around the world should be happy to note most items are received promptly, as they are shipped within 1-3 days and usually received within 10 days. The orders are via credit card on a secure services. OversizeRC.com is an interesting hobby site that collectors from around the world can enjoy.

Top How To Write Books

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

The majority of writers enjoy reading books on the process of creating works of fiction or non-fiction. There have been hundreds of books sold to publishers just because of this renewed interest in writing. While no one book will provide an aspiring writer the secret to getting published, each is a gentle nudge in the right direction. While this list could be much longer, these are the works that affected my desire to write the most. Consider each a primer on the craft and life of writing.

“Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing” by David Morrell – This book would be number 1 on my list of all how-to-write books. David Morrell has created a complex work with this piece, giving info that he learned from a career of writing fiction. What makes it best is the simple language (like the short sentences) and the dead-on advice he provides on what to do between the first draft and publication of a work. This is the book to start with for any aspiring novelist, though it applies to other works, too.

“Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron – Julia Cameron’s book had the biggest effect on me, even if Lessons was the best overall book. “Artist’s Way” is more of a spiritual enterprise than a clear how-to. This is the book that got me going as a writer, that made me want to start creating. Julia Cameron’s thoughts on journaling led to all the successes I have had in writing. There are sequels to “Artist’s Way,” including “Vein of Gold” and “Walking in this World.”

“On Writing” by Stephen King – Stephen King is the most popular American writer out there. This book is an engaging look into how he writes, and how he came to be a published writer. I have read “On Writing” several times and rarely can put it down. I find the background of any writer fascinating, but King’s views on what to leave out in fiction are the best here. One thing I recall is how much he is against adverbs (words ending in LY). It also shows how some of our best stories can be almost scrapped, as King’s first novel “Carrie” was one he had quit on early in the process of writing it.

“Writing and Selling Historical Fiction” by Persia Wooley - Because of my interest in history and historical fantasy, I read this book with glee. This isn’t the best book on this list, but it is the most specific to genre. If you have a love of mythology or history and want to create fiction based on it, start here. Wooley shares personal experiences, and creates a primer on how to get a piece of fiction published.

That’s a short list of writing books that affected me. There are dozens of other books I have read that can be considered primers for writers. In the spirit of brevity, I chose to keep it at the four how-to-write books. If you think I left out anything major, please leave a comment and maybe I will get to reading your favorites too.

A GIFT FOR THE SPIRITUAL:

Artist's Way by Julia Cameron changed my life. Her seminal work inspired me to write more than any other. A great gift for any writer, it has survived the test of time.

Over on A Comic Eye: A review of Reptilia, a horror Manga

Over on A Writer's Eye: Tips on Creating a Super Hero

Take Hold of the Holiday Book, Film, and Music Market

A must if you have a blog or website is the ability to sell items. AShop Commerce has some of the best shopping cart software out there. If you sell used items, this is a must. If you want to sell books, again a shopping cart can increase your sales. For all merchants, AShop offers an easy solution to selling just about anything. Now that the holiday season is coming, it makes sense to try and sell items. The first steps would be to find out what customers want, what you have, and how to sell it. The first two steps require different strategies, but having a shopping cart from AShop is the answer for the last one. You can sell just about any item with this merchant. They are completely honest in working, and offer many reasonable deals on selling items. Another popular gift is music: if you have an album to sell, consider sending out press releases and selling it on you site. All said, this should be a realistic way to increase your income.

Reviews of I Am Legend and A Free Life

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

In the annals of the world, or just the internet, a good book or film review can go a long way. I regularly read book reviews in the New York Times, because, in essence, they distill the story without telling too much. As a writer, I respect that.

One interesting piece on Ha Jin’s novel, A Free Life, caught my eye on the Christian Science Monitor site (csmonitor.com). Ha Jin is a rising writer. I have one of his books sitting on my shelf collecting dust. Here is the REVIEW

Another place I regularly read reviews, even more so than the Monitor, is Salon. I recently saw a review of the film “I Am Legend.” I own the graphic novel to this story, and actually tried to read the novel by Richard Matheson, to no avail. Will Smith, is, well Will Smith, a talented actor who seems to be going more towards the science fiction route with his career (“I Robot,” “Independence Day”). Here is the REVIEW.

I am currently in the final stages of my book of essays, The Writer Who Smiles. It should be available via Booklocker in a month or so, if all goes well. I hope you get over your reader’s eye, because I doubt I ever will.

Over on A Comic Eye: Chris Staros Yearbook Stories: A Review

Over on A Writer's Eye: Top How-To-Write Sites, Let's All Get Published

A Letter to a Horror Novel Fan

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Dear horror novel fan,

You are about to embark on a voyage of discovering the best in the horror genre. While horror movies seem able to bring in the fast cash horror novels hold their own place next to the landmark literary novels of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Horror does what literary usually does not: It plays upon the senses, the memories of scary events, and the temptations that evil has for us all. We will focus on the horror novels of Stephen King and Robert R. McCammon in this discussion, but there will be notes on other writers like Clive Barker and Jeff Long as well. And the best horror novel ever will be noted as well, horror fan.

Where does horror fiction begin and end? It begins with Mary Shelley; it ends with Stephen King. There will always be an argument for Clive Barker being the premenent writer of horror, or perhaps nods to the likes of Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft, but horror was popularized most by Shelley and King

What Shelley did in creating “Frankenstein” was make the most accessible, almost suedo science fiction life, horror novel of the 19^th century. The basic plight of the monster, of being born a freak, and of the doctor who so wished he had not made the mistake in creating it, make Mary Shelley a legend. Everything after it, whether it be zombies or ghosts, was influenced in part by Shelley’s tale. The argument is Shelley made her monster more humane, which became a hallmark of the horror genre. If people can relate to the monster who is supposed to be evil, or the ghost for that matter, it adds to the power of the narrative.

Stephen King first broke down horror in “Carrie” a novel that he almost gave up on (as noted in “On Writing”). It was not his finest work—“The Shining” is King’s best novel, but “The Stand” the most epic. “The Shining” showed the absolutes of being a struggling writer: The alcohol problem, being blocked, and dealing with family problems amidst all of this. “The Stand” worked in the end of days of the world; it brought the devil into play—a reoccurring character in King fiction.

And who is Robert R. McCammon? I thought you might ask this horror fan. Unless you found one of his books at the library or heard of him during the 1980s McCammon is a writer many have forgotten. His most critically acclaimed book was “Swan Song,” which is comparable to King’s “The Stand” in terms of being an epic. It was a new take on the battles between good and evil, and worked in a theory on the end of days.

Clive Barker is famous, and you have likely heard of him. His movies changed the scope of the horror film, but of late they have lacked the immediacy and originality found in his early films. However, Clive Barker is an incredibly talented writer. His “Books of Blood” set chills through my spine horror fan. It was one of the few collections of stories that entertained me from beginning to end.

Jeff Long deserves to be mentioned only because of his novel “The Descent.” Horror fan, this was one of the horror novels in recent memory. It is not as epic as “Swan Song,” but it can be as disturbing as “The Shining.” Jeff Long imagined what would happen if underneath the earth a secret society living in a series of caves. “The Descent” brought in the basic premise of real demons combined with a scientific premise for them existing.

It is all like life, horror fan: We need to be able to see the darkness on the pages of “Frankenstein,” “The Shining,” and “Swan Song.” The horror stories of Mary Shelley, Stephen King, Robert R. McCammon, Clive Barker, and Jeff Long each provide a foundation for which future writers can explore. My hope is this letter will guide you through the field of horror fiction.

Over on A Comic Eye: Fit to Scare You: Hellraiser Volume 2

Over on A Writer's Eye: Something to Say Part 2

BT Broadband can help Readers

Even readers will need good broadband internet. A site I have recently discovered is called BT Broadband. In order to find quality reviews of books, whether they be on Salon, Slate, or even Amazon, it will require the ability to move around the internet. Nothing is worse than having a slow connection. One major feature of BT Broadband is the fact the speeds can reach up to 8 MB download speed. Now, to put it simple, you can download reading programs like Adobe in a matter of minutes or faster. The contracts are in Euros, but are still reasonable. The packages offered have some realistic process, with little fine print. Most call for an 18 month plan, which, if your happy with the service, is easy. The sites features all the information one would want to know about improving computer speed. If your interested in upgrading your service, consider signing up with BT Broadband. The site is simple and one can decrease the amount of time spent surfing the internet and more on reading.

broadband internet

Memories of Transformers G1

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Transformers held my interest as a child and, surprisingly, often do as an adult. With a movie on the horizon I thought a general article on Transformers might find some interest..I have watched all Transformers G1 (generation one) episodes ever made, had the Opimus Prime toy setting next to my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, even went out of my way to buy comics based in the world.

The truth is I love Transformers both on Television, movies, and in the comic book format. The series had one of my favorite heroes ever in Optimus Prime, and a great villain in the insidious Megatron.

The eternal conflict in the Transformers mythos was that between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The Autobots were led by fan favorite Optimus Prime, who was never questioned as a leader. The Decepticons were led by Megatron. All Transformers came from Cybertron, where the war between the Autobots and Decepticons originated.

Talented comic writers Jim Shooter and Dennis O’Neil created the universe that has been a popular animated series since the 1980s with many spinoffs. The spin offs for Transformers I’ve watched include the Japanese shows Headmasters and Victory, but, surprisingly, the stories here never reached the classic status that the original Transformers shows had.

The Transformers shows wouldn’t likely have the same appeal that they did for me as a child, but obviously the stories were intended for children. Still, the generation one stories were animated classics.

I recently watched the first movie based in the Transformers universe again. This movie was not intended just for children; I love it to this day. I cannot recommend it enough, even if your new to the show.

What kept me watching Transformers? I think the originality of the story was what held me at first, then the quality animation. It reminded me of classic stories like GI Joe, which became popular at around the same time.

Yet the animation was done a major piece of work in the Beast Wars franchise, but didn’t have the great stories to back it up. This is not to say Transformers Beast Wars was a poor installment; it was light years ahead of the Japanese Transformers shows.

What kept me watching Transformers, and what has me anticipating the movie, was the eternal conflict between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Say what you want about the Transformers GI stories, but this conflict was always enjoyable. The battle between the Autobot and Decepticon leader came to a head in the movie, and was done incredible justice.

There were also the minor characters like the Autobots Bumblebee and Grimlock or the Decepticon Starscream and Soundwave.

Lately I’ve been picking up Transformers comics. Transformers is not my favorite animated series ever, but I have to say, in terms of working into a new medium (that being comic books), it has received high marks from me.

There is the ever popular Transformers GI Joe comics, as well as one-shots like Transformers Spotlight Soundwave. Not all the comics are good – I wouldn’t recommend the first graphic novel of Transformers GI Joe – but the artwork is always pleasing.

Looking back to watching Transformers, GI Joe, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I can see why Transformers is ever present in my mind. The popularity of the show knows no end, and I think its save to say the Transformers world just might push on another twenty years.

In the end, watching Optimus Prime fall in Transformers: The Movie, was one of the better cartoon moments ever for me. Here was the classic character Optimus Prime,, one I would watch again and again on the TV, falling before the forces of evil and turning over leadership of the Autobots.

If you’re an adult who lived off Transformers as a child I wouldn’t purchase the entire G1 set. Instead you should consider picking up the original animated movie or some of the recent graphic novels. This could include Transformers: The War Within graphic novel, as well as the Transformers GI Joe comics. Hopefully the movie will be great, but I won’t be too disappointed if it isn’t. I’ve been rewarded enough.

Over on A Comic Eye: Samurai Heaven and Earth Volume 2

Over on A Writer's Eye: When you have something to say part 1

Thoughts on the Dark Side: Star Wars Reloaded

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Star Wars changed what epic science fiction could do. As the history channel show “Star Wars: A Legacy Revealed” highlighted, the story was originally, and ended up being, a heroes tale. Perhaps the sounds in space combat weren’t accurate (according to the history channel show, there are few high-pitched sounds in space), but Star Wars brought up the mythology of not only western civilization, but eastern. The term “Jedi” was a play by George Lucas on the samurai films of Japan.

Luke Skywalker is perhaps one of the best constructed heroes of the 20^th century. George Lucas worked up his vision of what a hero should be by studying Joseph Campbell’s “A Hero With a Thousand Faces,” a work on the mythology of history, most notably on the hero.

The original films started Luke Skywalker out as a nobody. He didn’t know of his past, thought his father had crashed in space, and was just a regular person in the world. When it was revealed to him that his father was a Jedi killed by another Jedi, he seemed to understand his destiny was not going to be working on a backwater planet.

While Skywalker was key in moving the story, the villain Darth Vader provided a thesis for what evil could do. Luke didn’t know this was his father in the robotic suit, and didn’t find out till much later in the series.

The supporting cast of Star Wars, from Han Solo to Chewbacca, were what made the Star Wars story work. Han Solo wasn’t the typical hero, more akin to a gunslinger from the west; a man out for money, but deft with a laser pistol.

Chewbacca was just as interesting, and popular with fans. He provided an amusing aside to the serious storyline; though he too was good with a laser pistol, along with being loyal to Solo from the outset.

Han Solo effectively made Harrison Ford’s career. Soon he would be taking part in films like “Blade Runner” and “Raiders of the Lost Arc.”

It seems George Lucas intended to people his story with as many interesting characters as possible. From the hero, to the gunslinger, to the fiery princess, it was all there.

Star Wars became a phenomenon immediately; and this led to fan interest in other forms of the story, including video games, novels, and comic books.

What made the story so interesting? Space battles had been done before, in Star Trek for example, but it had never approached such an epic scale. For the time, the graphics and the aliens was top notch.

The later stories in the Star Wars series staring Anakin Skywalker weren’t as well received, but furthered the story in an effective manner.

Fans can only hope the Star Wars franchise isn’t finished. If you’re dieing for more Star Wars stories and don’t mind reading or playing games, there are plenty of novels and games to be had.

Over on A Comic Eye: Hellraiser

Over on A Writer's Eye: The Personal Experience Article

The Importance of a Literary Biography

By Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Literary biographies provide key background on the famous or less than famous storytellers in history. This field has always drawn an interest in both readers and writers. When I read a work as a reader, I want to know why a writer chose to create a work that is either famous or dear to me. As a writer I choose to read literary biographies because of a deep interest in how famed storytellers came to write pieces. These biographies can be as dynamic or telling as “Some Sort of Epic Grandeur” which was a life of F. Scott Fitzgerald, or as sad and amusing as “A Tragic Honest: The Life and Works of Richard Yates.” A literary biography is important because it sets into print the lives of some of the more important characters in history.

It is odd that tragedies, which form the core of many a story, are also part of so many author’s lives. Some spent decades of loneliness trying to put together a masterpiece like “The Great Gatsby,” “Revolutionary Road,” or “A Portrait of a Lady.” Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Richard Yates, and John O’Hara were all major alcoholics, but some of the better writers of the 20^th century. This addiction may not have directly resulted in each writers works, but they did often result in early deaths.

If not for literary biographies many readers would be left without key knowledge on their favorite writers. I honestly was not aware of how Hemingway killed himself until I read a biography on him. I also was not aware of his close ties to his friend F. Scott Fitzgerald, or that he smuggled in copies of the James Joyce masterpiece “Ulysses.” He learned his craft at newspapers much like Mark Twain, and never went to college. His war experience is not what many think it is. Even with seeing the Spanish Civil War he was rarely on the front lines. The biography of Hemingway provided fascinating reading, but it ended in tragedy as the lives of authors often do.

Another literary biography to note was mentioned earlier, “Some Sort of Epic Grandeur.” F. Scott Fitzgerald was just a name to me before I read this biography, but what this work ended up doing to me was showing how an author of masterful novels and short stories did have his share of trials—especially with his wife Zelda. Many of his works were autobiographical and some ideas were taken directly from his wife’s diaries. Even though critics consider “The Great Gatsby” one of the better novels of the 20th century across the world it did not even sell well initially. Before it became a classic Fitzgerald died young.

Another chronic alcoholic/writer was John O’Hara. I read two biographies on this author, who was published in The New Yorker consistently through his life not to mention his success with novels. O’Hara started out at newspapers as well, but found success in writing for magazines and publishing novels. His life was less tumultuous than some, and he had close relationships with many top authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A literary biography does more than inform what the nature of an author’s work is and what their lives were like; It shows their hearts. Literary biographies are just as important as biographies of Churchill or Roosevelt because they shine a light onto the people who showed society for what it was.

Over on A Comic Eye: Zipper #1

Over on A Writer's Eye: There is No Perfect Idea

Being A Journalist in a time of war: Discussions on Iraq and war

Being a journalist isn’t always the easiest career to make a profession in. What you give is your opinion, how you see things, and people are bound to disagree. In deciding to write an article on journalism in a time of war, I thought it necessary to interject that I am a young adult whom is prime for the army if there ever was a draft. I even came close to joining the army after 9/11 rocked the world, but was talked out of it by myself and family.

Writers have always been important in times of war. They weren’t called journalists in ancient times, sometimes not even writers, historians was the terms often applied to those who wrote the ballads of wars in Rome and Greece. Historians like Herodotus observed what happened by hand instead of one a typewriter or laptop computer.

Today, writers for the New York Times and USA Today can give spread the word immediately on news via the internet or wait a few hours until the presses start rolling.

As a journalist and a would-be historian, I think it would be rather divisive to state the war in Iraq is wrong. It would also be easy to compare it to the Vietnam War.

Too many have already fallen to bombs from fanatics who believe God is on their side. It seems, from reports I’ve seen on Television that even many soldiers are losing faith in the war.

That is one side of the argument: Television sways the masses but shouldn’t form a writer’s opinion. What can be said is the reasons for going to Iraq are just, but some of them are patently false. Were there any Nuclear Bombs in Iraq? The answer would be no on all accounts. Was Saddam Hussein supporting the terrorists who bombed the World Trade Center and the Pentagon? It seems that, if I were bombed to the stone age, I just might support the enemy of my enemy.

Being a journalist the numbers are always telling. Too many people have died fighting for a cause to similar to the Vietnam War. To avoid a second affair, we must make the same mistake we made in the first Gulf War, we have to pull out of Iraq to save America lives.

And what of the argument of fighting the terrorists over in their lands instead of on American soil? The point is valid, but why aren’t we in Iran? Because we cannot support such a war, the resources of the US army are spread to thin, the financial costs to high. It seems that George W. Bush has forgotten why Lyndon Johnson never ran a second term; he had cost to many mother their son’s lives in a war we shouldn’t have been in.

Building democracy and peace is an argument that bears weight, but when the costs are too high its fine to accept failure.

Perhaps Congress will act, or a new president from a new party will change things, but the Iraq war is a quagmire if there ever was one. Maybe George Bush should do what all journalists in times of war try to do: Get their facts straight.

Over on A Comic Eye: Confessions of a comic fan volume 3

Over on A Writer's Eye: Scribbles: an essay cut from The Writer Who smiles

AShop: Sell Your Book the Right Way

AShop commerce is one of the leading sites for internet writers and authors to make money. Have a book you want to sell? This site could be the answer. AShop offers all kinds of services, many of which can be seen via demo. One nice thing about having a shopping cart is the fact you control everything instead of having to work through a publisher. Also, if you want to sell other items, say used books or movies, there are limitless possibilities. For one, Ashop has demos for you to see exactly how your carts would be used. The demos provide examples of sites using the service. The seller for me, as a writer, is the fact I can control everything, including the look of the cart, much like I control my website. And you don’t have to be a tech wiz to sell these things. I would suggest AShop commerce for any seller interested in selling items on the internet.

shopping cart

Why History Isn’t Boring: An essay on understanding

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

History is one of those field which has held my interest. Yet during high school, whenever people would ask me for help with homework, I wouldn’t be able to offer much help. I thought that history was fascinating, and that others should find it this way as well. This begs a question: Why do so many people find history boring?

This a broad topic, but in my experience some people appear to get blocked when it comes to reading and understanding history. Naming top Egyptian leaders during the time of Alexander the great, words on how Napoleon came to power, or how America came to be explored, settled and independent have always been subjects I enjoyed. Others seemed to loathe these topics, and, would always ask me for help.

I think the problem in history is that the writers have to be very devoted in order to write books on it. There isn’t much money in writing history books unless you win a Pulitzer or write a textbook, so authors typically are experts on one thing or another, and fill books with things that readers just don’t understand.

In order to understand and enjoy history, it’s important to have a feeling for the people who are acting, and why they are acting, in the stories. There was a reason Napoleon came to power: The French Revolution. A reason people have always found Leonardo Da Vinci so interesting: He was the most intelligent man of his times.

By focusing on the small stories, the people of the history, history can be very enjoyable.

To study history, a person has to be willing to involve themselves not just in the book, but in the spirit of the times. If one is to understand the holocaust, history will have to be read. It may be boring to some, but its important that, as the old adage goes, the events aren’t repeated.

Some of the best stories in literature were inspired by true historical events. Ghosts and monsters all have true historical backgrounds. People use to think giant squid roamed the oceans (there are giant squid in the oceans), some thought that giant animals found had to be dragons (they were dinosaurs).

History can be boring, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s the relationship between the writer and the reader that has to be improved. There are countless important texts that may be boring, but which provide interesting points on the human condition.

In the end, history will be around as long as humanity survives. To survive it we must understand its importance in the world.

Over on A Comic Eye: A Review of Samurai Heaven and Earth Volume 1

Over on A Writer's Eye: The Challenge of Short Fiction

Being Johnny Depp: ‘From Hell,’ ‘Dead Man,’ and ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; Star Deconstructed

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Johnny Depp has had one of the more interesting film careers of any current living actor. He has played in roles as strange as his first movie role in “Nightmare on Elm Street,” drug movies like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Blow,” and the classic art piece “Dead Man.” Depp has showed a talent for dynamic acting, achieving a presence on the screen that has made him one of the more noteworthy actors in recent years.

Drugs seem to play a major role in his characters: They appear in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” “Blow,” “From Hell,” and in “Dead Man.”

Johnny Depp is currently most known for his role in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy, but he has had much more success in roles intended just for adults.

“Dead Man” is perhaps his most interesting and deep performance. Depp plays a man named William Blake moving out to the wild west who encounters a strange Indian and reckless villains in a role that is far underrated. “Dead Man” was directed by one of the better independent film directors of the modern era, Jim Jarmusch. What accounted for a good performance did not lead to a major moneymaker, but it is an important role in Johnny Depp’s career.

Another important role for Johnny Depp is “From Hell,” which is based on an Alan Moore graphic novel. Depp plays a drug addicted detective in London investigating Jack the Ripper killings. This movie was better received than “Dead Man” and is comparable in terms of entertainment.

Playing a “gonzo” journalist in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” is a role that Depp is remembered for by fans of the recluse drug addict Hunter Thompson. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Thompson during an era of drugs. This role is considered another cult classic by fans of both Hunter Thompson and Johnny Depp.

Depp has made many other lesser known movies. In “The 9^th Gate” Depp is a rare book buyer who runs into a major fiasco involving deaths and the devil. The film is not pure entertainment, but it is a role Depp plays well.

According to Wikipedia, Depp has worked with director Tim Burton more than any other director. The films with Burton include “Edward Scissorhands” and “Sleepy Hollow.”

While Depp first major acting role was his part in “21 Jump Street” he has since shied away from Television roles. He is more known for being one of the prominent actors working today.

In the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy Depp seems to have landed on a gold mine with his character Jack Sparrow. The “Pirates” films have been Depp’s biggest sellers, but not comparable in terms of achievement to the likes of “Dead Man” and “From Hell.”

Whether he is a chronic drug addict or a just a man named William Blake confused for the poet, Johnny Depp is one of the more recognized movie actors of the past decade, and for good reason. His films always show his imaginative side and his ability to break down a character.

Over on A Comic Eye: A Review of "Lower Regions" by Alex Robinson

Over on A Writer's Eye: Keys for the Successful Writer

Smorty: A Good Blogging Service

I just opened an account with Smorty, a company on the forefront of the get paid to blog services. I would say so far my experience has been very well. While there are less reviews than many paid services, the pay out per post is very high. For example, one post I saw was for close to $15, and all one has to do is a simple advertisement on their blog. While many do not relate to my blog, I can take my pick of them, and I get paid well. Blogs for money concerns would likely have the most success. In other words, business blogs. It can be hard to find arts and entertainment related posts, but it is worth the wait. One feature I do like is the campaigns. Like Blogvertise, Smorty sends an email out calling for posts on a certain companies topic. I haven’t picked one yet. But here is the thing, I received three in one day. So far on Blogvertise I have received two in over a month. In the end, if you want to get paid to blog, Smorty is one of the simplest and best for beginning or advances bloggers. Last note, even small blogs can earn cash.

advertise on blogs

Storytelling In Animated Series: From Transformers to X-Men

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Animated series often do not get the respect that live action TV series get. However, they can make more money on many occasions, which can be seen in the success of so many series on channels like the Cartoon Network. Storytelling in the animated series can vary, sometimes bordering on juvenile, but they can also do things that live action shows cannot. While it all started with the older Disney cartoons we will focus more on the modern cartoon (animated series) in order to study the medium. This article will explain in detail the storytelling dynamics of series like “Transformers,” “X-Men,” “Teknoman,” “Batman,” and many others. It will include notes on characters, action, writing, and the importance of each series to the field.

Characters form the core of any show, and this can easily be seen in the series already mentioned. The original “Transformers” show would have been far less interesting without the hero Optimus Prime and the villain Megatron. The breakdown of the renegade mutants trying to right the world in “X-Men” would have never lasted had the government and people across the world loved them from the outset. The conflicts between Wolverine and Cyclops formed a conflict within the team that can also be seen in the “X-Men” films. Wolverine was in love with Cyclops’s wife, and they had different tactics in fighting. “Batman” is the most obvious: Without Bruce Wayne there would be no “Batman” animated series. Batman had to fight the insane villains like Two-Face and Joker, and he also needed a partner in Robin to help save Gotham city.

The characters and their conflicts formed the storytelling dynamics of each series, and made many accessible to adults. “Batman” is a prime example because the stories were not of the Disney mold, but stories that were more serious and obviously slanted towards young adults. The cult hit “Duckman,” which featured the voice of Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), would never have worked if Duckman did not have the family to make his life even less sane than it was. Family played a part in the anime series Teknoman as well. The battle suit fighter named Slade had to fight against his own family who had been turned into Teknoman like himself; he sought to save the world while his cursed family sought to conquer it for an alien race.

Action is just as important in the storytelling elements of an animated series. Super hero dramas like “Batman” and “X-Men” are built upon action. The fact is most people want a certain amount of action in an animated series, especially a super hero series, and for the same reasons they go see action films—action is exciting. A good villain is necessary for the action to be put in. In the lesser known series “Warplanets” (made by creators of “Reboot”) action is key in every episode. It features the computer graphics of the show, and shows everything from epic fighter battles to hand-to-hand combat.

Writing is necessary in achieving an importance for each series. Too many cartoons in the past focused less on story and more on pandering to audiences. While important “Transformers” often did this. Some series like “Batman,” “X-Men,” and “Spider-Man” have important writing that can be compared to the comics of the same name; and many of the stories were based on comic books which might be why they are so good. To write a dynamic animated series it takes more than characters and action, otherwise “GI Joe” and “Transformers” might be literary classics. It needs the necessary conflicts, the exciting graphics, and the more engaging storylines. This can be seen in series like “Warplanets” and “Teknoman.”

Animated storytelling is an important medium that is rarely boring. Even the shows of lesser quality had classics. A good series can best be defined in Teknoman: It needs the necessary conflicts, the troubled characters, the original writing, and an importance to the field. X-Men has all these characteristics as well. “Batman,” “X-Men,” and “Spider-Man” proved super hero drama could be successful in the animated series form. It can be said that no series is ever perfect, but each should be remembered for what they have done for the storytelling elements of cartoons.

Over on A Comic Eye: Memories of Crossgen Comics

Over on A Writer's Eye: Asking What If

Memories of Star Trek

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Star Trek has always had a wide fan base. Ever since the original 1960s series fans have been demanding more. They were answered with six TV series and over ten movies, not to mention the novelizations and comic books set in the Star Trek universe.

Gene Roddenberry created a world of war and peace by incorporating thoughts on these subjects from the time. While Star Trek never went deep into correlating the facts of its times – like the Vietnam war during the first Star Trek series – it wasn’t afraid to bring up a wide range of topics, from questions of equality to choosing between right and wrong.

There have been comparisons made between Star Wars and Star Trek. It would be hard to compare them, but can easily be seen by the space travel aspects. Star Wars seems to be more about the rise of the hero, instead of the military like sci-fi with elements of many cultures that Star Trek has.

The original Star Trek series with William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy paved the way for other science fiction storylines like Star Wars, Babylon 5, and Battlestar Galactica. It also garnered more respect for the science fiction field, not to mention becoming one of the major convention features in the states.

For me, the Star Trek series is one of the more fascinating worlds around. I have watched almost every series set in this universe, and many of the movies. I think “Star Trek First Contact” was the best of the movies made. Comparing Star Trek The Next Generation with Deep Space Nine is a hard proposition. The Next Generation was older with inferior graphics, but the character of Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) make TNG the superior series.

The aliens of the Star Trek series were probably what made it so interesting to fans. From Klingons to Vulcans, they all were interesting takes on aliens, each with their own societies, as well as differing thoughts on peace and war. The Klingons were always known as a war-like race, while the Vulcans (made famous by Spock) were more interested in peace.

Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a futuristic world is perhaps the most celebrated of the 20^th century. It made science fiction on Television possible, so instead of books fans could look to their TV sets for musings on the future.

With all the success the series has had, it will be interesting if it will ever have an end. Star Wars seems deadlocked, as George Lucas told the stories he wanted to tell. Roddenberry is gone, but only time will tell if it goes far into the 21^st century.

Over on A Comic Eye: Batman Deconstructed

Over on A Writer's Eye: Writing Classes--A BIG But

Surprising Book Reviews

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

I have been reading in earnest to jget some reviews up on A Reader's Eye. I have also been surfing the net in hopes of finding some good articles on fiction. My preferred place for book reviews is the print