The Spirit
I don't know if you're a comics fan, or for that matter, aware of a man by the name of Will Eisner, but if not, allow me to explain. Will is considered today to be the father of many things in the comics industry, not the least of which is the graphic novel format (created for his CONTRACT WITH GOD graphic novel) and his incredibly cinematic approach to comics storytelling, which is utlized so effectively today by creators like Frank Miller, Darwyn Cooke and Bryan Hitch. Eisner died two years or so ago, but his legend lives on in many forms.
For one, DC Comics is now publishing new adventures of Eisner's most famous creation, THE SPIRIT. One of the few creators alive today who can hold a candle to Eisner (although he wouldn't admit that) is creator Darwyn Cooke, best known for his work at WB animation (BATMAN BEYOND, etc.) and for his amazing work on CATWOMAN and his own graphic novel for DC, NEW FRONTIER. Cooke is an amazing storyteller, and he's currently channeling the spirit (get it?) of Eisner in his work on this book. Each issue is better than the last one, so please, if a comic book sounds interesting to you at any time in the near future, give this one a try.
Second on the Eisner hit parade is the Odd Lot production of THE SPIRIT, a new movie in development by Frank Miller (remember him?). Miller is best known for perhaps the most famous comic book ever created, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, as well as an intense run on Marvel's DAREDEVIL and his own creations, SIN CITY, 300 and RONIN. With 300 doing bang-up business at the box office, and SIN CITY surprising everyone with its inventive look, Miller is the talk of Hollywood these days. That situation has now provided him with the opportunity to develop THE SPIRIT for Warner Brothers, and only time will tell what the results with be. Samuel Jackson is signed on as the Spirit's main villain, The Octopus, but casting the Spirit will be tough. I'm expecting Miller to go with his SIN CITY star, Josh Hartnett, but I'm kind of hoping that I'm wrong.
Eisner's graphic novels are all still in print from DC as well, as are the reprints of his original SPIRIT stories, so give 'em a look if you have the time someday. You won't be disappointed.
For one, DC Comics is now publishing new adventures of Eisner's most famous creation, THE SPIRIT. One of the few creators alive today who can hold a candle to Eisner (although he wouldn't admit that) is creator Darwyn Cooke, best known for his work at WB animation (BATMAN BEYOND, etc.) and for his amazing work on CATWOMAN and his own graphic novel for DC, NEW FRONTIER. Cooke is an amazing storyteller, and he's currently channeling the spirit (get it?) of Eisner in his work on this book. Each issue is better than the last one, so please, if a comic book sounds interesting to you at any time in the near future, give this one a try.
Second on the Eisner hit parade is the Odd Lot production of THE SPIRIT, a new movie in development by Frank Miller (remember him?). Miller is best known for perhaps the most famous comic book ever created, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, as well as an intense run on Marvel's DAREDEVIL and his own creations, SIN CITY, 300 and RONIN. With 300 doing bang-up business at the box office, and SIN CITY surprising everyone with its inventive look, Miller is the talk of Hollywood these days. That situation has now provided him with the opportunity to develop THE SPIRIT for Warner Brothers, and only time will tell what the results with be. Samuel Jackson is signed on as the Spirit's main villain, The Octopus, but casting the Spirit will be tough. I'm expecting Miller to go with his SIN CITY star, Josh Hartnett, but I'm kind of hoping that I'm wrong.
Eisner's graphic novels are all still in print from DC as well, as are the reprints of his original SPIRIT stories, so give 'em a look if you have the time someday. You won't be disappointed.