François Vigneault's Blog, page 3
October 14, 2022
Casting Call for TITAN
So, one of the questions I get the most is “Would you ever want TITAN to be a movie?” And the simple answer is “Definitely!” Anyone who knows me can tell you that movies are as big of an influence on me as comics or prose, and TITAN in particular is heavily influenced by films like Blade Runner and Children of Men, so naturally I’d love to see a cinematic version of my book made (big surprise, I know).
Over on my podcast Apples to Giraffes my co-host Jonas Madden-Connor and I recently did a short bonus episode where we discussed some elements of adapting my book to the screen, and in particular who we might cast in our individual version of the film. You can see all of Jonas’ picks (some of which I like as much or more than my own) alongside mine over on our Apples to Giraffes Instagram page, and we discuss our thinking in detail on the show, including two fantastic picks for director that had me so excited imaginign what either of them would do with my book! In addition, I thought I would write a little bit more about why I picked the actors I did here.
I’ve gone through a few different iterations of fancasting, especially for the principal roles of João and Phoebe, but this is the first time I created a full “dream cast.” I tried to think about how the actors might work together, as well as practical concerns like their ages (for a long time I pictured Giancarlo Esposito in the role of João, but I think it is safe to say he is too old for the role now) and even the relative heights of the actors, to help with selling the special effects needed to bring Titan’s giants to life on the screen.
João da Silva – André Holland
Age: 42
Height: 5’9”
André Holland really caught my eye a few years back with his excellent performance as the beleaguered Dr. Algernon C. Edwards on Steven Soderbergh’s The Knick, and since then he’s often played passionate intellectual types caught up in exploitative systems in films such as Passing and High Flying Bird. But as his stand-out turn Moonlight shows, this talented actor can embody tender, romantic longing just about better than anyone… just think of that knockout scene in the diner where Holland puts on “Hello Stranger” by Barbara Lewis on the jukebox and imagine what he could do with the “Terra” sequence in TITAN.
Phoebe Mackintosh – Mackenzie Davis
Age: 35
Height: 5’10”
I still haven’t watched Halt and Catch Fire or Station Eleven, the shows that Mackenzie Davis is probably best known for (I’ve heard she is great in both), but I’ve been impressed with her whenever she pops up in a movie I’m watching, and her roles frequently feel like they reflect some aspect of Phoebe in them, such as her memorable turn as an android revolutionary in Bladerunner 2049, a star-crossed lover in Black Mirror: San Junipero, and most recently as an astronaut struggling across a barren planet in the The Very Pulse of the Machine episode of Love, Death, & Robots. But probably her turn as a cybernetic warrior woman in Terminator: Dark Fate (in general a pretty dull flick, but she was good in it) really made it clear that she could have the physicality and attitude to play the part of Phoebe. I think the Davis could be just the actress to bring a frankly badass heroine to the screen.
Cyrus – Dave Bautista
Age: 53
Height: 6’2”
This former wrestler has made a major name for himself in playing laconic warriors in sci-fi films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Bladerunner 2049, and Dune, but I think he’s shown he has the acting chops to pull off a more voluble villain. Cyrus could be a great role for this actor, a physically and intellectually imposing character who would rivet the audience’s attention while on screen. Lots of make up and prosthetics would be required for this role, but Bautista seems game after roles like Drax and the Beast Rabban!
John Joans – Martin Freeman
Age: 51
Height: 5’6”
Asst Mngr John Joans is a tricky role to nail, he’s got to be both unassuming and sneaky, with a subtle capacity for cruelty simmering under a surface of officious, nervous energy. More than anything, Martin Freeman’s role in Fargo had me thinking he could nail this, and I’d love to see his take on Joans’ stuttering speech patterns. Perhaps with his experience filming the Hobbit he could help the other actors manage the forced perspective tricks that might be needed to bring TITAN to the screen!
Alexi – Winston Duke
Age: 35
Height: 6’5”
An actor who’s star is on the rise, Winston Duke is a shoe-in for revolutionary leader and fighting champion Alexi. Anyone who’s seen his scene-stealing turn as M’Baku in Black Panther knows he’s got the ability to sell not only the fight scenes but also the rousing speeches Alexi delivers in TITAN. Not to mention that at 6’5″ Duke would certainly be believable as a giant warrior!
Sonja – Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Age: 37
Height: 5’8”
Phoebe’s friend and former lover Sonja is a fairly minor role in TITAN, but takes the spotlight in several key scenes that illuminate the raw reality of life on Titan, and her fate galvanizes Phoebe’s determination to chart a new course for herself and her people. I always dig Winstead whenever I see her in a film or TV show, from her portrayal of Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim to 10 Cloverfield Lane, Smashed, and Fargo. I think she could bring the right vibe of youthful revolt to this tragic figure.
Ramona – Danai Gurira
Age: 44
Height: 5’7”
Another rather small role in the book, Ramona does have some great moments, with a couple brutal action scenes as well as a fairly withering philosophical take-down of Phoebe’s motives. Danai Gurira, well-known for playing tough-as-nails fighters in The Walking Dead and Black Panther, would certainly bring some very strong energy to the role.
What do you think? Would you go see a TITAN movie? Did you prefer any of Jonas’ picks? Do you have your own fancasting for TITAN?
The post Casting Call for TITAN first appeared on Tour de François.
October 13, 2022
TITAN — Oni Press
TITAN, Oni Press, November 2020
Available online or in-person wherever you buy books, including:
Etsy (Personalized Signed & Sketched Books)
Bookshop.org (Supporting Me or Your Fave Indie Bookstore)
Librairie D+Q (Signed & Sketched Books)
Floating World Comics • Les Libraires • Oni Press • IndieBound • Powell’s
Quimby’s Bookstore • Indigo • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads • Amazon
Order at your LCS (Previews Code JUN201223)
When MNGR First Class João da Silva arrives on the moon of Titan to take charge of Homestead Station, he finds the massive mining colony plagued by tensions between the giant, genetically-engineered Titan workers and the Terran management. As anger mounts, what began as a routine posting quickly turns into something far more dangerous.
Phoebe Mackintosh thought she left her fighting days behind her when she turned her back on the “mixing” circuit. Now, she finds herself caught between a past she’d rather forget and a future she can’t predict.
Together, they must find a way to pull Homestead back from the brink of disaster… Or Titan might be the spark that sets the entire solar system ablaze.
“A gripping, knotty, epic tale of exploitation and solidarity…” —CORY DOCTOROW
“TITAN is a gem.” —BEN H. WINTERS
“An immensely engaging poli-sci-fi thriller…” —EZRA CLAYTAN DANIELS
The post TITAN — Oni Press first appeared on Tour de François.
October 7, 2022
TITAN – Éditions Pow Pow
TITAN, Éditions Pow Pow, May 2017
Order on Les Libraires
• Finalist, BD Québec, Prix Des Libraries Québec, 2018
• Finalist, Prix Bédélys Québec, 2018
• Finalist, Prix Réal-Fillion, Prix Bédéis Causa, 2018
• Finalist, Prix BD des Colégiens, 2018
• Finalist, Prix Aurora-Boréal, 2018
When MNGR First Class João da Silva arrives on the moon of Titan to take charge of Homestead Station, he finds the massive mining colony plagued by tensions between the giant, genetically-engineered Titan workers and the Terran management. As anger mounts, what began as a routine posting quickly turns into something far more dangerous.
Phoebe Mackintosh thought she left her fighting days behind her when she turned her back on the “mixing” circuit. Now, she finds herself caught between a past she’d rather forget and a future she can’t predict.
Together, they must find a way to pull Homestead back from the brink of disaster… Or Titan might be the spark that sets the as the entire solar system ablaze.
This is a solid example of genre fiction that doesn’t insult the reader’s intelligence and has multiple layers…”
—Rob Clough, The Comics Journal
“The writing is also top-notch…”
—Patrick Goddard, Graphic Policy
“The subject is ambitious and the creator, who signs his first work here, is makes his mark.”
“Entertaining, full of action ans plot twists. Recommended.”
“François Vigneault’s art is fantastic.” ★★★★
The post TITAN – Éditions Pow Pow first appeared on Tour de François.
September 20, 2022
Five-Finger Piano!
Illustration and book designs for Five-Finger Rock!, Five-Finger Pop!, and Five-Finger Jazz!, an ongoing series of sheet music collections by Brock Chart.
The post Five-Finger Piano! first appeared on Tour de François.
September 15, 2022
Preorder Orcs in Space Vol. 3
The final volume of Orcs in Space is landing in bookstores in February 2023! Published by Oni Press, with art and lettering from yours truly, written by Rashad Gheith, Abed Gheith, Michael Tanner, colors by DJ Chavis and Dave Pender, and co-created by Justin Roiland.
It’s the mayhem-packed finale of Orcs in Space! After defeating Smedlar the World-Basher and kinda saving the galactigon, the orcs get no respect! When their old enemies the Space Rats and StarBleep threaten their homeworld, D.O.N.A. brings the orcs back to crusty ol’ Muckball. The adventuring party grows when that paragon of orcitude, Mergon Thunderhoof, joins a deadly quest to find the one thing that can save their world. If they fail, this is the end of orc civilization! And that’s probably bad…right?
Out in February 22, 2023!
There are lots of pre-order options for you, Orcs in Space Volume 3 will be available wherever you buy books, from local indies to international mega-corporations. Here are a few links to help you out.
Pre-order at your Local Comic Book Shop (MAR229501)Add on GoodreadsBookshopIndieBoundBarnes & NobleIndigo
The post Preorder Orcs in Space Vol. 3 first appeared on Tour de François.
September 12, 2022
“Casting Call” for TITAN… But I Need Your Help!
One of the interview questions I get the most is “Would you ever want TITAN to be a movie or TV show?” And honestly the answer is “Hell yes!” I love the movies and they were as much of an influence on my book as comics. Naturally I even occasionally daydream about who I would cast, who would be my dream director, and all that good stuff. Lately this has been even more on my mind since I am regularly doing “Casting Calls” for books and graphic novels on my podcast Apples to Giraffes!
So, me and my cohost Jonas Madden-Connor decided it would be fun to talk TITAN, with casting from both of us, what director we would pick, and more. BUT we’ll only do this special “Casting Call”bonus episode IF we get 5 reviews on Apple Podcasts! So if you wanna hear our picks for João, Phoebe, and more, pop over and leave a text review on Apple Podcasts! Thanks so much in advance!
Even if you remember me talking about so potential casting in the past I think you’ll find I have some surprises, I’ve picked out new actors and I think if you enjoyed TITAN you’ll definitely enjoy this talk… And of course I can’t wait to hear who Jonas picks out! I’ll also follow up our discussion with a blog post detailing more about my thought process that went into my picks, other actors I have thought about before, and more. Should be a lot of fun!
The post “Casting Call” for TITAN… But I Need Your Help! first appeared on Tour de François.
August 12, 2022
Homage to Pow Pow Press
On August 12th, I’m buying a Quebecois book! Or two, or three…
A little homage to my favorite Quebecois publishing house, Pow Pow Press, for August 12th, a big event here in Quebec! I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this gang of creators and the broader literary community of Quebec.
The post Homage to Pow Pow Press first appeared on Tour de François.
August 11, 2022
Two Panels from MCAF 2022
From the suburbs of Maui to the alleys of Hochelaga, the city is more than just a landscape, it is a window on our way of life and a reflection of our fears, hopes, dreams, and nightmares. Come and meet three creators from all over the world for whom the lived environment is just as important as the characters in their story.
Featuring:
Cab (@cabtastic )
R. Kikuo Johnson (@r_kikuo_johnson )
Jared Muralt (@jaredmuralt )
Moderated by:
François Vigneault (@francoisvigneault )
Adaptation in Comics: Classics Reimagined
Whether it’s Dracula, the Little Prince or the Knights of the Round Table, certain characters and stories exert an undeniable fascination on our collective unconscious. Why do these tales in particular continue to inspire new visions, adaptations, and spin-offs, and what challenges do comic book creators face in bringing these stories to the page?
Featuring:
Katharina Greve (@katharina.greve )
Salgood Sam (@salgoodsam )
Sacha Lefebvre (@sachaillustration )
Moderated by:
François Vigneault (@francoisvigneault )
The post Two Panels from MCAF 2022 first appeared on Tour de François.
August 8, 2022
Talli: Daughter of the Moon Vol. 1
The fantastic (in every sense of the word) manga/bande dessinée series Talli: Daughter of the Moon by the talented French/Laotian cartoonist Sourya will be published in English this fall by Oni Press and I am delighted to say that I did the translation! I have been loving this immersive fantasy adventure, and I can’t wait for you all to visit the charming universe Sourya has created! Volume One comes out on September 28, with much more to follow!
“…Every beat of this tale harkens back to the grand-high fantasy style of adventure, danger, and struggle… The villains are dastardly, Talli is empathetic and noble, and the companions she picks up along the way each bring their charm to the story… Engaging and enjoyable.”
Below you’ll find a preview from the beginning of the book. Wanna read more? You can request an Advance Reader Copy of Talli: Daughter of the Moon at Netgalley! Don’t forget to rate, review, and preorder!
The post Talli: Daughter of the Moon Vol. 1 first appeared on Tour de François.
August 7, 2022
Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus by S. Craig Zahler
Cover design for Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus by S. Craig Zahler, published by Floating World Comics
The post Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus by S. Craig Zahler first appeared on Tour de François.
