Mark Wooden's Blog, page 41
July 15, 2014
Should Jack Bauer "Live Another Day?"
From past writings you all know I’m a big fan of Jack Bauer and his show “24.” They recently brought it back after ending it four years ago. Monday was the big finale for their mini-season event, “Live Another Day.”
Twelve episodes later in the life of Bauer, should he get to live yet another day, ergo have another story? Let’s discuss. And yes, there are spoilers, so I’d watch the season before reading.
June 16, 2014
"Witchblade" uses character to enhance the sexy
Top Cow Comics releases the 175th issue of “Witchblade” this month.
That’s quite a milestone in that the character of Sara Pezzini, the modern-day bearer of the mystical Witchblade, marking one of the longer runs for a female character not named Wonder Woman or Vampirella.
And just what is the appeal of Ms. Pezzini?
Sure, the cheesecake factor is high, but that’s not what “Witchblade” is all about, certainly not when in the hands of current writer Ron Marz or past wrier and co-creator David Wohl.
The New 52 “Catwoman” got the balance of cheesecake versus character wrong. Let’s talk about how to do it right.
June 3, 2014
The band Garbage inspires the "Shadowdance"
The “Shadowdance” urban fantasy saga is heavily influenced by music, as I’ve mentioned with the naming of the books as “songs” and other musical elements.
Hell, “dance” is in the title.
So just what music inspired the “Shadowdance?”
Glad you asked.
This time around, I’ll talk about the band Garbage, fronted by Shirley Manson.
May 29, 2014
How Music Makes the "Shadowdance"
Music is as important a component of my “Shadowdance” urban fantasy saga as the vampires, werewolves, demons and other supernatural creatures within the saga.
Adriana sings and plays piano. Valentina Lorena is a pop star. There’s a band, the Widdershins, you’ll meet in “Illusions of Love.”
The whole thing ends with a “Symphony of the Damned.”
I’ve also listened to a bunch of Evanescence while creating the saga.
As music is so intrinsic to the Dance, I’ve decided on some music related monikers for elements of the saga.
May 26, 2014
"Shadowdance" (and Captain America) extend Memorial Day wishes
We at the "Shadowdance" urban fantasy saga wish our troops a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for all your efforts
Image of Captain America property of Marvel Comics
May 16, 2014
Ben Affleck Batsuit a flashback (see what I did there?)
I like the new Ben Affleck Batsuit for Zack Snyder's upcoming "Batman versus Superman" movie. Very "The Dark Knight Returns."
But I couldn't quite place where else I'd seen its like before.
Then I thought back to the 1990s.
Now I'm not as impressed. See what I mean by hitting the "Read More" button.
May 15, 2014
The pitfalls of depicting Africa in the media
Working on the sequel to my first urban fantasy novel, “By Virtue Fall,” I ran into an ethical dilemma.
In the back half of the sequel, “For Her Sins,” I have my protagonists travel to Africa, specifically the area of Ethiopia called Oromia.
There they visit an Oromian tribe who maintain the old ways and traditions.
Am I perpetuating a borderline racist stereotype of the primitive, magical Negro?
May 13, 2014
"Star Wars: A New Hope" deleted scene... sort of
With the announcement of the cast (well, most of it) for “Star Wars: Episode Seven,” I thought it fitting that we look back at a deleted scene from the original film, “Episode Four – A New Hope.”
This deleted scene takes place on the Millennium Falcon as smuggler Han Solo transports Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and farm boy with a destiny Luke Skywalker to Alderaan. Kenobi is back in the rec area. Han walks in.
May 6, 2014
"24" and Jack Bauer return in "Live Another Day"
Cinco de Mayo (or Cinco de Jacko as I called it) brought the return of Jack Bauer and his landmark series “24.”
Two episodes in, we see the usual tropes for “24.” Split screens? Check.
The CTU-like CIA headquarters? Check.
Intrigue with the president and his staff? Check.
Managing directors not listening to subordinates with “out of the box” theories and later regretting it? Check.
Jack up to something violent? Check.
I was happy to see the ol’ gang again, but it struck me that “24” may be a post 9/11 relic that’s best put to bed.
"24" and Jack Bauer return in "Live Another Day"
Cinco de Mayo (or Cinco de Jacko as I called it) brought the return of Jack Bauer and his landmark series “24.”
Two episodes in, we see the usual tropes for “24.” Split screens? Check.
The CTU-like CIA headquarters? Check.
Intrigue with the president and his staff? Check.
Managing directors not listening to subordinates with “out of the box” theories and later regretting it? Check.
Jack up to something violent? Check.
I was happy to see the ol’ gang again, but it struck me that “24” may be a post 9/11 relic that’s best put to bed.
