April 15, 2012: Project Thunderbolts! And others!

It looks like the mini-series gig is a go.  First thing tomorrow morning, Paul and I will have a conference call with the studio execs to discuss the concept after which we’ll get started on the outline for “big event” story.  We’ll hammer those out, get the approvals, move onto the script and then it’ll be smooooooooth sailing.  Also on deck this week: a rewrite of my horror script, my annual physical (I’ve already started my daily oatmeal breakfasts), taxes, a Dark Matter follow-up, and a little something we like to call “Akemi’s birthday”.

Soon-to-be birthday gal, out and about with the dogs this weekend.

In addition to those work-related projects, I’m also planning to pull the trigger on a few other recreational projects as well.  A couple of weeks ago, I was going through the endless boxes in the crawlspace and came across my enormous comic collection.  Wow.  I didn’t realize (or simply forget) how far back those individual title runs reach.  The original Avengers (vol. 1) from issue #8 to around #217 (minus #75), Giant Size X-Men #1 (the intro of the new team) to #300 (or so), the entire run of the Thunderbolts (minus an issue here or there).  I’ve set out to fill the missing slots, either with single back issues or trade paperback/hardcover collections.  Once they’re complete, I’m going to dedicate a month to a different trip down memory lane with an uninterrupted reading of each title.  In addition to a few other similar projects.

PROJECT THUNDERBOLTS

Reading run: From #1 to the latest issue (around #175).

One of about a half dozen properties to influence Dark Matter, but the only one from the comic book realm, I remember loving this series about a most unlikely and reluctant group of anti-heroes.

PROJECT AVENGERS

Reading run: #1 to – oh, I don’t know.  Around #200.  My interest fizzled soon after the Korvac Saga ended.

Roxxon Oil, the Serpent Crown, Count Nefaria, Agent Gyrich – boy, this really takes me back.  My first and favorite title.

PROJECT SPIDERMAN

Reading run: #1 to – I don’t know.  Sometime before the proliferation of the other Spider titles and their frustrating crossovers.

I wasn’t  a huge Spiderman fan growing up but my friends were and certain seminal stories – the death of Gwen Stacy, the introduction of the Punisher, Hammerhead crashing Aunt May and Doc Ock’s island wedding – were must-reads back in the day.

PROJECT DAREDEVIL

Reading run: #1 to now.

This is one title I came late to but loved the various runs I’ve read: Bendis, Brubaker, and now, Waid.  Finding those missing issues could be a problem though.

PROJECT FANTASTIC FOUR

Reading run: #1 to – hmmm.  Not sure.  This one will be dictated by what back issues are available – and the book’s ability to retain my interest.

To be honest, I was more of a Ben Grimm – which is why I actually collected Marvel-Two-in-One featuring The Thing rather than the Fantastic Four.  But this is Marvel history so, I figure, must-reading.

PROJECT UNCANNY X-MEN

Reading run: From when I started reading way back when, Giant Size X-Men #1 to – again, I’m not sure.  I lose interest when Storm starting sporting that mohawk so probably somewhere around there.

PROJECT ASTERIX AND OBELIX

Reading run: All 34 books in the series in the original French.

My high school French teacher introduced us to adventures of Asterix and Obelix.  I’ve re-read the first couple of books but need to fill some holes in the collection before sitting down to the full run.

PROJECT GET SMART

Watching run: The entire television series.

Of all the shows I watched growing up, Get Smart has held up the best to repeated viewings and the scrutiny of adult viewer me. Strange, silly, and still very funny.

Did I leave anything out?  Yeah, probably.  I didn’t include any DC titles although Justice League of America may eventually find its way onto this list.  Batman seems like an obvious choice but I wouldn’t know where to begin.  Alternate, the Batman television series could be a candidate as well.  Seinfeld, The Flintstones, the Flash comic book series up until Mark Waid left – yep, them as well.

Hmmm.  Looks like a busier-than-expected 2012.  I may have to seriously reconsider taking on anymore writing work.

Tagged: Asterix, Asterix and Obelix, Avengers, Daredevil, Fantastic Four, FF, Get Smart, Spiderman, The Amazing Spiderman, The Avengers, The Fantastic Four, The Thunderbolts