Advance Warning: The Twelve Days of Classic Comics Christmas 2007

[Cei-U!]

Hard to believe it's that time of year again. This shtick went over well the last two years so I figured we'd see if the third time is, in fact, the charm. I considered doing creators but CBR has seen multiple surveys on that topic in '07 so, to keep things fresh, this year's theme will be

YOUR 12 FAVORITE COMICS ADAPTATIONS

Movies, radio, TV, theater, novels: any of the above featuring characters originating in a comic strip or book are eligible. They can be animation or live action, American or foreign, new or old, faithful adaptations or hopeless miscues. It's entirely up to you but remember: these are your personal favorites, not what you or anyone else might consider "the best."

It will work just as it did last year. Each participating poster will draw up a list of their favorite adaptations, ranked 12 (lowest) through 1 (highest). On December 14, I will post my #12 choice, on the 15th, #11 and so on until our #1 choices on Christmas Day. It will make tallying the totals easier if everyone posts on the appropriate day's thread but late entries (up through, say, the 31st) are welcome. At the end of the survey, the results will be stickied with pointers to the original 12 threads. You must explain your choice. You do not have to include an image of your selection but if you can, please do.

So this is your official heads up: you have nineteen days to create your lists before the fun starts. Who's in?

Cei-U!
I summon the new tradition!

[Sir Tim Drake]

I assumed you meant to say Christmas, so I took the liberty of editing the thread title.

[Cei-U!]

I assumed you meant to say Christmas, so I took the liberty of editing the thread title.

Ack! What did I say?

Cei-U!
I summon the embarrassment!

[The Confessor]

OK, yeah...I'm in. Never done this before but I feel like giving it a go this year. Could be fun.

So, just to be clear for us idiots out there (like me :o ), on December 14th we'll all be posting our #12 choice but until then we won't be posting anything on this thread? Or do you want our full #12 - #1 list posted before hand?

And also, it's just comic books that have been adapted into other mediums that are eligible for this, not the other way around...like movies that have been adapted into comic books? Just wanted to check :)

[Chris Nowlin]

I had a lot of fun last year, so I am in. I will get to thinking on Friday.


Thanks, Cei-U!

[Sir Tim Drake]

Ack! What did I say?

Cei-U!
I summon the embarrassment!

Christman.

[Chris Nowlin]

How could you misspell Christmas?!?

I mean, Jesus Christ, man! C'mon!



Sorry, it was all I could think after Sir Tim's last post and I had to get it off my chest. The other thing in my head is a superhero named Christman.

[Cei-U!]

OK, yeah...I'm in. Never done this before but I feel like giving it a go this year. Could be fun.

It has been so far. Welcome aboard.

So, just to be clear for us idiots out there (like me :o ), on December 14th we'll all be posting our #12 choice but until then we won't be posting anything on this thread?

That's correct. I'll start a new thread for each day of the twelve. This here thread is only for asking and answering the sorts of questions you're asking.

Or do you want our full #12 - #1 list posted before hand?

Nope. Think of this as one of those little Christmas dioramas (Edit: That would be an Advent calendar. Hi, Brian!) where you open one little door a day. Every day brings a new surprise.

And also, it's just comic books that have been adapted into other mediums that are eligible for this, not the other way around...like movies that have been adapted into comic books? Just wanted to check :)

Again correct, except that adaptations of newspaper comic strips are also eligible.

Cei-U!
I lay the grounds!

[shaxper]

Sounds like a LOT of fun!!

I'm always away and without internet access during the holidays, so can I send someone my list in advance?

[Cei-U!]

Sounds like a LOT of fun!!

I'm always away and without internet access during the holidays, so can I send someone my list in advance?

Sure, you can send your twelve posts to me and I'll plug 'em in for you. (I'm not going to do this for everybody but shaxper asked nicely and first.) But remember, it's more than a list. You must explain why you chose what you chose.

Cei-U!
I summon the anticipation!

[spoon_jenkins]

Do video games count if the game has an actual storyline (like an RPG) or is this restricted to the media forms listed in the first post?

[Cei-U!]

Do video games count if the game has an actual storyline (like an RPG) or is this restricted to the media forms listed in the first post?

Video games count, with or without a storyline.

Cei-U!
I summon the broadest possible interpretation!

[Alan2099]

Sounds fun. I'm in.

[prince hal]

I'll do my best. Lots going on now, but this will help relieve the stress.

Good topic, Cei-U!

[shaxper]

Sure, you can send your twelve posts to me and I'll plug 'em in for you. (I'm not going to do this for everybody but shaxper asked nicely and first.) But remember, it's more than a list. You must explain why you chose what you chose.


Thank you much, kind sir! :D

[Simon Garth]

Hmm. I think I'm going to struggle with this one - the only adaptations that I have knowingly ever read are the first 3 issues each of Star Wars and Logan's Run, and a couple of Planet of the Apes films. And some issues of Rom. And one of Shogun Warriors. Oh, and some Micronauts. Ah, and actually come to think of it, some Conan novels.

Hey - there's more of these things about than meets the eye/brain, once you start thinking about it!

Still think I'll struggle to make a list of 12 (especially if it's going to be limited to ones that I liked / thought were any good), but I'll wrack my brains...

(ooh. just thought of some more - maybe this is doable, after all!)

[T GUy]

Hard to believe it's that time of year again. This shtick went over well the last two years so I figured we'd see if the third time is, in fact, the charm. - Cei-U!

I wonder if the Charm will charm me into actually managing to post a complete set this year?

T the Disorganised Guy

[T GUy]

Hmm. I think I'm going to struggle with this one - the only adaptations that I have knowingly ever read are the first 3 issues each of Star Wars and Logan's Run, and a couple of Planet of the Apes films. And some issues of Rom. And one of Shogun Warriors. Oh, and some Micronauts. Ah, and actually come to think of it, some Conan novels.

Wrong way round, Simon! It's

Movies, radio, TV, theater, novels: any of the above featuring characters originating in a comic strip or book are eligible

So the Conan film is not eligible; the novelisation of the 1966 Batman film is eligible.

[T GUy]

Movies, radio, TV, theater, novels: any of the above featuring characters originating in a comic strip or book are eligible.

Please deliver a judgement as to whether Batman of the Future is eligible. My understanding is that this series, which I have just recalled is unaccountably named Batman Beyond in some territories, was original to TV, i. e. Terry McGuiness as the Batman of a far-flung future appeared in the TV series before it was adapted into comics.

[dan bailey]

Looks like I *choke* might be sitting this one out. I have no interest whatsoever in comics-oriented movies, can't think of any such novels I've read or TV shows I've watched, etc. We'll see.

[Lone Ranger]

I think it's a wonderful topic, Kurt - very fresh.

I gots me some thinking to do.

[Simon Garth]

Wrong way round, Simon! It's



So the Conan film is not eligible; the novelisation of the 1966 Batman film is eligible.

Doh! Well spotted, that man. I thought the way I had intgerpreted it was a bit limiting - quite honestly, Rom, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Godzilla and Conan is not a terribly inspiring list. :o

[Cei-U!]

So the Conan film is not eligible; the novelisation of the 1966 Batman film is eligible.

Correct on both counts. Conan is one of several characters--including Tarzan, The Shadow, The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet--that are, alas, ineligible because they originated in a medium other than comics.

Please deliver a judgement as to whether Batman of the Future is eligible. My understanding is that this series, which I have just recalled is unaccountably named Batman Beyond in some territories, was original to TV, i. e. Terry McGuiness as the Batman of a far-flung future appeared in the TV series before it was adapted into comics.

Batman Beyond is eligible, because it features characters and concepts originating in a comic book.

Cei-U!
I summon (hopefully) the clarity!

[Simon Garth]

Surprising just how many of these there are - I'm up to over 60, just considering films and TV

[benday-dot]

This is a good topic, mostly because I hope to learn something from it. Like Dan, I doubt very much I'll be able to produce a dirty dozen list of favourite comic adaptations.

I have never read any novels based on comics. My experience with movie adaptations has been pretty much forgettable. Some decent movies have been made, but nothing I'd care to see twice, which is my standard for memorable movies. Animations? I have little knowledge of these. Maybe one or two I've seen. Maybe one I like.

I don't play video games. Or collect action figures. I've heard some old-time radio, but most of what I like here does not qualify.

For me it's always been just about the funny books. The things themselves.

Yikes! I am really looking forward to reading about the recommendations of the other super knowledgeable people on this forum.

[foxley]

I take it anime based on manga are acceptable?

[Cei-U!]

I take it anime based on manga are acceptable?

Yes.

Cei-U!
I summon the 10-character minimum!

[Slam_Bradley]

This should be interesting. I can almost guarantee that my list will skew heavily (possibly exclusively) to TV and movies.

[dan bailey]

Hmmm ... Is Harvey Pekar (or even, I guess, Robert Crumb) included among "characters originating in a comic strip or book"?

[MDG]

Hmmm ... Is Harvey Pekar (or even, I guess, Robert Crumb) included among "characters originating in a comic strip or book"?

I was thinking that too, although I try to seperate Harvey the person from "Harvey" the chatracter. (Crumb--the movie--probabaly isn't eligible since it's a documentary, not an adaptation.)

But I'll probabaly have a hard time coming up with 12. The Twelve Worst, on the other hand...

MDG

[dan bailey]

Hey, I'm trying! I just don't think I've seen 12 comics-based movies in my life (or any TV shows, except for cartoons as a kid* ... &, oh yeah, Adam West's Batman). I can think of ... six? Benday-Dot & I are totally in the same boat.

Too bad I never read my copy of Ted White's Captain America novel, The Great Gold Steal. It's now long gone.




*Hmmmm. Maybe I can count the Marvel Super-Heroes adaptations of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Cap & Sub-Mariner from '66-'67 as five separate selections?

[Cei-U!]

Hmmm ... Is Harvey Pekar (or even, I guess, Robert Crumb) included among "characters originating in a comic strip or book"?

Pekar, for sure. Crumb, I dunno. Should documentaries about comics or their creators count? I'm inclined to say no but I'm open to arguments in favor.

Cei-U!
I summon the consensus!

[Cei-U!]

And another reminder, folks: adaptations of newspaper comic strips are also eligible. At least three of my choices fall into that category.

Cei-U!
I summon the broadened horizons!

[Chris Nowlin]

*Hmmmm. Maybe I can count the Marvel Super-Heroes adaptations of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Cap & Sub-Mariner from '66-'67 as five separate selections?

Long before I ever read my first comic, I watched all of those.

My mom made me pay attention to Thor and Sub-Mariner, as they were here favourites (I think she liked regal and handsome men; I'm not sure what it says that she assumed I would too)

[foxley]

Pekar, for sure. Crumb, I dunno. Should documentaries about comics or their creators count? I'm inclined to say no but I'm open to arguments in favor.

Cei-U!
I summon the consensus!

I would also say no to documentaries on comics or their creators, but that adaptions of autobiographical comics are okay. So the American Splendor movie is in beacuse its based on Pekar's graphic novels, but Crumb and Comic Book Confidential are out.

[The Confessor]

Should documentaries about comics or their creators count? I'm inclined to say no but I'm open to arguments in favor.

I don't think they should be allowed either, for what it's worth.

[dan bailey]

I don't think they should be allowed either, for what it's worth.

I would say "no" as well ... & I'm the one who brought it up in the first place.

[dan bailey]

And another reminder, folks: adaptations of newspaper comic strips are also eligible. At least three of my choices fall into that category.


As would at least one of mine, come to think of it.

Yeah, upon further review, I'm in.

[benday-dot]

Now if I could pick journalism, commentary, essay, interview, article, historical/cultural book and other such prose based on the comic book I could lay down twelve with some satisfaction.

But hey just thinkin' out loud. I know such things are not what Cei-U has envisioned.

[benday-dot]

I actually am very interested in the films people pick. Because my God they have proven to be an underwhelming lot.

Okay, some aren't quite steaming turds, but man too many of them would have those squigley little poo lines if they appeared somehow as a panel in a comic book.

[Cei-U!]

I would also say no to documentaries on comics or their creators, but that adaptions of autobiographical comics are okay. So the American Splendor movie is in beacuse its based on Pekar's graphic novels, but Crumb and Comic Book Confidential are out.

That was my thinking. Since that seems to sit well with folks so far, I'm calling it that way for now: documentaries are ineligible. The rules are up for debate through the 13th, though, so anyone with a good argument otherwise, please feel free to make your case.

Now if I could pick journalism, commentary, essay, interview, article, historical/cultural book and other such prose based on the comic book I could lay down twelve with some satisfaction.

But hey just thinkin' out loud. I know such things are not what Cei-U has envisioned.

No, they aren't, but maybe you've just picked next year's theme.

Cei-U!
I summon the precognition!

[Indigo Al]

May I join?

And, could music be considered an "adaptation"? (ie, a theme song for a show based on a comic)?

[Lone Ranger]

I actually am very interested in the films people pick. Because my God they have proven to be an underwhelming lot.


You may only be thinking of big budget superhero films.

If you cast a wider net - you'll catch better tasting fish.

This is why I love Kurt's topic - forcing me to really give it some thought and I've come up with some gems.

[Cei-U!]

May I join?

Of course!

And, could music be considered an "adaptation"? (ie, a theme song for a show based on a comic)?

I don't see why not.

Cei-U!
I summon the pitchpipe!

[shaxper]

Wow. I've been working quietly on my list for the past few days, but first checked in on this thread now. Seems like I'm going in a very different direction than most. I pretty much went with TV shows, cartoons, and movies.

[dan bailey]

And, could music be considered an "adaptation"? (ie, a theme song for a show based on a comic)?

What about songs, period? I'm thinking of a certain 30-year-old punk 7" in my possession with lyrics that explicitly reference certain Marvel monster mags & Silver Age creators & story titles ...

[Cei-U!]

Wow. I've been working quietly on my list for the past few days, but first checked in on this thread now. Seems like I'm going in a very different direction than most. I pretty much went with TV shows, cartoons, and movies.

Not so different. 11 of the 12 on my list are one of the three.

What about songs, period?

Sure. McCartney's "Magneto and Titanium Man" barely missed making my list.

Cei-U!
Starting to get antsy already!

[benday-dot]

You may only be thinking of big budget superhero films.

If you cast a wider net - you'll catch better tasting fish.

This is why I love Kurt's topic - forcing me to really give it some thought and I've come up with some gems.

I'm sure you have Scott! I'm looking forward to your choices.

I have been thinking hard about Cei-U's project. I listened last night to an old radio radio show of Terry and the Pirates to see if it would make the grade. I used to listen to a lot of this stuff, particular the Shadow, which wouldn't be eligible. Sadly, while the radio show has its charms... without the Caniff cartooning it's not quite there.

I have a list of about 6 items so far, 2 of them movies.

[Kan-Man]

I'm sure you have Scott! I'm looking forward to your choices.

I have been thinking hard about Cei-U's project. I listened last night to an old radio radio show of Terry and the Pirates to see if it would make the grade. I used to listen to a lot of this stuff, particular the Shadow, which wouldn't be eligible. Sadly, while the radio show has its charms... without the Caniff cartooning it's not quite there.

I have a list of about 6 items so far, 2 of them movies.

You have 2 weeks to check out 30-40 adaptations (that way you can pick your top 12 objectively.) I'm sure you've got plenty of time to devote solely to this, so hop to it. Of course, I'm only giving you a hard time because your input would be sorely missed.

[shaxper]

My list is done: 4 films, 1 animated film, 2 TV shows, 1 movie serial, and 4 cartoons.

[Chris Nowlin]

My list is done: 4 films, 1 animated film, 2 TV shows, 1 movie serial, and 4 cartoons.

My list remains in a state of flux, as I'm coming across hard decisions.

At the moment:

5 cartoon series
4 feature films
2 animated movies
1 nonanimated TV series

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

But there's one more TV series and two other feature films and several things I haven't thought of yet that I'd like to find space for.

[T GUy]

a Partridge in a Pear Tree.


Ineligible - the comics adapted the TV series. To quote the GCD, Based on the TV show. (http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11397)

[Indigo Al]

My list isn't done, but I'm at
1 set of theme songs, 5-6 movies (depending), 2 cartoons, 2 TV series.

I'm not gonna be able to wow anyone with too many non-superhero choices...

[Reptisaurus!]

Hmm. How 'bout the Peanuts comic BOOK?

[Cei-U!]

Hmm. How 'bout the Peanuts comic BOOK?

Nope. It has to be a medium other than comics.

Cei-U!
I summon the hardline!

[shaxper]

I'm not gonna be able to wow anyone with too many non-superhero choices...

Me neither. I've got two non-superhero choices in the list.

[Aaron King]

I think I can figure this one out although there may be some clunkers on my list. Count me in.

And thanks again and ahead of time for Kurt's past, present, and future efforts on this front.

[Cei-U!]

I think I can figure this one out although there may be some clunkers on my list. Count me in.

I guarantee at least one of my choices will have eyes rolling but I did specify "favorite," not "best."

And thanks again and ahead of time for Kurt's past, present, and future efforts on this front.

It really is my pleasure.

Cei-U!
I summon the holiday fun!

[shaxper]

My preferences are almost always guarenteed to have eyes rolling ;)

I second the hearty thanks, especially since you've offered to post mine for me. I really do appreciate that extra effort on top of all energy you're putting into this.

[benday-dot]

You have 2 weeks to check out 30-40 adaptations (that way you can pick your top 12 objectively.) I'm sure you've got plenty of time to devote solely to this, so hop to it. Of course, I'm only giving you a hard time because your input would be sorely missed.

Well thank you. And of course to Cei-U for making me think. Looks like I have a list of 9 now. So three more... I'm trying!

[foxley]

My top four were worked out fairly quickly and easily. The remaining eight are in a state of flux and will probably continue to be so until I actually start posting. :confused:

Still, it's a fun exercise.

[MDG]

In case people need a jump-start:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_based_on_English-language_comics

MDG

[dan bailey]

I haven't checked that link out, but just a couple of hours ago I realized that a certain Japanese horror flick that impressed me a couple of years ago is based on a manga ...

[Indigo Al]

Cei-U: Any objection to counting 2 or more films within one series as one choice? So for example, say my 12th Day choice is Batman Forever & Batman and Robin?

(Even I'm not sick enough to front those as my choices, although some of my other ones may make you all cringe).

[Paradox]

Cei-U! has a groaner:

I guarantee at least one of my choices will have eyes rolling but I did specify "favorite," not "best."

Oh, heck, that'll be a decent chunk of my list. :)

I'm in. Always like to match up tastes with Kurt. Half the time it's like looking in a mirror.

[Cei-U!]

I'm in. Always like to match up tastes with Kurt. Half the time it's like looking in a mirror.

The other half, it's like gazing into the abyss! :D

Cei-U!
I summon the hellmouth!

[Cei-U!]

Cei-U: Any objection to counting 2 or more films within one series as one choice? So for example, say my 12th Day choice is Batman Forever & Batman and Robin?

No objection.

Cei-U!
I like saying "Yes"!

[benday-dot]

Well, I got my twelve today... I think. So it seems I'm in. At least one is so pulse poundingly controversial that Cei-U shall surely ban it. ;)

[Chris Nowlin]

The other half, it's like gazing into the abyss! :D

Cei-U!
I summon the hellmouth!

Remember Paradox:
if you gaze for long into Cei-U!, Cei-U! gazes also into you.

[Paradox]

Hrrm .

[Fred2]

I thought somehow this year it would be the 12 days of Christmas for one's favorite artist.

Mine are:

1. Jim Aparo
2. John Buscema
3. Brian Bolland
4. Neal Adams
5. Kevin Maguire
6. Dick Dillin
7. Alex Ross
8. Jack Kirby
9. Sal Buscema
10. Dave Gibbons
11. Gary Frank
12. A. Hughes



My favorite comic book movie is the Adam West version of Batman. Cannot beat a movie having 4 villains (Joker, Penguin, Riddler and Catwoman.)

[MWGallaher]

Fred, you and I would've agreed on the number one artist...but I think that a lot of the Classics Forum regulars have become pretty familiar with each others' favorite artists, so I appreciate our Christmas host going for something a little different this year. I'm looking forward to this one: I've got one pick already that will really push the envelope (or at least I anticipate that it will) that I hadn't even thought about in years until we got this preview of the topic!

[benday-dot]

MWG, I'm glad I'm not alone in anticipating some serious envelope pushing on Cei-U's great topic for this year's Christmas shindig on CBR Classics. Some of my choices threaten to push that old envelope right over the edge. I hope Cei-U is in a generous mood this season... I'll need it!

[T GUy]

(Even I'm not sick enough to front those as my choices, although some of my other ones may make you all cringe).

Oh, I'm convinced one of mine will induce a cringe in each and every one of you.

[Cei-U!]

Oh, I'm convinced one of mine will induce a cringe in each and every one of you.

Tease.

Cei-U!
I summon the long week!

[foxley]

I'm expecting a bewildered "What is he talking about?" for at least one of mine that I suspect is not well-known in the US.

[The Confessor]

OK, I'd like a bit of clarification on the 'songs' front. If a song is titled after a comic character and alludes to that character in the lyrics but isn't specifically about that character, does that still count?

I'm thinking that maybe that would be a bit of a cop out and not really eligible.

[Cei-U!]

OK, I'd like a bit of clarification on the 'songs' front. If a song is titled after a comic character and alludes to that character in the lyrics but isn't specifically about that character, does that still count?

I'm thinking that maybe that would be a bit of a cop out and not really eligible.

A song like Paul McCatney's "Magneto and Titanium Man," which is about the title characters, would be eligible. One like Donovan's "Sunshine Superman," which drops the names of Superman and Green Lantern but isn't about them, would not be. If a chosen song falls somewhere in between, I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Cei-U!
I hate playing rules Nazi!

[dr_cyclops]

No "Sunshine Superman"? That was my first choice.:mad:
Even though I don't like you, I'm making a list anyway.;)

[Cei-U!]

For those of you struggling with your lists, I should point out that Randy Bowen-style sculpture, action figures, Aurora models, Roy Lichtenstein paintings and Shazam! Underoos would all be eligible under my rules. Any medium other than comics.

Cei-U!
I expand the horizon! :D

[The Confessor]

A song like Paul McCatney's "Magneto and Titanium Man," which is about the title characters, would be eligible. One like Donovan's "Sunshine Superman," which drops the names of Superman and Green Lantern but isn't about them, would not be. If a chosen song falls somewhere in between, I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Cei-U!
I hate playing rules Nazi!

Yeah, I think you're absolutely right with that call. Interestingly, Donovan's Sunshine Superman was one I was toying with including in my list but in my heart it felt like it was a lame choice. Thanks for clarifying.

[foxley]

Yeah, I think you're absolutely right with that call. Interestingly, Donovan's Sunshine Superman was one I was toying with including in my list but in my heart it felt like it was a lame choice. Thanks for clarifying.

However, that does mean that XTC's superhero songs are eligible: 'Braniac's Daughter', 'You're Really Super, Supergirl', 'Sergeant Rock (Is Coming to Save Me)' ... :D

[Slam_Bradley]

As I toy with this I find that the top 4 or five are pretty easy and pretty set in stone. The rest are kind of Ehhhh and could be in pretty much any order or be replaced by something I'm not thinking of.

[Paradox]

Whew. Ready. Had a HECK of a time paring out the last four.

Ended up with...

7 live-action movies
3 TV cartoons
2 "other"

Let the games begin! :)

[dan bailey]

Whereas I'm looking at probably at least 7 songs. The number of comics-related TV shows &, to a slightly lesser extent, movies I haven't seen is ... considerable.

[Hintermann]

This one will be difficult especially for me because my comic tastes are non-superhero type. Having said that, I will almost certainly include a couple of SHs in my list if I do take part because some of them worked well as movie adaptations.

[dan bailey]

Sorry to drag this one back up, Kurt, but I just realized I need a rules clarification, since this possibility only suggested itself to me late last night.

What about adaptations of ... for lack of a better term ... non-comics comics? I.e. magazine cartoons that never appeared in newspaper strip or comic book format?

[Cei-U!]

Sorry to drag this one back up, Kurt, but I just realized I need a rules clarification, since this possibility only suggested itself to me late last night.

What about adaptations of ... for lack of a better term ... non-comics comics? I.e. magazine cartoons that never appeared in newspaper strip or comic book format?

Like Hazel, you mean? I'd allow it.

Cei-U!
I summon the A-OK!

[dan bailey]

Cool!

Except that now I'll have to *choke* sub out one of my remaining picks ...