TediVillasor.com

The passing of an artist

July 3, 2010.

Michael Turner (right) and I pose for a photo during the Wizard World Los Angeles Convention in 2006.

How time flies when you are busy with the everyday happenings that make up one’s life.

I am no different.

Well, as I was going about some research online, I was suddenly reminded of the 2nd death anniversary of Aspen MLT Inc. founder Michael Turner.

Here is a tribute I wrote two years ago.

In Memory of Michael Layne Turner (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008)

Michael Turner.

Much has already been detailed with his eight-year battle with chondrosarcoma, so this tribute would basically be one that celebrates his life.

Cover of Supergirl #1 (2005) by Michael Turner.

Early history

From what I recall, Turner and a family member took a year off (commonly known as a “gap year” in the United States) before entering college to pursue medicine.  The duo decided to move closer to the beach as Turner had a loved being around water despite living all the way in Crossville, Tennessee.  During this time, the pair waited on tables to make ends meet and soaked up the sun and waves whenever they could.

Eventually, Turner–a gifted artist– turned to the comic book industry to provide supplementary income.  He eventually dropped out from school and immersed himself in his craft.  Among his most notable works at this stage of his career was the co-creation, covers, and interiors of Top Cow’s Witchblade.

By the turn of the century, Turner had gone full circle and founded his own company–Aspen MLT Inc. which was bannered by several of his creations: Ekos, Soulfire, and Fathom—the latter being a story of a heroine who is constantly in the water.

Fathom was one of Michael Turner’s finest creations.  It is also possible that he may have lived vicariously through her (Fathom) as cancer treatments had left him unable to engage in his true passion—surfing and diving.

My signed Michael Turner and Jim Lee Jam Cover from the Wizard Millennium Edition: Michael Turner.

In 2004, Turner signed several deals with giants D.C. Comics and Marvel Comics to either write, do cover illustrations, or interiors of some of the industries most popular characters: Superman, Batman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, etc.  Turner was also responsible for bringing back into continuity Kara Zor-El, who is better known as Supergirl.

Meeting the man

In 2006, I had the opportunity to meet Michael Turner at the Wizard World Tour in Los Angeles, California.  The lines were long, our meeting was brief, but in that short time, he was gracious and generous—signing everything that I brought—including the Turner inspired Supergirl shirt I was wearing.

Michael Turner passed away yesterday at the Santa Monica Hospital in California due to complications brought about by his bout with cancer.

He was 37.

Michael Layne Turner (April 21, 1971 – June 27, 2008).

Clayface from the Toys R' Us Exclusive DC Universe Clayface vs Batman/Fists of Clay Box Set

It took awhile but I was finally able to find the time to update my planned Villasor Collection website.

Thank you Flash and Tumblr.com for helping me get this “work in progress” started.

Category: Movies
Genre: Action & Adventure

“I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one.” – Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.)

See that thing in my chest? Those things can kill you...

As the comic pages turn to reveal the famed Marvel Logo, we hear the voice of Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and gradually news snippets of him flubbing through his Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.) cover story before announcing to the world that he is indeed Iron Man.

It is breaking news that reaches millions of viewers worldwide.

Some respond in cheers, while others with questions.

But to disgraced and dying physicist Anton Vanko (Yevgeni Lazarev), it represents yet another reminder of what should have been his legacy, and not that of the Stark family.

Anton Vanko passes, but not before leaving his son—physicist Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke)—with the knowledge necessary to bring the Stark legacy to its knees.

The opening credits roll as Anton proceeds to create a miniature arc reactor based on the 1960’s designs of Anton Vanko and Tony’s father, Howard Stark (John Slattery).

Six months pass…

I'd like a double cheese burger and hold the lettuce...

Set six months after the events of Iron Man, a number of themes have been set into motion by Director Jon Favreau and screenwriter Justin Theroux.  Among them are Tony’s failing health (a fallout of the crippled arc reactor technology that stops shrapnel imbedded in his chest from reaching his heart), his increasing dependence on alcohol as a short-term solution to pain, flippant behavior that he deems philanthropical (e.g., donating his entire art collection) or stimulating (e.g., deciding to drive his Grand Prix race car minutes before the start of the Monte Carlo race), the ascension of Virginia “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) as CEO of Stark Industries, the pilfering of the Mark II armor by Lt. Col James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and its evolution into the Variable Threat Response Battle Suit known as War Machine, the laughable and youthful antagonist in Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), S.H.I.E.L.D. undercover agent Natalia Romanova a.k.a. The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and the expanding roles of Colonel Nicholas Joseph “Nick” Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and surprisingly driver Happy Hogan (Director Jon Favreau) who got about five or six big scenes in this sequel.

Hey! It pays to be the king!

This is just for starters.

Enjoy the movie guys!

I’ll flesh this out in the coming days!

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Now playing: AC/DC – Back In Black
via FoxyTunes

Category: Movies (Direct-to-video)
Genre: Animation

You can only imagine how many comic books I bought when this guy "died."

14 years after—arguably—the most publicized and grieved “death” in the comic book industry, comes the first PG-13 direct-to-video animated adaptation of “The Death of Superman” entitled Superman/Doomsday.

Directed by Lauren Montgomery, Brandon Vietti, and Bruce Timm (the latter who was also responsible for other animated projects such as: Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited), Superman/Doomsday is an unprecedented animated movie having been conveyed a PG-13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America for its action violence. Superman/Doomsday pushes the envelope in its interpretation of the death of the Man of Steel, his rebirth, and eventual ascension back as the guardian of the city of Metropolis.

Actors James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and Adam Baldwin (Turistas) take over from Superman: The Animated Series voice talents’ Clancy Brown and Tim Daly and give a “new voice” to the maniacal and cunning Lex Luthor and Superman. Actress Anne Heche (Six Days Seven Nights; Psycho (1998); and Men In Trees) seems to also hold her own as reporter Lois Lane.

Overall, if you are willing to divest yourselves from established comic book cannon, this DVD is highly recommended!

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Now playing: Hiromi’s Sonicbloom – Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
via FoxyTunes

Category: Books
Genre: Comics & Graphic Novels
Author: Bruce Jones
Artist: Sean Murphy

Batman: Scarecrow Year One is a must read for any Batman fan

Published simultaneously with “Batman: Ra’s Ah-Ghul Year One” to coincide with the release of Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (which featured the aforementioned Batman arch villains). Batman: Scarecrow Year One is brilliantly illustrated by Sean Murphy and masterfully written by Bruce Jones, who takes his readers on a journey into the origins of dishonored Dr. Jonathan Keeny Crane as well as insight into the recesses of the Dynamic Duo’s fears.

Jones lends his expansive vocabulary and wit to Jonathan Keeny Crane aka “The Scarecrow” (who uses words and terms throughout the two books such as “elliptical ways,” “darkly introspective,” “bevy,” “emancipated whelp,” “furtive,” “digress,” “implausible,” “erudite,” and “debauchery” just to name a few) which I have not seen since Bob Kane’s Batman stories, the 1960’s Adam West and Burt Ward Batman television show, and Mark Waid’s and Alex Ross’ “Kingdom Come.”

I also enjoyed the interplay between the Dark Knight and the Boy Wonder, with the latter truly being a “Watson” to the former (“Homes”) in the eyes of Jones. Subtle humor could also be seen throughout the books as Batman playfully treats Robin as just that—a boy.

Batman: Scarecrow Year One’s Robin could be no older than 17-year’s old (based on his “advances” to a receptionist under the guise of “The Hammer”), but Jones gives Robin insight beyond his years (“garrulous mood,” “immaculate,” “aboretum,” and “visceral guilt” are just some the words in Robin’s equally expansive vocabulary) based on a number of references to his training under the tutelage of The Batman (“What’s the FIRST thing I taught you, Robin?” said Batman. He then added, “Everything’s a clue…no matter how insignificant.”)

Batman: Scarecrow Year One is a must read for any Batman fan—new and old. It involves very few of the familiar “Bam!” “Pow!” and “Splat!” fisticuffs as it focuses on traditional detective work which only Caped Crusaders can provide.

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Now playing: Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
via FoxyTunes

Series: Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
Episode: “Beware The Grey Ghost” (Season 1, Episode 18)
Original Air Date: November 4, 1992

The Grey Ghost (Adam West) meets The Batman (Kevin Conroy)

“Beware The Grey Ghost” (Episode #18) is featured on Volume One of Batman: The Animated Series (DC Comics Classic Collection) (1992) DVD.

After a series of unexplained yet blatant acts of arson, The Dark Knight awakes with memories of a television program that “he and his father” would stay up and watch during his youth—The Grey Ghost.

The following morning as Bruce Wayne, The Batman investigates this lead and enlists the assistance of a reluctant Simon Trent—who was the fictional actor that played The Grey Ghost (voiced by Adam West). With Trent’s help, The Batman discovers that an episode of The Grey Ghost (entitled “The Mad Bomber”) bore uncanny similarities to the Gotham City arsonist.

From there, the clues begin to fall into place and lead the duo of Batman and Trent (now clad in his Grey Ghost costume) straight to their adversary (voiced by Batman: The Animated Series creator Bruce Timm), whom they eventually bring to justice.

This is one episode of Batman: The Animated Series that I can never get tired of watching as it not only gives fans a glimpse of Bruce Wayne’s childhood, but also reveals a more human side to The Dark Knight.

Yes. Even The Batman had his idols.

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Now playing: Tears For Fears – Pale Shelter
via FoxyTunes

Series: The Batman (2004)
Episode: “Vertigo” (Season 5, Episode 55)
Original Air Date: October 6, 2007
Date Watched: January 1, 2008 (DVD)

Green Arrow and Batman take the Batmobile for a spin

Characters:

Usual Suspects:

Alfred and Robin

Origins:

Oliver Queen/Green Arrow and Count Vertigo

Baddies:

Count Vertigo and his Vertigo resistant henchmen

Cameos:

Oliver Queen

Key Events:

Star City’s Green Arrow (another rich boy’s) very convenient origin episode that seems to pay tribute to Robert Zemeckis’ “Cast Away.” Wherein Oli, stranded on some desolate island (with absolute nothing to do it seems), develops an extraordinary talent for wielding a bow.

Is it just me, or does everyone now seem to know the connection between Bruce and Batman? First Alfred (and in Episode 51, it turns out that Lucious was in on it as well), Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, Dick Grayson/Robin, Detective J’onn J’onzz/The Martian Manhunter (read Batman’s mind), Clark Kent/Superman (used his X-ray vision), and now Oliver Queen/Green Arrow (Made the association after seeing Alfred in The Cave).

Brief synopsis:

In The Brave and Bold comic book fashion, The Batman (and Robin) team up with Green Arrow to bring Count Vertigo to justice.

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Now playing: Seryoga – Liberty City: The Invasion
via FoxyTunes

Category: Movies
Genre: Action & Adventure

Green is still Green, whichever way you look at it.

Not too far removed from his success with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Brokeback Mountain) couldn’t have chosen a more difficult undertaking than 2003’s box office disappointment—(based on how much they actually spent to make this film) The Hulk.

Seriously, there really isn’t a lot of cinematic material to work with when it comes to a character that usually focuses on the most basic tenets of needs like anger, safety, love, and fear. In addition, the concept of being gifted with seemingly unearthly strength yet cursed with a feeble intelligence is a surefire way to glue patrons of all ages to their seats.

However, Lee may have taken this as a challenge and shook things up by doing away with The Hulk’s crude comic origins (that of Bruce Banner being belted by gamarays while attempting to save the life of civilian Rick Jones) in lieu of a more modern approach with elements such as genetic experimentation, gamarays, nanomites, domestic violence, and repressed emotions that combine to bring this cinematic and computer generated version of Marvel’s dark-haired green-skinned Goliath to life.

I don’t buy it.

Green is still Green, whichever way you look at it.

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Now playing: Munga – No Fraid A
via FoxyTunes

Series: The Batman (2004)
Episode: “The Batman/Superman Story” (Season 5, Episode 53 & 54)
Original Air Date: September 22, 2007 (Episode 1); September 29, 2007 (Episode 2)
Date Watched: January 1, 2008 (DVD)

The World's Finest = Batman/Superman

Characters:

Usual Suspects:

Lucious Fox and Robin

Origins:

Robin’s Jetpack and The new Bat-Bot

Baddies:

Lex Luthor, Mercy Graves, Ariel Wireless Transmitters (AWT), and Lex’s own personal “Daddy” AWT.

Cameos:

Metallo, Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Black Mask, Bane, The New Clayface, Mr. Freeze, and Poison Ivy.

Key Events:

Batman’s idea of trusting others in his fight against crime becomes more evident. Superman uses his X-Ray vision to “unmask” Batman. He also entrusts Metallo’s Kryptonite to Batman and reconsidered his decision to join the Justice League at the end of the episode.

Brief synopsis:

Batman and a Ivy/Lex controlled Superman face off (Inspired by Lee and Loeb’s “Hush”? And Miller’s “Dark Knight Returns”). The World’s Greatest Detective discovers the secret identity of Superman by consolidating (The Daily Planet and Metropolis Garden Apartments) the “supersonic disturbances” generated by the Man of Steel himself (All to easy). Lois doesn’t think much of Clark, yet they live an apartment away from each other (Lois resides in Apartment #1009, while Clark’s is at #1011)

Robin’s “Asta la Vista, Baby” along with Metallo’s exposed hand in the garbage compactor pays tribute to James Cameron’s Terminator 2.

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Now playing: Michael Hunter – Soviet Connection (The Theme From Grand Theft Auto IV)
via FoxyTunes