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
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

Category: Movies
Genre: Animation

It’s a “streamline” origin story.- Timster

Longtime “shell head” fans may not be open to this interpretation of their tin hero

And my bro was right.

However, longtime “shell head” fans may not be open to this interpretation of their tin hero and would most likely be abhorrently disappointed with the incorporation of James “Rhodey” Rhodes (voiced superbly by Rodney Saulsberry) into Tony Stark’s figurative transformation into Iron Man (voiced by Marc Worden who is no stranger to the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man with 2006’s Ultimate Avengers and Ultimate Avengers II under his belt.), The Mandarin’s power rings (or lack of), and the disgusting convenience and progression of the Mark01 armor as well as Tony’s other proverbial “toys for the big boys.”

Overall, it was entertaining—despite the potential gaff in interpreting the Chinese “demon elementals” as Western elements (air, earth, fire, and water instead of earth, fire, metal, water, and wood), I have nothing but praise for the voice actors as I believe Gwendoline Yeo (voiced Li Mei), Fred Tatasciore (The Mandarin), John McCook (Howard Stark), Elisa Gabrielli (Virginia ‘Pepper’ Pots) and the aforementioned Saulsberry and Worde played their roles to the hilt.

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Now playing: Allen Iverson & G-Unit – Freestyle
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Category: Comics
Company: Marvel Comics
Year: 1993 (November-December)
Title: Spider-Man 2099
Issue(s): 12-14

“Somebody with some modicum of intelligence fill me in…NOW!” – Tyler Stone

Thanatos pulls Net Prophet into 2099 A.D.

Focusing on Spider-Man 2099 issues 12-14 (October-December 1993), writer Peter David and penciled by Rick Leonardi (Issues 12 & 13)/Tom Grindberg (Issue 14) introduce the dimensional refugee called “Net Prophet” to the world of 2099. The story begins when a commandeered Alchemax project known as “The Virtual Unreality Program,” succeeds in recreating “some of the forgotten work of Reed Richards” and brings “Proph” to 2099.

The Net Prophet’s arrival is hardly a coincidence and seems to be part of much larger machinations by the story arcs’ antagonist (Thanatos) who incapacitates Proph and propels Spider-man 2099 and himself into the Interspace dimension (described as “a place one stop removed from the nexus of all realities.”) wherein the latter true power is revealed.

However, with the timely manifestation of Proph’s psionic abilities, he comes to the aid of Spider-Man who in turn assists Net Prophet in his rehabilitation and initial acculturation to the present period.

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Now playing: Maroon 5 – Nothing Lasts Forever (Live)
via FoxyTunes

Category: Movies
Genre: Action & Adventure

“The Avengers Initiative.” – Nicholas Joseph Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)

I work best in seclusion...

He’s the cool exec…With a heart of steel…

45 years ago, the quartet of Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby came up with the concept of Iron Man.

The Invincible Iron Man.

An ordinary man wielding the power of a suit with seemingly limitless power.

A second skin, which makes its user more than just an ordinary man.

An idea that was born out of necessity and the dream of freedom.

The vision of a one Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark.

The former harbinger of death is now the champion of the oppressed as he seeks to save the innocent from the weapons which he created.

Tony Stark said, “Not everyone is given second chances.”

And with those words—he has found his purpose.

L to R: James Rhodes (Terrence Howard), Virginia "Pepper" Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Anthony "Tony" Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges)

Behind the scenes

Advances in technology, a director’s artistic vision, and actors who have embraced their roles have brought old “shell head” and the world of Tony Stark to life.

At first, I had my doubts when Robert Downey, Jr.—a recovered substance user—was cast as Iron Man/Tony Stark (who is an alcoholic). But these fears were quickly put to rest in the first few minutes as he really made me believe that he was Tony Stark.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s portrayal of Virginia “Pepper” Potts was also excellent as she was able to portray Potts loyalty to Stark.

And Jeff Bridges as the film’s antagonist—Obadiah Stane. Man, I didn’t even recognize him at first with his shaved head and full beard. He brought out the best in his character: a true villain. A maniacal seed of evil.

Overall, this film didn’t need the $50 million dollars that Marvel and Paramount Pictures forked over to market the film.

They didn’t have too.

45 years of Marvel fans would attest to that.

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

Category: Movies
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller

“Don’t make me…hungry…” “You wouldn’t like me when I’m…hungry…” – Dr. Bruce Banner (speaking in Portuguese)

This will be the only time that Edward Norton will play Dr. Bruce Banner

Paying homage to the Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno “The Incredible Hulk” (1978) television adaptation of the late 70’s, writer Zak Penn and later on, Edward Norton (un-credited) artistically retell the origin of the gamma induced Hulk.

The film starts off strong with arguably the best three-minute opening credits—that I have ever seen—as it quickly get the Hulk’s origin out of the way (props go to editor Kyle Cooper, who also created Marvel’s flipping pages logo that is present in every Marvel movie feature). Five years pass and audiences are whisked to Brazil wherein they are introduced to Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) and his quest to find a cure for his gamma poisoning.

Days without incident (Hulk manifestation): 158 days.

But it was not to be.

This Incredible Hulk doesn't exactly strike fear into my heart...

Due to an electrical gaff, Banner’s gamma rich radiated blood finds it’s way into a bottled drink that is consumed by a Milwaukee, Wisconsin resident (Stan Lee). The U.S. Army is then alerted of this anomaly and General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt) dispatches a team led by Russian-born British special operations expert Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) to the source of the bottled drink. During the said operation, Banner turns into the Hulk and eliminates Blonsky’s team without much fanfare.

Days without incident: 1 day.

Guatemala. It’s incredible that Banner not only speaks Portuguese, but conveniently Spanish as well when he finds himself in the heart of Guatemala. As he reaches a nearby town, he is forced to solicit alms and some kid comes out of nowhere and gives him a couple of coins. Surprisingly, this is enough to adequately clothe himself as he journey’s back home to the United States.

Wait! I take that back... (Universal Studios, 2006)

Days without incident: 17 days.

Culver University. Man! Those coins that the Guatemalan kid gave must have been worth a fortune! Banner returns Culver University—the birthplace of the Hulk—and home to his love, Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Ross (Liv Tyler) in just 16 days! And that includes begging! Incognito, Banner hopes to find relevant data regarding his condition which he in turn would forward to his contact: Mr. Blue—who is really Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) with the hopes of finding a cure.

Unexpectedly, Bruce runs into Betty and the following morning as he bid her goodbye—General Ross and a spruced-up “Super-Solider” Blonsky attempt to capture Banner yet again.

Aided by some teargas, the Hulk emerges for within Banner and deals with the Military promptly and flees with an unconscious Betty Ross to an undisclosed location (Isn’t it funny that the U.S. Government would allow such an elaborate use of force on American soil without as much as a cover-up? Hehehe…)

Days without incident: 1 day.

A cave. Banner is back. Betty makes some living and transportation arrangements after pawning some of her sentimental jewelry. Betty and Bruce are now considered fugitives by the U.S. Government and journey to New York City to meet face-to-face with Dr. Sterns.

Wanna Tussle?

Sterns (who later on becomes the villain known as “The Leader”) assists Banner with a potential cure and is ecstatic with the medical possibilities that Banner’s gamma radiated blood can give to the world. But Banner would have nothing of it as he fears it will merely be used as a weapon and requests for Sterns “Mr. Green” samples to be destroyed.

Almost immediately, a dart penetrates the lab and immobilizes Banner. He does not change—much to the dismay of Blonsky who was just itching for a rematch with the Hulk.

As soon as things settle down, Banner and Betty and loaded onto General Ross’ chopper as Blonsky stays behind and aggressively convinces Sterns to “give me what he got.” Weighing the ethical risks and fearing for his life, Dr. Sterns agrees to Blonsky’s request but not before warning him that such an unstable concoction may “turn him into an Abomination.”

Abomination Origin in one sentence: Blonsky tells Dr. Samuel Sterns to “give me what he got.”

Blonsky’s transformation is instantaneous and in the process knocking down Sterns who’s injured head inadvertently receives several drops of the “Mr. Green” sample.

Sterns head starts bulging and growing…

By this time, Blonsky/Abomination wrecks havoc on “the city that never sleeps” in search of a worthy fight. While high above, General Ross, Betty, and Banner receive reports of the Abomination’s rampage and are in agreement to turn back to the site of the carnage as only the Hulk can stop him.

Banner is dropped from the chopper and hits the ground with a resounding thud. The Hulk emerges and does battle against the Abomination in front of the Apollo Theater.

More property damage ensues.

The two Goliaths go at it for a good seven minutes before the Hulk’s rage allows him to best Ross’ Abomination.

"You wouldn’t like me when I’m…hungry…"

The Hulk and Betty share a moment before the Hulk is forced to flee as more Military reinforcements arrive.

Days without incident: 31 days.

British Columbia. We find Banner meditating and from the looks of things, he has done pretty well for himself based on his well-stocked cottage.

Banner opens his eyes.

They turn green.

Days without incident: 0 days.

“RELOAD!”

As General Ross screams for more alcohol, the familiar face of Anthony “Tony” Stark enters the bar (which is ironic since Stark himself is an alcoholic). Stark engages Ross in some small talk before mentioning that he is assembling a team…

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Now playing: Thug Life – Pour Out A Little Liquor
via FoxyTunes

Cap No More…

Met Spider-Man & Captain America at Universal Studios back in 2006

The late comic book writer Mark Gruenwald has been in the comic business for over 20 years and his greatest work in my opinion is his run on the Marvel Comics icon–Captain America. Gruenwald defined the personality of Captain America starting with issue 273 until issue 442 (Captain America’s last issue was 452) and one of his most memorable story lines was “Cap No More” (Issue 332 till 350) wherein the US Government discovers the secret identity of Cap and subsequently declares the costume, shield, and very symbol that is Captain America as government property.

In order to retain the persona of Captain America, Steve Rogers was ordered to serve as a government agent answering only to the Higher Commission, a group of suits in charge of super human activities. However, with the United States being a free country, Rogers eventually decided to evoked his right to choose and relinquished the uniform and shield of Captain America.

After several weeks, Rogers emerged as “The Captain” and armed with a Vibranium shield provided by Stark Enterprises, The Captain went after a number of villains like the Serpent Society, Famine of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse, Crossbones, The Red Skull, etc.

Captain America #354

The Captain was not alone in this crusade as he teamed up with old friends (e.g., The Falcon and Nomad) and made some new ones along the way (e.g., “D-Man” or Demolition Man and Vagabond). This particular storyline concludes in issue 350 wherein the clone of Steve Rogers (revealed to hold the thoughts, memories, and very essence of the deceased Red Skull) pitted Johnny Walker, The new Captain America against the old Captain America, Steve Rogers. Ultimately, both Rogers and Walker are able to set aside their differences and work together to defeat the Red Skull.

Soon after, The Commission deemed Walker to be too volatile as Captain America and gave the mantel as well as all the rights and privileges back to Rogers who resumed his role as the original sentinel of liberty. Yet The Commission’s machinations ran deep and they had other plans for Walker. The Commission orchestrated a mock assassination as well as bought the rights to Rogers’ “The Captain” costume and subsequently gave it to Walker–now known as the U.S. Agent–in issue #354.

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