Skipping to Conclusions: Once Upon a Time Graphic Novel

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Anika

In geekdom, we see a lot of teasers. Sometimes it’s just an image or the name of a creator, other times it’s a trailer or a simple tag line. Whatever it is, it’s meant to get a reaction from you and start a discussion. Inspired by the anticipation and buzz caused by these teasers, we at Fantastic Fangirls present Skipping to Conclusions in which we speculate about the comics, movies, TV shows, or whatever we’re excited about but hasn’t come out yet.

by Anika

Marvel has announced a Once Upon a Time graphic novel. Let me repeat that. Marvel has announced a Once Upon a Time GRAPHIC NOVEL!

Dive into the immersive world of ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” like never before as Marvel Entertainment and Disney-ABC Television Group are proud to announce ONCE UPON A TIME: SHADOW OF THE QUEEN, an all-new original graphic novel hardcover inspired by the popular series. Plotted by series writer and co-producer Dan Thomsen and co-written by Corinna Bechko, this landmark release fits into the official continuity of “Once Upon a Time” and features the lush art of Nimit Malavia, Vasilis Lolos, Mike Del Mundo, Stephanie Hans and Mike Henderson

Okay, there are many obvious reasons why this is exciting for me. I’ve mentioned how important the show is to me and even gone so far as to suggest that Peter Parker and Henry Mills should totally meet up (aside: in that same vein, Miles Morales and Henry Mills should totally be BFF. They can bond over legacies and expectations and learning the world you know is not the only one there is. Someone make this happen). I love pretty much everything involved in this endeavor: fairy tales, comic books, Marvel, Disney, Storybrooke… here are some of the various artists’ work:

Michael Del Mundo

Nimit Malavia

Stephanie Hans

So that will be beautiful!

And then, here’s the story:

In ONCE UPON A TIME: SHADOW OF THE QUEEN, the Evil Queen has, quite literally, captured the Huntsman’s heart. With the Huntsman a slave, experience the never-before-told tale behind their twisted relationship—and what happens when a good man is forced to do bad. And when Regina cooks up yet another devious plan to capture Snow White the Huntsman comes face-to-face with his past, including an independent spirit in Red Riding Hood that just may match his own. Can these two break free of the forces that bind them and save Snow White?

It’s an Evil Queen story! It’s Hunstman backstory! Including an independent spirit in Red Riding Hood! I cannot contain my glee!

an illustration from Henry’s book

But there is one more conclusion I am skipping to. Disney as Marvel’s parent company has been great for the movies and I love the abundance of Spider-Man merchandise alongside Cinderella merchandise in my local mall but the impact on comics hasn’t been as positively reviewed. But this move is exciting for me. This is Disney using Marvel to expand their television audience with comics and maybe, just maybe, their comic book audience with fairy tales. Once Upon a Time is extremely comic-booky. All the complaints (and/or commendations) about it’s wide scope and cast of thousands and non-linear plot and spectrum of grey characters and even the obsession with Daddy Issues are things that comic book fans are used to because comic books, and especially Marvel comic books, are built on them. This is Disney marketing (or at least aiming) comic books to their Princess fans. To the people who buy their dolls and go to their parks and watch their Sunday night family hour show. To moms and little girls. To me and my daughter. And I CANNOT WAIT to buy it. Where do I preorder?

Skipping to Conclusions: Star Wars Episode VII

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Anika

In geekdom, we see a lot of teasers. Sometimes it’s just an image or the name of a creator, other times it’s a trailer or a simple tag line. Whatever it is, it’s meant to get a reaction from you and start a discussion. Inspired by the anticipation and buzz caused by these teasers, we at Fantastic Fangirls present Skipping to Conclusions in which we speculate about the comics, movies, TV shows, or whatever we’re excited about but hasn’t come out yet.

Last week the internet broke in half–it was as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. Disney announced they were buying Lucasfilm for over $4 billion in cash and stock, and further, that in 2015 audiences would see the next chapter in the much-loved and revered Star Wars saga.

So this week, Ali and Anika are Skipping along together to Conclusions about Disney’s Star Wars: Episode VII.

What do you think about Stars Wars movies being made without George Lucas? Are you excited or nervous about Disney taking control?

ANIKA

First, I have to give the same disclaimer I did when Disney bought Marvel: I love Disney, I’ve always loved Disney, and if they took over the whole world, I’d be pretty okay with it. That out of the way, I am SO EXCITED. Star Wars is an important part of my childhood and my life. If my daughter had been born a son there is a very strong likelihood that she would be named “Anakin” because I have been in love with Darth Vader since I was seven years old. So this (as with Marvel before) is a marriage of two of my favorite things and I couldn’t be happier.

As for George Lucas, I’ve always considered him a visionary, a great storyteller, and a horrible director. And in terms of the prequels at least, a mediocre producer. He has wonderful ideas, but his execution is lacking. A lot. Let me explain my vision of George by misquoting Han Solo:

“Good with remotes is one thing. Good with the living? That’s something else.”

So, it’s my opinion that relegating Lucas to an advisory position is The Best Thing to happen to Star Wars since he decided not to direct The Empire Strikes Back.

ALI

While most everyone is in agreement that the original Star Wars trilogy is the most awesome thing in several galaxies, the Prequels are somewhat polarizing. And I think that’s down to Lucas. Like, Anika said, I think he’s got these brilliant ideas for the epic story he’s been telling for like 40 years, but I’m glad to see this change hands. I think the franchise desperately needed a fresh set of eyes to really be able to tell this story to a new generation.

So what do I think about Disney being that fresh set of eyes? I’m mostly OK with this. I like Disney. I think, as an organization, they’re committed to telling stories that everyone can enjoy. And they’re good at it. Yes, they’ve had a few mis-steps. Sometimes I think they try to pander to too broad an audience. And I’m more than a little frightened by how they’ll handle the marketing for the new Star Wars films after the fiasco that was John Carter (not of Mars). But the bottom line is I think Star Wars is in very capable hands.

Also, now Leia is a Disney Princess!

What writers, directors, and/or producers would you like to see working on this new trilogy?

ANIKA

Kathleen Kennedy is staying on and taking over at Lucasfilm and she will run it as a division of the Walt Disney Studios. Kennedy is one of Steven Spielberg’s main collaborators and has an impressive filmography as producer, particularly as a woman. So that’s good.

For director, I’d nominate Alfonso Cuaron because Prisoner of Azkaban changed the course of the Harry Potter films, and I credit him with taking that franchise from okay films based on great books to great films. And with turning Emma Watson, and especially Daniel Radcliffe, into actors. He has proven he can create a beautiful film for children (A Little Princess), adults (Children of Men), or both (Harry Potter), but he is not so famous or accomplished that he will be given free reign. Free reign is a BAD thing (see: George Lucas, Peter Jackson, Chris Nolan). Cuaron would be a surprising choice to direct Star Wars and I think that would be a benefit.

I also think J.J. Abrams’s Star Trek was the perfect blend of nostalgia and new life and I wouldn’t mind seeing him do the same with Star Wars. I do not want Joss Whedon or Peter Jackson anywhere near this project.

ALI

Kathleen Kennedy is really a prolific producer with an amazing resume. I think, since she’s worked so closely with Spielberg and Lucas before, she’ll be able to keep the new Star Wars grounded in the original world created by Lucas. But I think she needs to bring in a team very different to really make this project something special and not just the same old thing.

It could be because Saga has been sort of compared to Star Wars (and is so insanely, unbelievably fantastic that it’s not even fair) but I would LOVE to see a script by for Episode VII by Brian K. Vaughan. One of his biggest strengths is taking these big, fantastical concepts and grounding them with personal stories. His dialogue is snappy and witty, but still feels natural and honest. His characters are relatable and endearing, no matter what insane events they’re being out through.

That for me is what Star Wars is really about. The epic journey of a farm boy trying to make sense of who he is and how to find his place in a grand, sweeping universe.

For the director, I think Disney already has the perfect candidate: Brad Bird. I know that the majority of Bird’s work is in animation. But can you honestly tell me, the creative mind behind movies like The Incredibles, Up and Iron Giant wouldn’t be fantastic at introducing Star Wars to a new audience?! Like Vaughan, his movies tell smaller, personal stories on a epic and fantastical scale. They’re also so very full of heart. Something I believe the new chapter of this classic franchise so desperately needs.

Bird’s movies are also full of action and adventure. He knows, the way Spielberg and Lucas knew in the beginning of their careers, how to capture that fun and wonderful pulp sensibility and create something for everyone to enjoy. And he does it so effortlessly that it never feels forced.

What about the plot? Where do you think the continuing story should pick up? What characters should appear?

ANIKA

Jaina Solo is identical to the character I made up in my head when I was twelve and my main goal in life was to be in the Star Wars sequels. The twin daughter of Han and Leia who grows up to be a kick ass pilot. To be fair, I resembled Carrie Fisher enough for this to be plausible — and still do, older Leia open casting call I am THERE. Anyway, I don’t need the new films to be about the next generation of Skywalker kids but I would love it. I’ve read maybe 50% of the Extended Universe books and comics (I’m not over the death of Anakin Solo).

But I know Lucas has his own next trilogy outlined and I want to see that even if there are no Skywalker kids, EU-ish or otherwise. But that said…Han and Leia HAVE to have kids/twins, though, right? I would be lying if I said I’d be completely okay with no Little Solos at all.

ALI

Remember that “epic journey of a farm boy trying to make sense of who he is and how to find his place in a grand, sweeping universe” thing I just said? I meant that for both the Original Movies and the Prequels. And I think the same goes for this new trilogy… well, mostly. I think it would add a nice symmetry to the Star Wars saga as a whole, and I think it’s a formula that really works with audiences. But instead of the farm boy, I’d like it to be Jaina Solo (and her twin brother and the other Skywalker and Solo kids). I’d start the movies off with Jaina in her late teens/early twenties, struggling with the legacy of being Leia’s daughter and Luke’s niece. It can be a compelling story and something I’d love to watch.

AND! You can get Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford to cameo as older Luke, Leia and Han. Which would be awesome.

So how about you guys? What are you predictions for Star Wars: Episode VII?

Two Fairy Tale Characters Walk into a Diner

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Jennifer

Posted by Jennifer Smith

Note: Today, it was announced that The Walt Disney Corporation has bought Marvel. Though there’s been much wailing and mocking and gnashing of teeth, I think there’s quite a bit of synergy already — synergy I thought I’d illustrate.

Captain America stepped into the diner and took a seat at a table. This was a favorite spot for meet ups between members of different superhero teams; he and Logan had once met here to compare notes about the recent activities of the Avengers and the X-Men.* And though this new girl wasn’t technically part of a superhero team, her corporation had recently made some new ties with SHIELD and Stark Industries, and she was going to be working with Steve and his friends more closely. It only seemed polite to set up a meeting.

(When Tony had seen the girl’s picture, he’d all but jumped at the chance to meet with her himself, but Steve had spoken up instead. Tony’s charm was good for a lot of things, but this girl was supposed to be a bit old-fashioned, and Steve had a feeling he was the better man for the job.)

When the girl walked in, Steve recognized her instantly: she wore a huge, poofy dress, her hair and makeup were immaculate, and she was followed by two singing bluebirds.

“Cinderella?” he asked, rising from his table.

“Please, call me Cindy. You must be Steve.”

Steve smiled and took Cindy’s hand, bringing it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cindy. And, ah, Cindy’s birds.”

Cindy looked up and blushed. “Oh! I’m sorry, they just follow me everywhere. I forget that some people aren’t used to them.”

“Oh, it’s fine. My best friend has the same problem,” Steve said, pulling out Cindy’s chair.

The two sat down and put in their orders – they were quite a sight, visions in blue and white in their respective costumes, but the waitresses here were used to that sort of thing. They made polite small talk until their food came, and finally Cindy spoke up. “Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”

“Well, what’s to say?” Steve had never much enjoyed talking about himself, but he’d been asked the question enough times that he had his answer prepared. “I was born in New York in 1921 to a poor family; my parents both died before I reached adulthood.”

Cindy glanced down at her teacup. “I’m sorry. I know how hard that is. My friends and I, well… we know what it’s like, growing up without parents.”

Steve nodded, touched by the girl’s empathy, and swallowed a bite of his pie. “Then the war came, and I wanted to serve my country. They wouldn’t let me, at first – not as I was – but I was persistent, and eventually I found a way for them to accept me. I volunteered to become America’s first super-soldier.”

Cindy smiled, sipping her tea. “There’s nothing I admire more than people willing to give up everything for others. You should meet my friend Mulan. I think you’d get along.”

“I’d like that,” Steve replied, remembering a story he’d heard long ago about a girl in China who’d fought as a man.

“Please, continue.”

“Well, after that, I fought the war for a few years. I became Captain America, in body and soul – and when I was just normal private Steve Rogers, bumbling around at camp, no one suspected who I was in the costume.”

Cindy smiled enigmatically. “It’s a powerful thing, isn’t it? Being someone else for a time? Putting on a costume?”

“It can be dangerous,” Steve replied. “I have friends who can never reveal their true identities to anyone, for fear that someone will try to hurt them, or the ones they love. But there’s certainly a power to it.”

“So what happened next?” Cindy prompted. “You’ll excuse me for saying it, but you don’t look like a man who’s been alive since World War II. Have you spent time in Neverland?”

Steve laughed. “How kind of you. No, something happened, at the end of the war, and I was frozen in a block of ice for decades. I only awoke when the Avengers found me, and thawed me out. It was quite a shock.”

“An enchanted sleep.” Cindy nodded. “I remember Aurora having some difficulty adjusting to the passage of time when she awoke. Snow, too, though she didn’t sleep for long. Luckily she had friends, like you did, though I imagine yours are somewhat taller.”

“That depends,” Steve replied, with a grin. “One is as tall as he wants to be, but another can shrink to the size of a bee. They control it with pills.”

“Oh!” Cindy said. “Just like Alice. What a coincidence! Do all of your friends have special powers?”

“Many of them do,” Steve said. “I couldn’t even begin to name them all. Some just discovered one day that they could do things, due to a quirk of their birth – they can fly, or lift things much larger than themselves. There are some, like the Human Torch, and the Vision, who were built to be machines, though they’re more human than some of the biological humans I know. And still others gained their powers through some experiment or magic or bargain, whether or not it was in their control – to better or worse ends. It’s unfortunate, but people are sometimes afraid of what they don’t understand, and some of my mutant friends have borne the brunt of that fear.”

Cindy nodded along, murmuring a name or two under her breath – Dumbo, Hercules, Pinocchio, Ariel, Aladdin, Beast, Quasimodo. Steve didn’t know who all of the people were (though he did wonder if they knew the same Hercules), but he sensed in Cindy a profound understanding.

“What about – and this is going to sound a bit silly – but what about animals?” Cindy asked. “A lot of our corporate power has come from a rather charismatic rodent and his friends, dogs and ducks. Do you have any experience with that kind of thing?”

Steve thought for a moment. “Well, beyond my friend’s bird, one of our most ubiquitous heroes has the powers of a spider. Then there’s Wolverine – no one’s ever sure how much of an animal he is, though I’d say there’s quite a bit in him. The less said about our resident Duck, though, the better.”

Cindy smiled. “Well, that’s all wonderful. I’m sure we’ll be able to work together quite well.”

Steve returned her smile. “Yes, same here. I’m glad we had a chance to chat.” He stood, reaching out for Cindy’s hand.

Cindy removed her glove to return a firm handshake. “Indeed. Why, I’d be willing to bet that together, we can make this the happiest place on earth.”

“Oh, I think we can do one better,” Steve replied. “I think we can make it excelsior.”

*In Robert Kirkman’s Marvel Team-Up #10, True Believers! — Joyful Jennifer

By Jennifer
E-mail: Jennifer@fantasticfangirls.org
Twitter: throughthebrush

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Skipping to Conclusions: Once Upon a Time Graphic Novel

Skipping to Conclusions: Star Wars Episode VII

Two Fairy Tale Characters Walk into a Diner