Category: All Mikey Blogs (Page 25 of 27)

There are a thousand reasons to attend Denver Comic Con, but one of the best is simply this: Steve Lieber is there.

Yes, THE Steve Lieber. THAT guy.

For the uninitiated, Steve Lieber is an award-winning comic book and storyboard artist, and a founding member of Periscope Studio—the largest studio of freelance comics and storyboard artists in North America. In his formative years, Steve studied comic book art under the legendary Joe Kubert. Since then, he’s worked on iconic characters and properties like Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hellboy, Star Trek and Road to Perdition. He’s published work with Penguin books, DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, Scholastic, Oni Press, Dupuis, and many others,.

So yeah, he’s kind of a big deal.

Steve’s best known as the artist of the graphic novel Whiteout and its Eisner-winning sequel, Whiteout: Melt, which were adapted by Warner Brothers as a movie starring Kate Beckinsale. He also recently completed The Eisner-nominated Superior Foes of Spider-Man for Marvel Comics, and is currently working on an original comics series, The Fix, published by Image comics. Best of all? Steve Lieber is a decent guy, and here’s proof:

When we asked him to take time out of his busy Denver Comic Con prep schedule to sit down and talk to NerdFans about his work in comics, he said yes. Pretty cool, right?

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The Interview

Us

All right! Steve Lieber is at Denver Comic Con! Let’s start off this way: How did you first discover comic books?

Steve Lieber

My father sometimes bought me “stripped” comics. These were comics whose covers had been stripped off and were supposed to have been destroyed, but somehow wound up on sale at junk shops. They were 12 for a dollar instead of 35 cents each, but the selection was random, so I could never get two issues of anything in a row. Comics were full of multi-issue sagas, so this usually meant that I only got to read the beginning or the end of a story. I spent a lot of time trying to imagine the parts I never got to read, which probably helped lead to my career.

Us

You studied under the legendary Joe Kubert. So what’s your favorite “Joe Kubert Story”?

Steve

I learned so much from Joe. He was a great teacher and role model. He was so good at explaining the goals of an artist and helping you work out the means to achieve those goals.

My favorite Kubert moment was one day in class when he was doodling for himself on a piece of scrap paper while everyone was working on their own projects. At the end of class he tore his paper into pieces and tossed it in the trash as he left the room. There was a pause, then everyone rushed for the rubbish.

I got there first.

Us

When did you know you were going to “make it” as a comic book artist?

Steve

I’ve never felt that way! I’ve spent 25 years developing my craft, building a readership, and accumulating industry connections, but I always, ALWAYS assume it could go away tomorrow.

Us

Your work on Superior Foes of Spider-Man was nominated for an Eisner Award—congrats! What are some behind-the-scenes secrets you can tell us about that series?

Steve

1. It wasn’t originally supposed to be a humor series. The first batch of pages I received from writer Nick Spencer had some funny moments, so I leaned into those and pushed the jokes. Nick saw that I could deliver his gags pretty well, and come up with my own too. Before long, getting our readers to laugh became a primary goal.

2. There’s a panel I drew that Marvel edited out of the published comic. It’s funny out of context, so I put it on my tumblr. It’s not too difficult to figure out where it belongs in the story, so a fan photoshopped it back into place and posted that online. Later, whoever it is that maintains the archive of illegal digital bootlegs of comics inserted that into the pirated version. So now the only way to get the “director’s cut” of our comic is to steal it. I feel like this is a very 21st Century problem.

3. Corporate-owned comics are made on a tight deadline, so what gets published is often essentially a first draft. I didn’t have a good sense of who the main character, Boomerang, was when we started. You can see him change over the first few issues. He got younger and better looking as I realized how much he relies on superficial charm to get himself out of trouble.

Us

You’re currently working on the “mature” comic, The Fix. What’s the story behind this new series?

Steve

It’s a crime comedy about the two most corrupt police officers in Los Angeles.

Us

The Fix includes all the typical red-flags for parents—profanity, crude sex talk, violence, etc. It’s also pretty good storytelling that tackles some interesting relational and societal issues. And teens are reading it. So when parents and teens talk to each other about The Fix, what do you think should be included in their conversation?

Steve

Honestly, I don’t think we tackle any issues. We present conflicts and situations, but we certainly don’t offer any answers. A lot of readers say The Fix is laugh-out-loud funny, and I’m super-proud of that. Comedy is hard! But I also think that most laughs are a primate’s scream of horror, broken up into appealingly bite-sized bits.

I hope that parents would make sure that their kids are familiar with ideas like the unreliable narrator and the unsympathetic protagonist. The characters in this story are wretched, irredeemable people, and the narrator isn’t even open to the possibility of actions being right or wrong. This can make for an entertaining story, but it’s a lousy way to go through life.

Us

You’ve worked in comics for a long time. What have you learned about the industry that parents should know?

Steve

Art school is not a requirement in comics. I learned a lot at the Kubert School, and it was the right choice for me, but there are plenty of self-taught artists who are far more successful than I am. No one cares where you studied. You get hired based on the quality of your portfolio and your ability to market yourself.

Us

Imagine you and I are sitting around at a barbecue, eating burgers and brats and calmly solving the problems of the universe. What would you say is the most important thing in life—and how does that show up in your work?

Steve

The most important thing in life is your relationship with the people around you. The absence of that—the lack of any genuine human connection—is what drives a lot of the comedy in The Fix.

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Steve Lieber Answers“The Dirty Dozen!”

Born where and when?

• Pittsburgh, 1967

Currently reading?

• The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

Best movie you’ve seen in the past year?

• Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment”

Favorite comic book character?

• Maggie Chascarillo

Hidden talent?

• None.

Thing you can’t do to save your life?

• Drive a car.

Phobias?

• Driving a car.

Best compliment anyone could give you?

• Spending good money on my work even when it’s easier to just grab it from a pirate site.

One random thought on God?

• Life’s tough, so I’m glad people are able to find comfort wherever they can.

Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

• Read.

Favorite sports team?

• These days, none. As a kid, the Pittsburgh Pirates

Best way for fans to contact you?

• Twitter @steve_lieber

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–MN

All product-related graphics in this article are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective publisher. Steve Lieber photo credit: Steve LIeber, www.SteveLieber.com.

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Marvel Studios

Summary: After losing the use of his hands in a car accident, Dr. Stephen Strange begins a quest for healing that leads him toward mysticism, and ultimately discovering powers he must master to save the universe.

Rated PG-13, for sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence.

Genre: Sci-fi / Superhero

Viewer Appeal: Ages 12 and up

Clearly I am not a comic book fan, because all I know (or knew) about Doctor Strange was what I had seen in the trailer

This film in the Marvel cinematic universe (MCU) did look like a strange movie. Not at all like Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, or Marvel’s other superhero movies, where the main character has some kind of super strength and uses it to fight evil. What was all this bending of cities and reality I saw in the trailer? That’s not normal.

So, if you’re like me…dumb in the history of comic book superheroes…let me fill you in. Doctor Strange is Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), an arrogant, egotistical, yet brilliant, world-famous neurosurgeon. He has everything the world can offer and money can buy. Until he suffers a horrific car accident, where he loses the use of his precious hands. No amount of medicine or number of surgeries can heal what has been broken, leaving Strange angry and alone.

Then he happens upon Jonathan Pangborn (Benjamin Bratt), who had been paralyzed from the chest down until he found Kamar-Taj. In hopes of finding the same kind of healing, Strange spends his last pennies and travels to Nepal in an effort to find Kamar-Taj. And while it’s not what he expected, Strange experiences something perspective changing, yet, The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) refuses to let Dr. Strange stay at Kamar-Taj, until her student, Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) convinces her otherwise.

At this point, the movie ramps up the visual effects.

The Ancient One throws Strange out of his body and into the multiverse, where Strange sees other universes he never knew existed. He learns he can create portholes, through which he can travel, create weapons from energy, and that there are forces beyond eyesight fighting for Earth. The visual effects bring this movie to another level of entertainment, and the unique story gives a fresh view into the “superhero” genre we’ve not before seen.

This is Marvel like you’ve never seen. As the Ancient One says, the Avengers fight the physical fight, those at Kamar-Taj fight the spiritual. Which means Dr. Strange dabbles in sorcery, mysticism, and even a tiny bit of Christianity. It’s themes of healing and purpose are thick and deep and will leave you with plenty to discuss with family or friends. But don’t forget to watch through all the credits, to see what surprises Marvel has waiting!

Just-for-Fun Bonus: Dr. Strange Activity Sheets

Special features abound on the Blu-ray edition of this movie, including: 

Featurettes

• A Strange Transformation – Open your eye to a new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and see how the filmmakers brought one of comic books’ greatest characters to life.

• Strange Company – Find out what it’s like for the cast to work on a Marvel film, and how Director Scott Derrickson engineered one of the most ambitious, imaginative films ever.

• The Fabric of Reality – Take a closer look at the movie’s extraordinary sets, meticulously crafted costumes and amazingly detailed production elements.

• Across Time and Space – Explore the countless hours of dance and fight choreography the actors endured in preparation for their physically demanding roles.

• The Score-cerer Supreme – Join Composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra during live recording sessions, and experience the movie’s mind-bending music.

Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look

Get an early peek at MCU’s spectacular upcoming films, including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War.

Team Thor: Part 2

See more of the hilarious partnership between Thor and his roommate Darryl in this satirical short.

Deleted Scenes

• Strange Meets Daniel Drumm

• Kaecilius Searches for Answers

• The Kamar-Taj Courtyard

• Making Contact

• Lost in Kathmandu

Gag Reel

Audio Commentary by Director Scott Derrickson

Let’s Talk About It

Use these questions to spark discussion among family members who are interested in this movie:

• Dr. Strange was overly impressed with himself, his abilities and accomplishments. So much so that he alienated and humiliated others easily. While he learned humility and the importance of sacrificing himself for others through his experiences at Kamar-Taj, how did his confidence help him even in the end?

• The Ancient One tells Strange, “You’re a man looking at the world through a keyhole.” What do you see through your keyhole? Do you think there’s more you cannot see?

• Toward the end of the movie, The Ancient One slows down time so she can watch the snow fall. What would you slow down time to watch?

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Pete Docter is spilling secrets.

I’m sitting in a conference room at Pixar Animation Studios, interviewing Pete Docter, the award-winning director behind great movies like Monster’s Inc., Up, and Inside Out. I’m trying to play it cool…But then I open my mouth and start talking. It only takes about four seconds for Pete to realize I’m a total nerd. Thankfully, he’s kind of a nerd too, so we’re getting on just fine. And then I figure, hey, why not? and I ask him what’s really on my mind:

Where’s the Pizza Planet truck in Inside Out?

Since its first appearance in Toy Story in 1995, that truck has made a secret cameo in every Pixar movie ever made. Now I want the inside scoop—where is it in this new movie? Pete grins.

“Do you want me to tell you, or do you want to look?” Tell me! I say. (I try not to yell.)

Inside Out, he explains, peeks inside the head of Riley, an eleven-year-old girl (inspired by Pete’s real-life daughter, Ellie). We see Riley’s memories, pictured as beautiful glass globes; we see her imaginary childhood friend, Bing Bong; and we see her emotions portrayed as real-life characters named Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. But what about the truck? I say.

He laughs. “I’ll tell you this: There’s three separate scenes that I know of, and probably more, where it shows up…Right as Joy is first chasing after Bing Bong, look around there. That’s the easiest one to spot.”

Awesome. I’m really starting to like this guy…

The Invisible Kid & The Math Book Incident

Of course, everybody likes Pete Docter nowadays—but back in junior high that wasn’t the way things were. It’s not just that Pete was unpopular, it’s more like he was invisible.

“I just didn’t really have friends,” he remembers. “I didn’t know how to engage with people. I was kind of shy and gangly and awkward and so I would escape and draw in my room. I think that’s really the reason why I got into animation, because I had something I wanted to say but I didn’t know how to speak to people.”

To get through those years, Pete relied on his family—and his faith. “I was raised in a Lutheran church so I’ve obviously been familiar with the teachings and history of Jesus,” he recalls. That Christian faith gave him hope when he felt alone. And, he says, “My parents were very encouraging when I was growing up.” Case in point:

Once Pete got in trouble at school for turning his math textbook into a homemade flip-book. He filled it with dozens of little doodles that “animated” a silly story when he fanned through the pages. Pete thought it was pretty funny. His teachers didn’t.

Instead of punishing him, though, his family encouraged his creative efforts. “My parents gave me those 3M Post-it Note® type things where you could just flip through a pad,” he laughs. “For 5 cents you could buy a note pad and make a better flip-book than your math book makes.” Smart parents!

That 5-cent investment saved a few math books—and paid off big-time later in Pete’s life. Inside Out is just one example of that. But the bigger investment Pete’s parents made was teaching their son about friendship with Jesus. “I’d call myself Christian,” he says today, “although I sometimes feel like I’m not really deserving of that.”

He remembers a time when he tried to walk away from his faith. “Somewhere in college, I kind of thought, All right, I don’t know if that really is speaking to me. It’s not like I wholesale rejected it ever, it’s just that it sort of faded, you know? I credit my wife [Sharon] for kind of pulling me back to really studying some of this stuff because there’s amazing stuff to be learned.

“I know some people say Jesus is a great teacher, or whatever. I think there’s something fundamental to the Christian faith that speaks to the core of who we are … That’s what Jesus brings: A personal relationship with God that is really unique. It’s the only sort of religion that I know of that offers that.”

From her perch on a table in the corner of the room, the interview monitor looks up at me. “Three minutes left,” she warns. Time has flown by, and my interview with Pete Docter is almost over! What’ll my last question be?

What do you want to say to our readers? I ask at last. Pete turns his head sideways, and gives me a thoughtful look. After a moment, he says:

“I guess I would just say, invest deeply. I think there is a great deal of, I guess you’d say it’s fear. Fear that you don’t want to put yourself out there because you might be humiliated or you might be brokenhearted if something doesn’t work. But those are the experiences that make life worth living, so even if it ends in heartache, put your whole self into it. Whatever it is.”

Bonus! We asked Pixar director, Pete Docter, to tell our readers a few “insider secrets” from Inside Out. Here’s what he had to say:

• “So many of our films are kind of set in Anytown, USA. This one it felt like, let’s be specific. Let’s make actual places. So the art department actually scouted, like, a corner. There’s a place in San Francisco where Riley’s house is based on!”
• “At the beginning of the movie when we’re watching Riley growing up … There’s a magazine that’s on the table, and it’s a cooking magazine. On the cover is Colette from Ratatouille.”
• “Most of [Riley’s] background memories that you see on the shelves are actually shots from the ‘married life’ sequence of Up! So if you look really carefully you can see, oh there she’s straightened a tie, there’s Carl and Ellie, or breaking the jar, or things like that.”

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–MN

Inside Out stills and  filmmaker images reprinted by permission of Disney• Pixar Animation Studios. © 2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

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