10 Worlds Studios

This blog that I writing about is about a very good, personal friend of mine, and comic book industry expert, Joseph P. Gauthier who happens to own and manage his own independent comic book company (along with his partner Alex Lugo who is also another good friend of mine as well), 10 Worlds Studios.  He and I had the opportunity to work on a screenplay adaptation of his graphic novel based on the biblical figure named Lazarus, which was well written (I might add), before the screenplay was written.  The name of his graphic novel is Lazarus: Immortal Coils.  Needless to say, when the opportunity arises again, I would love to work with him on another script. 

            Joseph’s managing direction of his product, again I say about the Lazarus graphic novel, has been of dedication and proper management.  In the brief time that I worked with him, I’ve seen him tirelessly work to get his story out there and at the same time, get another story that he’s working on as well named, Goryo-Dog which has heavy influences from Japanese anime from the past to the present.  He is always managing his ideas with his books (on top of being a family man as well).  I do also have to say that I admire his dedication and smarts about getting his product out to the masses.  Whether it would be at a comic-book convention (San Diego, and Wizard-World just to name a few…), or at a comic book specialty store, or just talking to the average comic reader.

            Even with the odds stacked against him being an independent comic book publisher, he’s managed to overcome the odds and get exposure for his story.  I’ve seen him talk and networked with key people in the comics and entertainment industry.   I’ve also seen him pick up new fans in addition to the ones that he’s already established from his Lazarus work alone.  Whenever I talk to comic readers and film buffs (such as myself), I always try to slip his story into the conversation because it is not only a good read, but it also challenges pre-conceived notions about…well you’ve got to read the story for yourself.  One of these days, I’ve got to get myself up to the level that he has built himself up to.  For now I feel honored and privileged to work and write with someone who doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. 

Link to his website: www.10worldsstudio.com

GREEN LANTERN – The Death Knell of Superhero Films?

A few weeks ago, Green Lantern opened in late June to very tepid box office numbers.  After this film has been hyped time after time, it still came up short.  I’m not going to post a negative review of the film because I haven’t seen it yet (with a family it’s pretty difficult to find a babysitter).  It’s highly likely that I will see it on Blu-Ray DVD this fall.  However, the reviews that I received ranged from “It was just okay” to “It could have been better if they weren’t trying to over-explain the origin story.”  I mean setting up origins is already tough enough for this kind of film (i.e. the slow moving Phantom Menace comes to mind), in addition to appealing to the fan boy masses (such as me) and the majority of the film goers who have no idea who this character is.  I mean it was a tough sell to get it out there, and there were people excited.  However, people weren’t excited enough for it to make up its budget (including advertising) $200…ouch!  Still, I applaud Warner Bros. for making an A+ effort for film that had C+ writing.  With that being said, what it boils down to is the writing.  The writing can make or break the film and the old adage that I can’t stress enough is, “What looks good on paper, doesn’t necessarily looks good on film.” 

                Hopefully, Green Lantern won’t be the last of the superhero films that continues to make strides in filmmaking and with the audience (especially with the box office).  Alas, the summer isn’t over yet and I am still looking forward to checking out Captain America.  If it is any good as Thor, then I think people will overlook the disappointment that was Green Lantern, and move forward with the other films in the pipeline such as, The Avengers, The Amazing Spider Man, and the stuck in development hell, The Wolverine. 

                Lastly, I think that superhero films, even though they are tent-poles for the summer time, not all of them can be a hit with the masses.  In addition, just because Green Lantern came up short, doesn’t mean that Warner Bros. is going to abandon the franchise.  They are moving forward with a sequel to the film and the biggest lesson that they would have to definitely learn is that just because you spent a lot of money on a spectacle that people will come.  The key factor lies in the story itself.  It has to be quality.  The story is the backbone of the film and if it isn’t done correctly, then they would be shooting themselves in the foot once again.  Honestly, I think they should have Chris Nolan as a supervising producer on the next one so that he can pick the right creators to get it done right.

                Look at what he’s done with the Batman franchise; two films are major blockbuster hits, and a third on the way.   Don't get  me started with Inception, that was a moden classic and loved it.  Chris Nolan is doing something right.