Graphic Novels and the Movies.
Discussion
I cant say I was a comic book geek when I was younger but I did have a thing for the Xmen series as I am sure most of us have. I have to admit though that I have always taken an interest in murky toned graphic novels set with an apathetic main character who discovers his worth, or mission. i.e. Max Payne
Its no secret that Hollywood is/has run out of original ideas and have been/are turning to graphic novels and comic books to bring them to life.
But I wonder, how do some of these graphic novels come about? For instance, wasnt V for Vendetta originally a graphic novel? As well as Max Payne, or was max payne a video game first?
Either way, Sin City was a graphic novel as well wasnt it?
My question is, did these movies begin as graphic novels only or were they comic series? Are graphic novels sort of like one offs or do people make a continuous career out of it? In other words, if I wanted to make a graphic novel I assume all I would needed to start it with is to create a story board and then fill in the blanks, maybe get a student from NYU or some art school who shares the same interest to do the graphics?
Then what? Do you go to a general publisher?
What I am saying is, I have always wanted to be a screenwriter and or write books. I have always found my decision difficult in the sense that I can SEE the story and the scenes far better than I can hear the dialogue. If I were to get an artist to story board the novel, I dont think I would have much trouble filling in the bubble dialogues. Do I have a chance at creating something here?
I believe I have a really good story, one that I have dreamed of writing as a screenplay for the big screen as young as 14 years old. I have been developing this story ever since, I am 27 now. I never really fully developed it though because I didnt know if it should be a novel or a screen play, again based on my inability to clearly develop dialogue, but more clearly see the scenes and the actual premise, characters and all!
Recap for you: I tried writing it has a screen play but I kept writing too much information (like a director would do to develop the actual scene) and too little dialogue. So then I tried writing it has a fictional novel, but it occurred to me that my writing ability is limited when compared to successful novelists, I found that while I could see the scenes and the story in perfect detail, I couldnt translate it into comprehensive/professional writing. i.e. read how stephen king sets up a scene in a book, its amazing!
This lead me to believe that a graphic novel would be the best suited area of literature for my abilities and the way in which I see/feel my story. I never even thought about it in that way until all these movies based on GN are now sprouting up like wild fire.
Any help or suggestions on the matter?
I dont have many things I feel I need to accomplish before I die, but this is one of them and it is very important to me. I have atleast 5 solid stories, some true, some fiction that I MUST, one day create as a screen play, graphic novel or novel in general.
Thanks for listening to a serious post of mine for once!
P.S. Can anyone list movies that were originally graphic novels?
Sin City
The Watchmen
Max Payne? (or was it a video game first?)
V for Vendetta?
The Spirit?
Its no secret that Hollywood is/has run out of original ideas and have been/are turning to graphic novels and comic books to bring them to life.
But I wonder, how do some of these graphic novels come about? For instance, wasnt V for Vendetta originally a graphic novel? As well as Max Payne, or was max payne a video game first?
Either way, Sin City was a graphic novel as well wasnt it?
My question is, did these movies begin as graphic novels only or were they comic series? Are graphic novels sort of like one offs or do people make a continuous career out of it? In other words, if I wanted to make a graphic novel I assume all I would needed to start it with is to create a story board and then fill in the blanks, maybe get a student from NYU or some art school who shares the same interest to do the graphics?
Then what? Do you go to a general publisher?
What I am saying is, I have always wanted to be a screenwriter and or write books. I have always found my decision difficult in the sense that I can SEE the story and the scenes far better than I can hear the dialogue. If I were to get an artist to story board the novel, I dont think I would have much trouble filling in the bubble dialogues. Do I have a chance at creating something here?
I believe I have a really good story, one that I have dreamed of writing as a screenplay for the big screen as young as 14 years old. I have been developing this story ever since, I am 27 now. I never really fully developed it though because I didnt know if it should be a novel or a screen play, again based on my inability to clearly develop dialogue, but more clearly see the scenes and the actual premise, characters and all!
Recap for you: I tried writing it has a screen play but I kept writing too much information (like a director would do to develop the actual scene) and too little dialogue. So then I tried writing it has a fictional novel, but it occurred to me that my writing ability is limited when compared to successful novelists, I found that while I could see the scenes and the story in perfect detail, I couldnt translate it into comprehensive/professional writing. i.e. read how stephen king sets up a scene in a book, its amazing!
This lead me to believe that a graphic novel would be the best suited area of literature for my abilities and the way in which I see/feel my story. I never even thought about it in that way until all these movies based on GN are now sprouting up like wild fire.
Any help or suggestions on the matter?
I dont have many things I feel I need to accomplish before I die, but this is one of them and it is very important to me. I have atleast 5 solid stories, some true, some fiction that I MUST, one day create as a screen play, graphic novel or novel in general.
Thanks for listening to a serious post of mine for once!
P.S. Can anyone list movies that were originally graphic novels?
Sin City
The Watchmen
Max Payne? (or was it a video game first?)
V for Vendetta?
The Spirit?
Ahh 300, that was the other one! Great movie!
I was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
I was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
Plenty of comic translations to the movies - Spiderman, Ironman, Hulk, Batman, Superman, Judge Dredd...
The line between comics and graphic novels sometimes blurs though as all of the above have examples in graphic novel "form", ie one story in a larger dedicated publication. There's also sometimes an element of snobbery when describing something as a graphic novel too.
There's been a fair amount of crossover the other way too, primarily thanks to Dark Horse (are they still going?). And then crossing BACK as well - Aliens vs Predator was a DH comic book that then prompted the films.
There were rumours of a Rogue Trooper film, but I don't think it ever came to anything. Strontium Dog could be interesting too.
The line between comics and graphic novels sometimes blurs though as all of the above have examples in graphic novel "form", ie one story in a larger dedicated publication. There's also sometimes an element of snobbery when describing something as a graphic novel too.
There's been a fair amount of crossover the other way too, primarily thanks to Dark Horse (are they still going?). And then crossing BACK as well - Aliens vs Predator was a DH comic book that then prompted the films.
There were rumours of a Rogue Trooper film, but I don't think it ever came to anything. Strontium Dog could be interesting too.
Edited by Famous Graham on Tuesday 17th February 19:03
LotusACBC said:
Ahh 300, that was the other one! Great movie!
I was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
ConstantineI was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
Famous Graham said:
Plenty of comic translations to the movies - Spiderman, Ironman, Hulk, Batman, Superman, Judge Dredd...
The line between comics and graphic novels sometimes blurs though as all of the above have examples in graphic novel "form", ie one story in a larger dedicated publication. There's also sometimes an element of snobbery when describing something as a graphic novel too.
There's been a fair amount of crossover the other way too, primarily thanks to Dark Horse (are they still going?). And then crossing BACK as well - Aliens vs Predator was a DH comic book that then prompted the films.
I was focusing more on Graphic Novels than comic books as there are plenty of well known comic books translated to the big screen. What do you mean when you say there is sometimes an element of snobbery when describing a graphic novel?The line between comics and graphic novels sometimes blurs though as all of the above have examples in graphic novel "form", ie one story in a larger dedicated publication. There's also sometimes an element of snobbery when describing something as a graphic novel too.
There's been a fair amount of crossover the other way too, primarily thanks to Dark Horse (are they still going?). And then crossing BACK as well - Aliens vs Predator was a DH comic book that then prompted the films.
Edited by Famous Graham on Tuesday 17th February 19:03
I am pretty sure Dark Horse still exists, as I think it was Dark horse who did Constantine the one with Keanu reeves?
I too cant wait for TheWatchmen, it looks like its going to be great!
And add to that they are currently developing another Judge Dredd movie. This one however is being controlled a little more by the 2000AD publishing house. Fingers crossed. Enjoyed the last one but it was a hugely missed op. My wish would be for a proper ABC warriors film... I can only dream
The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
Obi Wan said:
LotusACBC said:
Ahh 300, that was the other one! Great movie!
I was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
ConstantineI was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
Civpilot said:
And add to that they are currently developing another Judge Dredd movie. This one however is being controlled a little more by the 2000AD publishing house. Fingers crossed. Enjoyed the last one but it was a hugely missed op. My wish would be for a proper ABC warriors film... I can only dream
The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
I hope the new Dredd movie will stay truer to its roots, the one with Stallone wasnt serious enough, it had a very early 90's tone to it I thought. But I think any new movies based on GN will be darker and more serious to compete with other. GN's seem to be the comics for adults, which I like!The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
Watchmen
V for Vendetta, GN originally, right?
LotusACBC said:
Obi Wan said:
LotusACBC said:
Ahh 300, that was the other one! Great movie!
I was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
ConstantineI was just checking out a max payne site and it was indeed a video game first. Some of the fans were saying the movie was horrible compared to the film, but I watched Max Payne just last week, I thought it was alright.
Lets see what else.... Wasnt that movie with Keanu Reeves a GN first? what was it called, the one with the angels and demons?
LotusACBC said:
What do you mean when you say there is sometimes an element of snobbery when describing a graphic novel?
I mean when marketing a comic as a "graphic novel" to try and escape from the younger connotations of "comic".That's not to say I don't enjoy 2000AD, Marvel, DC et al, just I wouldn't really class any of their "graphic novels" as such, if you follow me.
Famous Graham said:
LotusACBC said:
What do you mean when you say there is sometimes an element of snobbery when describing a graphic novel?
I mean when marketing a comic as a "graphic novel" to try and escape from the younger connotations of "comic".That's not to say I don't enjoy 2000AD, Marvel, DC et al, just I wouldn't really class any of their "graphic novels" as such, if you follow me.
Like I said, GN = Comics for adults
BTW, did you hear they just finished filming The Wolfman starring Benicio Deltoro?
Edited by LotusACBC on Tuesday 17th February 19:24
LotusACBC said:
Civpilot said:
And add to that they are currently developing another Judge Dredd movie. This one however is being controlled a little more by the 2000AD publishing house. Fingers crossed. Enjoyed the last one but it was a hugely missed op. My wish would be for a proper ABC warriors film... I can only dream
The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
I hope the new Dredd movie will stay truer to its roots, the one with Stallone wasnt serious enough, it had a very early 90's tone to it I thought. But I think any new movies based on GN will be darker and more serious to compete with other. GN's seem to be the comics for adults, which I like!The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
Watchmen
V for Vendetta, GN originally, right?
I like the idea of bringing to life GN's and Comic Books, but it has to be done right, which so far they have been, thank god!
TMNT started out as a graphic novel as well before turning into a comic series and everything else it blossomed into. I still have the original 1st edition colored GN, its from 1987 or something like that. Good condition too. Though there are wrinkles at the spine as I read it quite often as a child, how was I to know?
TMNT started out as a graphic novel as well before turning into a comic series and everything else it blossomed into. I still have the original 1st edition colored GN, its from 1987 or something like that. Good condition too. Though there are wrinkles at the spine as I read it quite often as a child, how was I to know?
Sciroccology said:
I used to love the "Finding Nemo" graphic novels.
Really? I wasn't even aware they were GN's. It seems like Hollywood has no original ideas anymore. Everything seems to be taken from somewhere else. Sort of like American Muscle, cant think of anything new so lets make a new 73 Mustang LOL
LotusACBC said:
Civpilot said:
And add to that they are currently developing another Judge Dredd movie. This one however is being controlled a little more by the 2000AD publishing house. Fingers crossed. Enjoyed the last one but it was a hugely missed op. My wish would be for a proper ABC warriors film... I can only dream
The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
I hope the new Dredd movie will stay truer to its roots, the one with Stallone wasnt serious enough, it had a very early 90's tone to it I thought. But I think any new movies based on GN will be darker and more serious to compete with other. GN's seem to be the comics for adults, which I like!The Keanu Reaves movie mentioned was Constantine, based on a British graphic novel/comic series. (In which John Constantine was actually british).
The only graphic novel I'm actually looking forward to is Watchmen. Visually it is jaw dropping to see the novel come to life.
ps. OP, It's called "Watchmen" not "The Watchmen"
Watchmen
V for Vendetta, GN originally, right?
I should be drinking with the editor of Warrior next week...
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