BEAUOLOGY 101: NOT lost IN TRANSLATION: COMIC books TO THE screen

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Come, embrace My Words!–Beau Smith

by beau Smith

Right now we have more of our mainstream marvel and DC Comic book characters as films and TV series than we ever dreamed of. speaking from the elder statesman level of comic books, this is all so far beyond what I ever thought would happen that it would’ve made my 10 year old explode back then. I remember how completely stoked I was at having those primitive marvel Comics semi-animated cartoons on TV; the ones I would rush home to watch every day at 4:00.

Those were lifted literally from the pages of marvel Comics. Today, not so much. but that’s not a bad thing.

“Green Arrow-Comic book Style.”

As a comic book reader, and as a creator that has written some of these characters, you need to understand that some changes have to be made in order for these characters, these comic books, to be adapted for the screen. You’re looking for a broader audience. Yes, you’re looking for comic book readers, but more important, you’re looking for non-comic book readers. You want them to not only enter this superhero world, but you want them to enjoy it and return.

Nine times out of ten, you are going to get regular comic book readers to watch and try these screen versions of their favorite superheroes. They are going to notice the changes to the screen more than a non-comic book reader. They may not always like it, but it’s a small price to pay to reach a wider audience. You’ll always have your original comic book stories; this is icing on the cake.

“Arrow-TV Style”

With TV shows like Gotham, Arrow, The Flash, and Marvel’s Agents Of SHIELD, we, as comic book readers, see changes. That’s okay. sometimes they need changes. What’s great is when there is that perfect blend of what has come before in comics mixing with the new slants to get non-readers on board. A lot of times it cuts the fat from the steak and makes it healthier without losing its wonderful taste. When, as a comic book reader, you see a character show up on the screen that you weren’t expecting or there’s a tip of the hat to something only a comic book reader would know, then that’s just wonderful and truly appreciated. With rumor of the character Wildcat possibly showing up on Arrow or The Flash, as a former writer of Wildcat, I’m super excited about this. Yes, I know it might not be just as I, or other comic book creators, have written him, but he will be acknowledged and that’s more than good enough for my realistic expectations.

“Marvel’s Agents Of SHIELD”

I’m sure you all know people like my brother. He watches every superhero, sci-fi, and action movie and TV show that comes out. He loves them, but does it make him want to go out and buy the comic book about the same character? No.

He just doesn’t have that interest in the comic book format. Granted, now and then, you will get people who haven’t read comics to try them and even become readers, but in most cases it just doesn’t happen. A younger viewer may start an interest in comics or a least the characters, but you can’t really count on that. What you can count on is that this wider audience will enjoy the part of that character they see on the screen. They’ll be able to have great pop culture conversations with you that you’ll both enjoy. You will become their “go-to” guy on what’s going on and how this came to be. There are rewards, but don’t lose track that the biggest reward is that there’s enjoyment to be had.

Remember that to make the character, or your character, work for more folks to enjoy, some changes need to be made. There has to be a translation for us all to communicate and enjoy what we’re reading and watching. Don’t lose track that the original material will always be there and continue to be there. no one is taking anything away from you; they are adding on. You get more!

So next time you wonder why the Nick Fury on the screen doesn’t quite jive with the one you have always read, or Batroc The Leaper doesn’t have a big handlebar mustache, just remember, the party just got bigger and you’ve just been given a ticket for an open bar.

Keep your mind open and your eyes on comic books.

Beau Smith

The flying Fist Ranch

www.flyingfistranch.com