The Big Fish

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

digresssmlOriginally published August 23, 1996, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1188

A great personal tragedy had just struck at the household of Bill Mumy.

Mumy and I were up in his office, working on a script for Space Cases, when Bill’s 6-year-old son, Seth, appeared at the door. Tears were rolling down his face as he sobbed out the heartrending news, “George the Third is dead and Ming ate him!”

Bill was promptly consoling. I, of course, said the same thing that you doubtless said upon being presented with that declaration. Namely: “Huh?”

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What Convenient Moral Outrage

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

Newt Gingrich declared last night, when asked about his ex-wife’s recent interview, “I’m tired of the elite media protecting Barack Obama by attacking Republicans.”

Funny. He didn’t have any problem with the elite media dog-piling on Bill Clinton during the time that he, Gingrich, was involved with the impeachment.

PAD

Remember Mr. Mission Impossible?

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

The guy who walked into the showing of “The Artist” that Kath and I were attending, stood there for four minutes, and then asked in a loud voice, “Is this Mission Impossible?”

Well, it turns out there are people who are more oblivious than he was. I’m talking about the moviegoers who demanded their ticket money back because they went to see “The Artist” and were irate to discover it was a silent film.

No. I’m not kidding.

Artist refunds

Perhaps any theater that has moviegoers wanting refunds for that reason should give them a complimentary DVD of “Clueless.”

PAD

Where I stand on SOPA

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

(The following is a very cut-down version of what will be a much longer “But I Digress” in an upcoming issue of “Comic Buyer’s Guide.)

The denizens of the Internet are, for the most part, screaming foul and bloody murder and (of course) shouting for boycotts of any and all who are in support of SOPA and PIPA. Because when you want to show that you’re a firm advocate of free expression and unimpeded distribution of information, naturally the best way to do that is to try and financially punish and shun anyone who disagrees with you.

Now I don’t pretend to understand all the ramifications of SOPA. I’ve read a lot about it. Read position papers on both sides. I’m fairly convinced that, yes, SOPA goes too far in its current language. It should not be passed in its present form, and–if it does go forward–will likely be scaled down to something more manageable.

But oddly enough, I can’t find it within me to work up much outrage over it. I suppose I should. I’m a freedom of expression guy.

And yet, here’s what I keep coming back to…

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Movie review: The Phantom

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

digresssmlOriginally published August 16, 1996, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1187

It was about six or seven years ago, when I was first probing the possibility that I might become a full-time writer.

It was not a decision that I was making lightly. After all, I had a secure “day job” at Marvel as the direct-sales manager. There was no particular reason to go anywhere—no reason except that writing the comics seemed to be developing into a more fulfilling job than selling them. And, if I became a freelance writer, it meant no more commuting, no more staying late at the office. I could spend more time with the kids. Yes, there seemed to be any number of practical reasons to try my hand at being a full-time writer.

Nevertheless, I had a great deal of trepidation.

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Movie review: Independence Day

Posted By: Peter DavidPosted On:

digresssmlOriginally published August 9, 1996, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1186

Independence Day is one of those rare beasts. It’s a “Yet” film.

It’s the kind of movie where people don’t ask you if you’ve seen it, or if you plan to see it. They say, “Have you seen Independence Day yet?” Of if you’re simply asked, “Have you seen Independence Day,” the inevitable response is, “No, I haven’t seen it yet.”

But you will see it. It’s a given. It’s a mandate. It’s a fact of life. Death, taxes, and Independence Day.

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