G.I. Joe villain the Baroness was nearly introduced to the masses with a noticeably different look. This week at CBR, I revisit the history of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a plastic surgery storyline that didn't make any obvious sense, and Hasbro's early attempts to translate the Baroness from the page to the toy aisle.
Stan Lee had faith one of his lesser-known heroes could become a box office star. But '80s Hollywood wasn't ready for Ant-Man. I review the screenplay at CBR this week.
Batman: The Animated Interviews provides an insanely thorough collection of material on the beloved show, revealing many secrets. If you're not a Hasbro fan now, wait until you learn why Batman Beyond was cancelled. I discuss this week at CBR.
A new, female villain for Superman had a celeb voice actor and a lot of Harley Quinn's spark, but didn't quite connect. I revisit this week at CBR.
Another comics-accurate Batman series could've predated Batman: The Animated Series, with J. Michael Straczynski at the helm. I look at the history of the project, and the nixed series bible this week at CBR.
Following Spider-Man and MJ's honeymoon, the couple experienced a shocking trauma, while Kraven enjoyed his ultimate victory. I look back at a true classic this week at CBR.
After facing controversy, WildStorm's ThunderCats title returned to its animated roots, with some dicey results. I revisit this week at CBR.
Just in time for, well, Halloween I revisit a romance-heavy G.I. Joe arc from the Devil's Due era this week at CBR.
The prospect of a Joss Whedon Wonder Woman film once excited fandom--but the leaked script stirred controversy. I revisit this week at CBR.
In the DC Animated continuity, Alfred Pennyworth exhibited his toughness years before he was revamped as an action hero. I revisit this week at CBR.
Peter Parker and Mary Jane enjoyed two wholesome honeymoons, as an era of Spider-Man drew to a close. My retrospective on the Marriage Years continues this week at CBR.
Alan Moore brought one bold idea to The Maxx, and the series' creator wasn't sure how to handle it. I examine Moore's lone issue of The Maxx this week at CBR.
Today at CBR I look back at the classic Spider-Man event Marvel really, really wants you to forget about.
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Dreamwave's Transformers series was a passion project by fans for fans, canonizing some obscure lore from the classic cartoon. I revisit this week at CBR.
Stan Lee was less than pleased with an early Iron Man draft from RoboCop's co-creator and an experimental filmmaker. I look at The IronMan, the oddest "lost" screenplay I've reviewed so far, this week at CBR.
Marvel's plans to return Wolverine to his bestial roots backfired with fans. But most don't know the origin of Wolverine's makeover. I revisit the Scooberine era this week at CBR.
Years before Robert Kirkman's Skybound relaunch, another imprint brought animated influences into G. I. Joe's comic continuity. I continue my look at the Devil's Due Joe days this week at CBR.
The DCAU Batman received two perfect farewells in the 2000s...even though he never stays gone for long. I revisit the final Batman Adventures and what could've been the Justice League Unlimited finale this week at CBR.
In the romantic city of Pittsburg, a 1987 storyline continued Peter Parker and MJ's engagement journey. My retrospective on the early Spider-Man marriage years continues this week at CBR.
Spider-Man's engagement to MJ created turmoil in the comic book series...and behind-the-scenes. I begin a new series devoted to the early "marriage years" this week at CBR. Spread the word!
This week at CBR I look at the early, awkward Transformers mythos -- featuring Autobot leader... Jetfire?
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This week at CBR, I'm reviewing the scrapped TMNT IV screenplay...the first attempt to introduce a fifth Ninja Turtle, and what could've been Julie Strain's turn as an evil April O'Neil..
This week at CBR, I revisit the official launch of Robotech's WildStorm era. No more Jim Lee art, but Udon has arrived.
After a run of hit miniseries, Dreamwave's Transformers monthly comic opened with the two prominent leaders sidelined. I revisit this week at CBR. (And it takes me over 2,500 words to cover only two issues, thanks to the inside references and diehard fan shout-outs.)
This week at CBR, I look at Rogue's two-year stretch as a villain, appearing in mid-list Marvel titles...and the teased romance with a Bronze Age hero Marvel doesn't have the rights to.
Jacob felt a little guilty, snapping at her like that over the phone. He should’ve known, Beth wouldn’t have called at the unholy hour of ten a.m. unless it was something serious.
My new short story "Storefront" is featured this month in the Adelaide Literary Magazine. Read it for free at this link and share your all-important thoughts...
This week at CBR, I'm revisiting the animated X-Men moment the censors only allowed once. The header image might be a clue.
Hollywood's decision to alter Watchmen's controversial finale might have been more than a creative decision. I discuss a new revelation from original Watchmen screenwriter Sam Hamm.this week at CBR.
More than once, Batman: The Animated Series creators introduced the prospect of "fixing" Two-Face. I look at two stories that address an obvious question this week at CBR.
This week at CBR, I look at David Koepp's first draft for 2002's Spider-Man. Far more comics accurate..and, for some reason, Dr. Octopus is also included.
For the first time, one of my short stories has been produced with a full cast, sound effects, and musical score. Dogteeth is the story of a grizzled bounty hunter seeking a warrior’s end, following a bad doctor’s visit. He finds what he’s looking for in a neighborhood dominated by Dogteeth, the leather-clad ghouls who no longer hide in the shadows…and don’t you ever call them vampires. The performance evokes memories of classic radio drama (hopefully) and I think the team did a great job. My story begins at around 25 minutes in: https://www.thenosleeppodcast.com/episodes/extras/sd16
And the text version of the story, along with nine other tales, can be found in my new short story collection Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal: https://www.amazon.com/Dogteeth-Other-Tales-Paranormal-Kendall-ebook/dp/B0CQHSBBDR
Check it out and let me know what you think!
WildStorm attempted another '80s revival with Robotech, featuring rare interior art from comics legend Jim Lee. I revisit this week at CBR.
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This week at CBR, I have my first-ever in-depth look at '90s sensation Gen 13, and its doomed animated adaptation. Did the movie nearly sink Jim Lee?
X-Men Origins: Magneto was cannibalized for X-Men First Class, but was the better film lost? I delve into what could be the strongest of these cancelled scripts this week at CBR.
Wolverine's early spotlight stories in Uncanny X-Men inspired a memorable X-Men: The Animated Series episode...and the animated debut of Alpha Flight. I check it out this week at CBR.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe were primed for a comeback, but something happened. Are Snake Men to blame? I revisit this week at CBR.
Catwoman's scrapped spinoff from Batman Returns began life with an outrageous screenplay from Daniel Waters. I look at this oddity -- perhaps the largest creative disaster I've covered in the column so far -- this week at CBR.
I have two short story collections, scheduled for release on the same day. That same day is today. One collection is "in this world" and one "out of this world" (paranormal, horror, absurdity...) Both are free reads on Kindle Unlimited. Reviews appease our Amazon overlords, and I am genuinely curious about what you have to say.
Ten Tiny Tales: Stories of Broken Elevators and Other Mundane Things
Gene Kendall returns with ten stories of everyday joys, anxieties, and all the gooey stuff in-between. A few tales of families and criminals and windbags and kids who need haircuts. Featuring material originally presented in the Saturday Evening Post. Available here!
Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal
Ten stories of the paranormal from Gene Kendall, exploring both the light and the dark. A wood nymph becomes a crucial tool in global domination. A social media fad has the entire world feeling blue. An idyllic young couple faces a literal ghost from the past. Featuring the return of Bradley Burns, the Paranormal Desperado of Love is Dead(ly), and the debut of Dogteeth (don’t you ever call them vampires). Available here!
My new audiobook Efficient and Divine: Honey Locust Is on sale now!
Mason Mackay is at peace with his lust, but this newfound sanguinity is a deadly thing. With the aid of a charming mentor, Mason's discovered a class of victim that can be targeted, hunted, and eliminated with ease. With a new love and a new taste for boozy treats, Mason is enjoying a life of sweet indulgence.
He's made some mistakes, though, unwilling to cut all ties to his past. Mason's former love Natalie Martinez is on his case, whether she knows it or not. A collision is coming, one that might claim both lives.
The second volume in the Efficient and Divine series is fast-paced, lean, and mean. A mystery thriller that promises both broken hearts and broken bones.
I have free Audible codes if you're interested, just contact me.
This week at CBR, I look at new He-Man and TMNT minicomics by the great Freddie E. Williams II, fulfilling the promise of a scrapped comic crossover.
This week at CBR, I revisit Morbius' animated debut, which maybe convinced Hollywood the public desperately wanted more of ol' pug-nose.
An area of continuity that's divided G. I. Joe fans for over 30 years has now resurfaced. I look at Skybound's Cobra Commander #1 this week at CBR.
An alt-reality version of Psylocke has lived in the 616 continuity for decades, but apparently, only her creator's noticed. I explore a stunning revelation from Chris Claremont this week at CBR. And, hey, on a related note, you can check out my archive of "X-Men Revolution" reviews at this link (assuming Blogger hasn't screwed them up over the years.)
Joes and Cobras united against a Battle Android Trooper! Heavy Duty "vs." Roadblock! No more "Toma"hawk! I revisit this week at CBR.
