Friday, May 3, 2024
UNUSED TARZAN RADIO PLOTS
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Batman '66: The Lost Episode with Two-Face
Beginning in 2013, DC Comics began publishing a series of comics titled Batman '66, based on the television program starring Adam West and Burt Ward. Fans of the television series can enjoy additional adventures and -- on rare occasion -- some fun such as a Man from U.N.C.L.E. crossover. In 2015, DC Comics produced a one-shot comic based on a story proposal that was a lost produced.
During the first season of the Batman television series, producer William Dozier had a roster of villains from the funny pages to choose from. Some criminals such as The Scarecrow and Two-Face were deemed too scary for the campy style they sought. During the first few weeks of the third season, it was discovered that the ratings were dropping and new criminals would be needed to keep the series fresh. Instead of a District Attorney who fell victim to a jar of acid thrown at The Joker, it was decided to make Harvey Dent a news anchor and his accident was the result of a stage light explosion.
Hired to write a story treatment was Harlan Ellison, who was also known for writing such classics as The Outer Limits and Star Trek. The treatment was green lighted and a television script was drafted. According to the front page of the television script, actor Clint Eastwood was going to play the role of Two-Face. Some production files suggest Eli Wallach was going to play a supporting role. The third and final season was cancelled prematurely and the Two-Face episode never went into production.
In 2015, Ellison's story treatment was adapted into the comic special Batman ’66: The Lost Episode by DC Comics. They never adapted from the teleplay, just the story treatment. The art never depicts Clint Eastwood as Two-Face, but fans of the television series who want to see what the visuals would have looked like can enjoy this comic.
Friday, April 19, 2024
MAD DADDY: Myers, Mintz and the Moondog and How Cleveland, Ohio, Changed Rock Radio
Television in post war America hit local radio hard so the success of staying in business was from local legends including Alan Freed, Carl Reese, and Bill Randle. This book primarily focuses on the life and career of Pete Myers, also known as “Mad Daddy.” But the book also crosses paths with Leo Mintz, a record store owner who knew what people wanted to listen to – and made an exceptional living doing what he did best.
Not only is this book well-written and highly researched, but highly entertaining. No dead drool or encyclopedic jargon found here. If Mike and Janice were delivering a fascinating slide show presentation, this would be that type of transcript. Fans of rock n’ roll radio of the 1950s and 1960s will find this book a treat. I could sit here and type up a few of the great stories inside to wet your appetite, but that would ruin the fun of reading this book. Why give it away? Do not delay grabbing your copy today.
Friday, April 5, 2024
The RED RYDER Book You Will Probably Never Read
Red Ryder Paint Book (circa 1952) |
Extremely few copies were printed and sold before the book was pulled from distribution, so if you are reading this take note: buy your copy today at the lowest price you can find. Five years from now you can brag that what you have on your bookshelf is extremely rare and value. It will certainly continue going up in price over the years. Someone is already offering one for $1,000; thankfully I paid a lot less than that! As for the author, his efforts were not in vain. Authors find amusement witnessing hefty price tags of their own books, after they go out of print. For Bernard Drew, this just happened a lot sooner than expected.