Or possibly a well travelled penny. Since I'm referring to westerns, I could hardly use the term "Bad". We all know western novels aren't going anywhere. Western movies show up on a fairly regular cycle (but not often enough for my taste). Western TV shows are becoming rare, but still pop up every now and then. What makes me even happier is finding our favorite genre in other venues. For example, I've started buying comic books again. It's an old habit, but has become an expensive one. $3-$4 per comic. Yowch. Among the superheroes and horror stuff, there's good ol' Jonah Hex. I've also found a comic based on The Man with No Name. In fact, it's 
a continuation of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with Tuco, Blondie and Angel Eyes (in flashback) together again. They're well drawn, well written and a lot of fun.
I've also found a few more western video games showing up. Sure, there's not as many gunslingers as space marines, but they're out there. What's even more refreshing is how well received they are. People want more western games, comics and everything else. They just want GOOD westerns and FRESH westerns no matter what form they take. The demand is alive and well, so that's something. The tricky part is for us to meet it without shooting ourselves in the foot.
a continuation of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with Tuco, Blondie and Angel Eyes (in flashback) together again. They're well drawn, well written and a lot of fun.I've also found a few more western video games showing up. Sure, there's not as many gunslingers as space marines, but they're out there. What's even more refreshing is how well received they are. People want more western games, comics and everything else. They just want GOOD westerns and FRESH westerns no matter what form they take. The demand is alive and well, so that's something. The tricky part is for us to meet it without shooting ourselves in the foot.
2 comments:
Times they are a-changing.
Not only Jonah Hex etc - but Peter Brandvold's 'Guns n Roses' and the brilliant Blaze of Glory that saw the return of some of the old western comic book heroes - including the original Ghost Rider.
On the gaming front there is the forthcoming sequel to Red Dead Revolver and there is a rumoured Gun 2. Revolver was the surprise hit of the gaming world a while back and was developed by Rockstar the creators of Grand Theft Auto.
But when it comes to films and books - then there has to be themes to which younger readers can relate while, at the same time, maintain those elements that make for a good western without alienating anybody.
I had heard about the next Red Dead (I think Red Dead Redemption?), but didn't know about Gun 2. I played both of those games and really enjoyed them.
I just wish people would make their movies or books without worrying about upsetting someone. Some folks are always going to like something while others hate it. When movie makers just do what they want, you sometimes get something that both upsets some folks while also becoming a classic with others. I'm thinking about The Wild Bunch here. At the time, that kind of violence was considered disgusting, but it's a classic western movie nonetheless. Hopefully, the cream will always rise.
Post a Comment