Early Review: The Rings of Power

As I’ve often shared, I’m a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. I discovered the series at the perfect time—as a young impressionable teen—just as the trilogy experienced a resurgence in the 1970s (accompanied by the iconic Hildebrandt Brothers calendars). Peter Jackson’s miraculously faithful film adaptations reinforced and rekindled my love for the books. That said, I’ve never been overly precious about it.

Which brings me to the long-gestating Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Amazon series which, with its $250 million purchase price and production costs that may bring the total to around $1 billion, certainly makes the show one of the most expensive ever brought to television. As a longtime Tolkien fan, I of course looked forward to the production—fortunately, however, I don't buy into the kind of toxicity that some fans feel and lash out with when deeply invested personally in a fandom, whether it be LoTR, comics or Star Wars. If it turned out to be a bust, I would of course be disappointed, but I would never feel “angry” at the production for “ruining” the series for me. The books and films will always be there to be enjoyed.

So far, I’ve seen the first four episodes of the series. I’ve described the show as a “slow burn”—with so many characters,(and races) to introduce, as well as storylines, politics and world building to establish, some viewers have understandably found the show slow-going. At the same time, the show has done a good job of creating a compelling, unfolding narrative and a sense of where the show is headed, while also creating some mysteries that may keep people engaged.

But I do have some nits to pick. Overall, I’ve found the casting to be a bit disappointing—while nobody is bad, there doesn’t appear to be any breakout charismatic stars or characters. (Durin and the dwarves have come closest to giving the show energy and humor.) With so many storylines and races, viewers also may have differing levels of engagement. I also wished the elves felt more ethereal or other-worldly, a quality that underscored their place as the immortal high race of Middle Earth. Both their dispositions and their presence seem too much of this world.

I have to admit at times I felt I was watching the show out of obligation…but in a good sign, episode 5, which I watched as I was preparing this, piqued my interest and made me look forward to what lies ahead as Galadriel (who appears to be the primary main character of the series), the mysterious Halbrand, and the Numenorians make their way to Middle Earth to face off against another mysterious fallen elf, Adar, and his own army of orcs..Along with the mysterious stranger and other characters and stories that remain yet revealed, there is much that still needs to be told. Let’s hope the series begins to pay off.

The Legacy of Elizabeth II

From the Queen

Though I don’t have a particularly strong opinion about Great Britain’s monarchy, as someone with an interest in history and political intrigue, as well as tradition and pomp and circumstance, I must admit an appreciation for Queen Elizabeth as a historical figure and fodder for some great drama (and comedy).

Elizabeth’s passing put me in mind to recently re-watch the film, the Queen and the Crown series on Netflix. I’ve watched both before (the former multiple times) and find them immensely watchable—they're very well done. They provide glimpses into tradition, protocol and backroom politics (both institutional and personal) of not just a monarch but a constitutional head of state who of course wields great influence but not absolute power—and must inspire and earn fealty from his or her subjects for legitimacy and to remain in power.

That said, I felt one of the best tributes to Elizabeth was the observation that she remained on the throne not for power but rather duty. She served her country with great dignity through transition and crisis, from a World War when she was still a princess and a Cold War as Queen, and the continued evolution of Great Britain as a colonial power to a commonwealth. As the longest-reigning English monarch, she leaves behind a strong legacy—and big shoes to fill.

RIP.

Looking Back at Comic-Con

On Thursday, Sept. 8, I attended a book signing for the just released See You at San Diego, an oral history of the San Diego Comic-Con and the fan scene from which it sprung when it debuted in 1970. I planned to purchase the book anyway, so when I learned there was a signing with the author and several people interviewed in the book who played key roles in the founding of the show at Skylight Books in L.A., I figured I'd attend.

It didn’t register with me until just before I left my house that the signing was in Los Feliz, way on the other side of town from me in West L.A., and that I’d be driving through rush hour traffic! Fortunately, GoogleMaps had me avoid the freeways and just take local streets. I guess I was going against traffic for the most part, because some parts of the drive were through nearly empty streets at times! (It still took just under an hour to go 12 miles—but in L.A., distance is measured by how time, not miles.)

Anyway, it gave me a chance to get the book signed by the author, Mathew Klickstein, as well as some of the people interviewed in the book, including Wendy All and Scott Shaw, the latter who I’ve been acquainted with for many years, so it was nice being able to chat with him. I also caught up a bit with Phil Yeh, who I’ve also met a few times—I learned we’re both from the east coast and that he actually briefly lived (and worked) in the part of L.A. where I now reside!

I had an enjoyable time—I’ve even started dipping into the book and it’s a fun, great read. I’m already peripherally aware of some of the stories and history of Comic-Con, so it’s nice to get a behind-the-scenes look and details from those who were there. It’s easy to take for granted, but I’ve attended nearly every Comic-Con since 1986. Although I missed some of the smaller, more intimate shows where some of the most exciting and notorious incidents happened, I nevertheless grew up with it professionally, watching it explode from about 6,000 people my first year there in the days before it went to the newly built convention center, to 150,000+ today. I credit Comic-Con, of course, for giving me a platform and voice for my comics work and the opportunity to meet fellow professionals and comics fans. To receive the Inkpot from Comic-Con in 2019 was a total surprise and a great honor, and an acknowledgment of my own small presence in the history of Comic-Con for which I’ll always be grateful! Here’s to many more!

With Scott Shaw!

Skylight Books

The signing was actually at Skylight's Annex next door

Phil and Linda Yeh

The Los Feliz Theater next door—a panel discussion
was held there, following a screening of the film Scott Pilgrim

Long Beach Comic Con Report

I had a great time at the Long Beach Comic Con (LBCC), held over the Saturday and Sunday. Though the first day of the show was a bit quiet, the crowds definitely turned out on Sunday. (When I entered the convention center Sunday morning, unlike Saturday I noticed a healthy, enthusiastic line of people waiting to get in, which I took as a good omen). The size of the exhibition floor also seemed markedly smaller compared to my experience attending past Long Beach shows (this was my first as an exhibitor), but after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, hopefully LBCC will be able to rebound and build on this year’s success.

An advantage of a smaller show is the easier access to special guests–among this year’s guests were comics legends Denys Cowan and Howard Chaykin. I’ve met Chaykin sporadically over the years and it was a definite personal highlight of the show that I had the opportunity to chat, talk shop and catch up a bit with one of my favorite current cartoonists.

I even found time to buy comics. My biggest haul was several discounted Johnny Hazard comics albums from Tony Raiola Books, a dealer I’ve made purchases from since the ‘80s who specializes in European comics and albums. I first discovered the great adventure comic strip Johnny Hazard (by Frank Robbins) through Raiola, purchasing from the same series of Sunday strip collections pictured in the photos. (I believe Raiola published these through his Pacific Comics Club imprint.)

In fact, prior to the show, I wondered if Raiola was even still active and couldn’t find a definitive answer online. So it was a happy surprise to see his booth—Tony even stopped by my table one morning and was very complimentary of my work, recognizing my influences of course (we’ve met before but not sure if he remembers). By coincidence, people who help Tony at shows were friends with my booth partner, so I ended up talking them with a bit when they stopped by and hearing about their work with him.

As I noted in my announcements about my appearance at the show, I exhibited at space provided by the Comic Arts Professional Society (CAPS), which I helped staff–if nothing else, the air conditioned convention center offered a nice refuge from the stifling Southern California heat wave happening outside!

More photos below and you can see the full photo gallery here.

From Kwento Comics

Howard Chaykin

Middle Earth Comes to Culver City

Middle-earth came to life at the Los Angeles red carpet premiere of #TheRingsOfPower. pic.twitter.com/vFqN1X1hfg

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) August 16, 2022

See You at the Long Beach Comic Con!