The Levitz Paradigm featuring DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH.
Previously, I wrote about The Levitz Paradigm and how its contributed to the way comics are done today. So, to give you an example of how that works we’re going to examine a book, and considering my Deadpool obsession, (that’s been curbed for a while now) I’m going to take the opportunity to talk about Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth.
To recap, the Levitz Paradigm works in stages. It can be laid down in a grid, primarily it works best in a mini-series. In this sense its kind of like working on the Stair Master. Plot A is the immediate conflict, Plot B functions as a sub-plot, Plot C and D are the sub-sub plots. Each gets promoted as one is resolved. Here’s how it works with regards to the first two issues of Victor Gischler’s HILARIOUS and over-the-top book. Because Deadpool should be over the top.
So here goes Issue #1, warning, SPOILERS n00bs, and don’t expect this to be a summary of point by point of the issue. The issue is not presented in this manner: Plot A: Deadpool is hired by A.I.M to recover a weapon from the Savage Land. Plot B: Is the big reveal that the weapon that A.I.M wants Deadpool to obtain is the head of Zombie Deadpool from the Zombie Marvel Universe (Universe 666, I guess? I don’t know. I don’t read those Zombie books). Plot C: Deadpool encounters his A.I.M. contact, Dr. Betty Swanson and subsequently falls in love with her. Plot D: Is Deadpool encountering Ka-Zar who warns him of Hydra agents, and wanders in and out. He’s around for two pages.
At the end of Issue 1, Plot A is resolved as Deadpool obtains the weapon which is the disembodied head of the Zombie version of himself. Plot B becomes Plot A in the second issue as everyone comes after him in the second issue because the Cavemen worship the Zombie Head. Plot C is promoted to Plot B as the Betty Swanson plotline who guides Deadpool through the jungle and the ensuing battle with the Cavemen. Plot C is Hydra gets Deadpool and Betty betrays him to save her own skin. The Zombie head gets left behind and Ka-Zar (Plot D) resolves to do something.
So, one can imagine what will happen in the third issue (out tomorrow) we can imagine that the plot that moves up is Betty Swanson’s betrayal and Deadpool’s capture by Hydra and how they deal with that.
So there you have it. Questions? Comments? Bueller…Bueller…?
The Hollywood Lot Tour.
In this week’s edition of the Hollywood Lot tour we have a replacement for Nicolas Cage in The Green Hornet, news on a possible Lobo star, Mark Millar, the awesome Bruce Campbell, and Julian Sands has been cast on Smallville.
- The brilliant Nazi traitor from Inglourious Basterds Christoph Waltz has replaced Nicolas Cage to play Seth Rogen’s nemesis Chudnofsky in the Green Hornet. Well, that’s a step up certainly. Previously, Rogen said that the character was meant to be scary, but “not over the top”. Sounds like Waltz is perfect for that angle.
- The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) aka as Katherine Heigl’s dead boyfriend from Grey’s Anatomy wants to play Lobo, according to MTV’s Splash Page. I think that’s possible, he seems like a guy who could do that. Sure.
- Lobo creator Keith Giffen couldn’t be more thrilled with Guy Richie directing the Lobo movie. Shockingly, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything Giffen has been ecstatic over. But that’s cool that he digs this idea. Giffen said Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was one of his favorite movies in ages.
- Sam Raimi cameo artist Bruce Campbell will have a “major” part in Spider-Man 4, reports Access Hollywood. From the report it sounds like the Burn Notice star will play a key role in the film. Access went off about him playing Myserio but I laughed loudly and shockingly at this statement to the point that the next door neighbor knocked to make sure I was okay. Anyway, I love Campbell’s cameos, and more of him in the Spider-Man franchise the better.
- Michael Ausiello sleuths that Julian Sands will play Jor-El on Smallville. The Warlock star (wow, way to bust that one out) will make his first appearance as Clark Kent’s biological father in an episode titled “Kandor” and will establish his connection to General Zod (played by Callum Blue). I’m pumped for this season which premieres next Friday, Sept. 25, at 8pm.
- Mark Millar opened his mouth again about his epic Superman movie trilogy. He says he thinks he’s too expensive for DC/Warners now with his success in regards to Wanted and Kick-Ass. That’s fine, Mark, they weren’t interested anyway, you just sound really bitter. Regardless, they have no plans for Superman, says newly minted DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson.
- Chris Evans is likely to not be in the Fantastic Four reboot which is a shame because he was the best part of that series.
- Finally, the movie adaptation of Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber’s Eisner award winning Whiteout was a flop this weekend. The Kate Beckinsale staring film only raked in $5.1 million this weekend. Haven’t seen it yet, but considering my love for all things Rucka related, I’ll endeavor to make it.
