Created in 1938 by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman may not have been the first costumed crime fighter of the comics world (Lee Falk's "The Phantom" hit the funny pages two years earlier), but he quickly became the exemplar of the American superhero — due in large part to the timing of his arrival.
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor compelled the United States to officially enter World War II, kids were desperate to believe the world wasn't on the verge of becoming a fascist hellhole; and people were well aware that, to avoid this outcome, hundreds of thousands of young Americans were going to get blown to pieces on foreign soil. So what was the harm in occasionally escaping to a fantastical alternate reality in which a morally righteous alien (i.e. immigrant) continually thwarted the will of evildoers like Lex Luthor?
One of the most...
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor compelled the United States to officially enter World War II, kids were desperate to believe the world wasn't on the verge of becoming a fascist hellhole; and people were well aware that, to avoid this outcome, hundreds of thousands of young Americans were going to get blown to pieces on foreign soil. So what was the harm in occasionally escaping to a fantastical alternate reality in which a morally righteous alien (i.e. immigrant) continually thwarted the will of evildoers like Lex Luthor?
One of the most...
- 12/31/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Red 5 Comics' "Legacy Of Mandrake The Magician" #1 is written by Erica Schultz and illustrated by Diego Giribaldi, Juan Pablo Massa, with a cover by Amelia Vidal:
"...'Mandy Paz' is by all appearances an ordinary teenager just trying to make her way through high school. If she seems like she's going out of her way to avoid attention, that's because she's hiding a big secret -- she has powerful magical talents. So, when strange and sinister things start happening in her small town, Mandy decides to take action. And on her quest to chase down the root of the town's trouble she just might discover the truth about her own legacy..."
The inspiration for Marvel Comics "Doctor Strange", the original 'Mandrake The Magician' was created by Lee Falk as a newspaper comic strip character. Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically.
"...'Mandy Paz' is by all appearances an ordinary teenager just trying to make her way through high school. If she seems like she's going out of her way to avoid attention, that's because she's hiding a big secret -- she has powerful magical talents. So, when strange and sinister things start happening in her small town, Mandy decides to take action. And on her quest to chase down the root of the town's trouble she just might discover the truth about her own legacy..."
The inspiration for Marvel Comics "Doctor Strange", the original 'Mandrake The Magician' was created by Lee Falk as a newspaper comic strip character. Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically.
- 2/11/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Red 5 Comics' "Legacy Of Mandrake The Magician" #2, available November 4, 2020 is written by Erica Schultz and illustrated by Diego Giribaldi, Juan Pablo Massa, with a cover by Amelia Vidal:
"...after taking over the mantle of the great 'Mandrake The Magician', 'Mandy' finally has control over her mystical abilities. Her life is great, her confidence is boosting... but something seems off. Why can't she enjoy her new life? Why is it that everything good must come with a price?..."
"...'Mandy Paz' is by all appearances an ordinary teenager just trying to make her way through high school. If she seems like she's going out of her way to avoid attention, that's because she's hiding a big secret -- she has powerful magical talents. So, when strange and sinister things start happening in her small town, Mandy decides to take action. And on her quest to chase down the root...
"...after taking over the mantle of the great 'Mandrake The Magician', 'Mandy' finally has control over her mystical abilities. Her life is great, her confidence is boosting... but something seems off. Why can't she enjoy her new life? Why is it that everything good must come with a price?..."
"...'Mandy Paz' is by all appearances an ordinary teenager just trying to make her way through high school. If she seems like she's going out of her way to avoid attention, that's because she's hiding a big secret -- she has powerful magical talents. So, when strange and sinister things start happening in her small town, Mandy decides to take action. And on her quest to chase down the root...
- 8/26/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Red 5 Comics' "Legacy of Mandrake the Magician", available October 2020, is written by Erica Schultz and illustrated by Diego Giribaldi:
"...'Mandy Paz' is by all appearances an ordinary teenager just trying to make her way through high school. If she seems like she's going out of her way to avoid attention, that's because she's hiding a big secret -- she has powerful magical talents. So, when strange and sinister things start happening in her small town, Mandy decides to take action. And on her quest to chase down the root of the town's trouble she just might discover the truth about her own legacy..."
The inspiration for Marvel Comics "Doctor Strange", the original 'Mandrake The Magician' was created by Lee Falk as a newspaper comic strip character.
Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically..." he could induce anyone to hallucinate.
"...'Mandy Paz' is by all appearances an ordinary teenager just trying to make her way through high school. If she seems like she's going out of her way to avoid attention, that's because she's hiding a big secret -- she has powerful magical talents. So, when strange and sinister things start happening in her small town, Mandy decides to take action. And on her quest to chase down the root of the town's trouble she just might discover the truth about her own legacy..."
The inspiration for Marvel Comics "Doctor Strange", the original 'Mandrake The Magician' was created by Lee Falk as a newspaper comic strip character.
Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically..." he could induce anyone to hallucinate.
- 7/24/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
In peril, poor Polly Pearlwhite plunges from the pinnacle… And I, a superhero, really should fly up and save her and so I shall as soon as I change into my hero garb and… But what is this? I don’t seem to have worn the cape and tights under my Brooks Brothers suit and how could I forget such a thing? Well, come to think of it, I didn’t have my morning coffee and I’ve been Mr. Cottonbrain all day and… Never mind. Sorry, Polly.
So there I was – this is me taking now and not the fictitious person in the previous paragraph – and I’m about to reveal that early this morning, at about one, I finished watching the Iron Fist television serial and can report general satisfaction with it. But during the final minutes of superhero action I wondered if the film makers were going to give Mr.
So there I was – this is me taking now and not the fictitious person in the previous paragraph – and I’m about to reveal that early this morning, at about one, I finished watching the Iron Fist television serial and can report general satisfaction with it. But during the final minutes of superhero action I wondered if the film makers were going to give Mr.
- 3/30/2017
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
This week will see the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for a new comics project, The Golden Guard, by Vito Delsante, Charlie McElvy and Carlos Caballero. I got a chance to talk with Vito Delsante the other day.
Jc: I think it is fair to say you’re a big comics fan, and particularly of legacy superheroes. What is it about them that makes you want tell their stories?
Vd: I think it’s less about the legacy and more about how the most current person in the line handles the responsibility of the mantle. Like, if you’re the most current Phantom (Lee Falk’s character) and you’re 24, let’s say, your reality, your Africa/Bengalla, is totally different than your grandfather’s. So, there’s a real chance, as a storyteller, to push the idea of legacy further. That’s what Sean and I try to do...
Jc: I think it is fair to say you’re a big comics fan, and particularly of legacy superheroes. What is it about them that makes you want tell their stories?
Vd: I think it’s less about the legacy and more about how the most current person in the line handles the responsibility of the mantle. Like, if you’re the most current Phantom (Lee Falk’s character) and you’re 24, let’s say, your reality, your Africa/Bengalla, is totally different than your grandfather’s. So, there’s a real chance, as a storyteller, to push the idea of legacy further. That’s what Sean and I try to do...
- 2/28/2017
- by Joe Corallo
- Comicmix.com
I have wonderful Yuletide memories. Like every young boy, I quickly learned that the true meaning of the Holiday Season was… getting more stuff. And being the greedy little monster I was, (and, I guess, I remain) I also learned that I could extend that wonderful feeling of “Christmas Acquisition” through books. More than a toy, or apparel or certainly candy, the enjoyment of a book would linger well past the twelve days of Christmas.
As a comics fan back in the day, actual books about comics were few and far between. One that did make it onto the traditional bookstore shelves was Jules Feiffer’s The Great Comic Book Heroes. Soon after Superman: From the 30’s to the 70’s was a one of those “big wow” books about comics that was gifted to me. It was so massively thick that I couldn’t imagine anyone would be able...
As a comics fan back in the day, actual books about comics were few and far between. One that did make it onto the traditional bookstore shelves was Jules Feiffer’s The Great Comic Book Heroes. Soon after Superman: From the 30’s to the 70’s was a one of those “big wow” books about comics that was gifted to me. It was so massively thick that I couldn’t imagine anyone would be able...
- 11/28/2016
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
Chortle chuckle yukyukyuk. O, boy ain’t we having fun hee-hee-hee here in Nyack ho ho ho ho and how about that last Tuesday wasn’t that darn day a rib-tickler heh heh gargle lipticon smoothie ha ha ha ha ha ha giggle snortle honk.
Enough – hee hee – merriment. Where were we? Oh yeah. I sort of vaguely suggested that I might continue last week’s discussion of Doctor Strange, who has been a Marvel Comics character since 1963 and currently is the eponymous star of a big screen movie, the box office champ for the second week in a row (and for a little extra coin you can see this champ in 3-D! And don’t tell me, mister, that life is not a party.
Here I’m going to mention that ComicMix’s resident film critic had a few reservations about the flick and I hereby bow to his...
Enough – hee hee – merriment. Where were we? Oh yeah. I sort of vaguely suggested that I might continue last week’s discussion of Doctor Strange, who has been a Marvel Comics character since 1963 and currently is the eponymous star of a big screen movie, the box office champ for the second week in a row (and for a little extra coin you can see this champ in 3-D! And don’t tell me, mister, that life is not a party.
Here I’m going to mention that ComicMix’s resident film critic had a few reservations about the flick and I hereby bow to his...
- 11/17/2016
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
Face front, true believers! Class is in session! Let’s call this “Doctor Strange 101”, an introduction to the newest member of the “Marvel movie-verse”, although, as you’ll soon learn, the sorcerer supreme is one of the oldest heroes. So, to get you up to speed before heading to the multiplex, we’re giving you a top ten list of facts about the “master of mystic arts”. First, a look at his lineage….
1. Doctor Strange Has Lots Of “Magic Hero” Predecessors Let’s go back over a 100 years, when magicians where a popular part of live entertainment. Many real-life stage performers like Houdini and Blackstone branched out into the printed page, starring in fictional exploits via booklets called “penny dreadfuls” which became the lurid pulp novels. In 1931 a radio show presented the adventures of the mysterious “Chandu the Magician” (one big fan was young Stan Lee). Edmund Lowe battled master...
1. Doctor Strange Has Lots Of “Magic Hero” Predecessors Let’s go back over a 100 years, when magicians where a popular part of live entertainment. Many real-life stage performers like Houdini and Blackstone branched out into the printed page, starring in fictional exploits via booklets called “penny dreadfuls” which became the lurid pulp novels. In 1931 a radio show presented the adventures of the mysterious “Chandu the Magician” (one big fan was young Stan Lee). Edmund Lowe battled master...
- 11/3/2016
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
On February 17, 1936, Lee Falk’s comic strip hero The Phantom was introduced to the world. Over the following years—as the character reached millions of fans through an unparalleled-for-that-era level of worldwide syndication—The Phantom became an international sensation. The comic strip (clearly) excelled in many countries around the world, but perhaps none more so than […]
The post Hdtgm: A Conversation with Simon Wincer, Director of The Phantom appeared first on /Film.
The post Hdtgm: A Conversation with Simon Wincer, Director of The Phantom appeared first on /Film.
- 8/12/2016
- by Blake Harris
- Slash Film
The world has quickly forgotten that Iron Man was always kind of a B-level superhero. As you know, mid-tier comic titles like Iron Man or The Guardians of the Galaxy have now become blockbuster movie franchises. And next up is Doctor Strange, the thoughtful, deliberative sorcerer of the Marvel Universe who was always a well loved, but ultimately B-level player. We know that bigger things are in store for him as his cinematic manifestation, in the guise of actor Benedict Cumberbatch, was plastered all over downtown San Diego.
There have been several other comic book magicians with pencil thin mustaches and one was so popular that his adventures also enjoyed time on the big screen. It seemed like Mandrake should have broken out of that B-character ghetto by now.
Mandrake the Magician, created by Lee Falk (who created The Phantom almost two years earlier), is regarded by many comic historians...
There have been several other comic book magicians with pencil thin mustaches and one was so popular that his adventures also enjoyed time on the big screen. It seemed like Mandrake should have broken out of that B-character ghetto by now.
Mandrake the Magician, created by Lee Falk (who created The Phantom almost two years earlier), is regarded by many comic historians...
- 8/8/2016
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
Sacha Baron Cohen is set to star as classic comic strip character Mandrake, in the upcoming Warner Bros. film adaptation of Mandrake the Magician, according to reports on Tuesday. Sacha Baron Cohen To Star In ‘Mandrake the Magician’ Film Based on the 1934 Lee Falk newspaper comic strip, the plot centers around the adventures of […]
The post Sacha Baron Cohen Set To Play Mandrake In Upcoming ‘Mandrake the Magician’ Film appeared first on uInterview.
The post Sacha Baron Cohen Set To Play Mandrake In Upcoming ‘Mandrake the Magician’ Film appeared first on uInterview.
- 6/9/2016
- by Shantel Whitaker
- Uinterview
With the Now You See Me films and Marvel’s upcoming Doctor Strange movie recently bringing magic back into the spotlight, Warner Brothers has decided that it is time to conjure up a magical franchise of their own. Mandrake the Magician was created by Lee Falk (creator of The Phantom) back in the 1930s, originating in […]...
- 6/9/2016
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
The actor’s reported casting as the neglected comic-strip character marks a further move away from the gonzo comedy with which he made his name
For his next trick, Sacha Baron Cohen will reportedly star as Mandrake the Magician, the popular comic-strip character conjured up in 1934 by The Phantom creator Lee Falk, according to The Tracking Board.
Cohen – whose last project, Grimsby, bombed at the box office – will play the magician whose super-skill is based on his ability to quickly hypnotise people. Mandrake was syndicated across a number of Us newspapers before hanging up his top hat in 2013. He used his powers to defeat gangsters, ne’er-do-wells and mysterious creatures from other dimensions.
For his next trick, Sacha Baron Cohen will reportedly star as Mandrake the Magician, the popular comic-strip character conjured up in 1934 by The Phantom creator Lee Falk, according to The Tracking Board.
Cohen – whose last project, Grimsby, bombed at the box office – will play the magician whose super-skill is based on his ability to quickly hypnotise people. Mandrake was syndicated across a number of Us newspapers before hanging up his top hat in 2013. He used his powers to defeat gangsters, ne’er-do-wells and mysterious creatures from other dimensions.
- 6/8/2016
- by Henry Barnes and agencies
- The Guardian - Film News
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Actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is to play Mandrake The Magician in a new adaptation of the 30s comic...
Grimsby may not have gone down as well as actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen had hoped, but there’s a chance his first foray into comic book territory will fare better. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cohen’s set to produce and star in Mandrake The Magician, an adaptation of the 30s strip created by Lee Falk.
Mandrake’s director is said to be Etan Cohen, the Tropic Thunder writer who made his directorial debut with the flaccid Will Ferrell-Kevin Hart comedy Get Hard last year. The combination of the two Cohens suggests that we might be in for a tongue-in-cheek take on Mandrake, whose abilities include hypnosis, teleportation and invisibility.
This won’t be the first time Mandrake’s had a brush with the big screen,...
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Actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is to play Mandrake The Magician in a new adaptation of the 30s comic...
Grimsby may not have gone down as well as actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen had hoped, but there’s a chance his first foray into comic book territory will fare better. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cohen’s set to produce and star in Mandrake The Magician, an adaptation of the 30s strip created by Lee Falk.
Mandrake’s director is said to be Etan Cohen, the Tropic Thunder writer who made his directorial debut with the flaccid Will Ferrell-Kevin Hart comedy Get Hard last year. The combination of the two Cohens suggests that we might be in for a tongue-in-cheek take on Mandrake, whose abilities include hypnosis, teleportation and invisibility.
This won’t be the first time Mandrake’s had a brush with the big screen,...
- 6/8/2016
- Den of Geek
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has signed on to play Mandrake the Magician in a new film adaptation of the Lee Falk 1930s comic strip for Warner Bros. Pictures and Atlas Entertainment says The Tracking Board.
Additionally, writer/director Etan Coen is set to helm the project and he will develop both this and the already announced remake of "Cannonball Run" simultaneously.
Mandrake is a stage magician and crime fighter who has hypnotic powers that can induce hallucinations. He fights alongside the African 'Prince of the Seven Nations' Lothar.
The film's story will be made contemporary and involve Mandrake being offered the chance to lead a secret mission for the United States Government. No word on when it will begin production.
Additionally, writer/director Etan Coen is set to helm the project and he will develop both this and the already announced remake of "Cannonball Run" simultaneously.
Mandrake is a stage magician and crime fighter who has hypnotic powers that can induce hallucinations. He fights alongside the African 'Prince of the Seven Nations' Lothar.
The film's story will be made contemporary and involve Mandrake being offered the chance to lead a secret mission for the United States Government. No word on when it will begin production.
- 6/8/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Doctor Strange won't be the only magic game in town as The Tracking Board is reporting that Sacha Baron Cohen is attached to star and produce Mandrake The Magician, an adaptation of the classic comic strip by the same name. Created by Lee Falk in 1934, the strip followed the adventures of Mandrake, an illusionist and escape artist with the power to hypnotize his foes. Along with Lothar, an... Read More...
- 6/8/2016
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The Tracking Board reports that Borat and The Dictator star Sacha Baron Cohen will be playing the lead role in Warner Bros.' Mandrake The Magician, a film based on the popular comic strip by Lee Falk that was created in 1934.
The story centers around the adventures of Mandrake, the illusionist and escape artist with the power to hypnotize his foes. With his companion Lothar, he travels the globe solving mysteries and fighting evildoers – including his twin brother who uses his powers for evil instead than good. Sources say that the plan is to update the character for the 21st century, with Mandrake being recruited by the United States government for a secret mission.
They're definitely going to have to do some serious updating in regards to the Lothar character, but otherwise it's easy to imagine Cohen in a role like this, especially one with the potential to play both...
The story centers around the adventures of Mandrake, the illusionist and escape artist with the power to hypnotize his foes. With his companion Lothar, he travels the globe solving mysteries and fighting evildoers – including his twin brother who uses his powers for evil instead than good. Sources say that the plan is to update the character for the 21st century, with Mandrake being recruited by the United States government for a secret mission.
They're definitely going to have to do some serious updating in regards to the Lothar character, but otherwise it's easy to imagine Cohen in a role like this, especially one with the potential to play both...
- 6/7/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
Geek Culture is both spontaneously youthful and historically well heeled. New brands emerge frequently, like Boom! Studios Lumberjanes and The Backstagers, just written up in the New York Times. But brands like Batman and Captain America are more than 75 years old and provide a rich history for storytellers and collectors alike.
In this, my second of three articles exploring Geek Culture’s fascination with The Phantom, an 80 year old brand, I’m taking our conversation to Ireland.
Eoin McAuley is an ambitious professional who helped launch the Dublin Comic Con. And this year, there’s a charity overlay at this convention spotlighting The Phantom. Here’s my recent interview with Eoin.
Ed Catto: I’m anxious to hear about the Dublin Comic Con, Eoin. Can you please tell me about your convention?
Eoin McAuley: Dublin Comic Convention was first launched in 2013 by two friends, Karl Walsh and Derek Cosgrave, who...
In this, my second of three articles exploring Geek Culture’s fascination with The Phantom, an 80 year old brand, I’m taking our conversation to Ireland.
Eoin McAuley is an ambitious professional who helped launch the Dublin Comic Con. And this year, there’s a charity overlay at this convention spotlighting The Phantom. Here’s my recent interview with Eoin.
Ed Catto: I’m anxious to hear about the Dublin Comic Con, Eoin. Can you please tell me about your convention?
Eoin McAuley: Dublin Comic Convention was first launched in 2013 by two friends, Karl Walsh and Derek Cosgrave, who...
- 5/23/2016
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
A business magazine recently featured a story about the astoundingly short average life span of today’s companies, brands and product leaders. They noted that the average life expectancy of a modern company is something like 15 years. I think about a brand like PalmPilot, where one of my college buddies made a fortune, and how that name is practically a trivia question for this year’s Mba graduates. (“Is it a helicopter operator in Palm Beach?”) Likewise, cool companies they want to work for include Google and Lululemon – brands that didn’t exist 15 years ago.
So with all that in mind, let’s explore the opposite: the challenges of working with an 80-year-old brand in such a fickle climate.
Created in 1936, Lee Falk’s The Phantom was the first costumed comic hero. Bridging the gap of the masked vigilantes of the pulps (The Shadow, The Spider, etc.) and comic book superheroes,...
So with all that in mind, let’s explore the opposite: the challenges of working with an 80-year-old brand in such a fickle climate.
Created in 1936, Lee Falk’s The Phantom was the first costumed comic hero. Bridging the gap of the masked vigilantes of the pulps (The Shadow, The Spider, etc.) and comic book superheroes,...
- 4/25/2016
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
People have been arguing the “who was comics’ first costumed hero” question for decades. Some feel it was Mandrake the Magician, by Lee Falk and Phil Davis (1934), others cite the truly obscure Red Knight created by John Welch and Jack McGuire, and still others prefer to credit E.C. Segar’s Popeye (1929). But I think it’s safe to say that most comics fans and scholars bestow that honor upon The Phantom, created by Lee Falk and Ray Moore 80 years ago this past week.
Neither Mandrake nor Popeye are “costumed heroes.” They perform their feats of daring in their regular work clothes. Whereas the Red Knight got his start in 1934 as a guy named Bullet Benton, he did not don the Red Knight costume and, therefore, the costumed hero persona until April of 1940. I suspect somebody at the Register and Tribune Syndicate took a gander at the McClure Syndicate’s success with Superman.
Neither Mandrake nor Popeye are “costumed heroes.” They perform their feats of daring in their regular work clothes. Whereas the Red Knight got his start in 1934 as a guy named Bullet Benton, he did not don the Red Knight costume and, therefore, the costumed hero persona until April of 1940. I suspect somebody at the Register and Tribune Syndicate took a gander at the McClure Syndicate’s success with Superman.
- 2/24/2016
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
Take a look @ the 1943 comic book movie serial "The Phantom", revealing the superhero 'Ghost Who Walks', pre-dating both 'Batman' and 'Superman':
Created as a newspaper filler by illustrator Lee Falk in 1936, "The Phantom" origin follows 'Christopher Standish', a cabin boy for explorer Christopher Columbus, who marries and becomes the captain of his own commercial vessel.
But when his ship comes under attack by pirates, Christopher's only son 'Kit', the sole survivor, washes up on a 'distant African shore', befriended by the 'Bandar' tribe of pygmies.
Swearing revenge against 'piracy and injustice', Kit fashions a costume and becomes a feared figure, sporting a skull ring that leaves an impression on his enemies, riding a ghost-white stallion accompanied by a red-eyed wolf.
As each 'Phantom' dies of old age, another son or daughter takes up the mask and the fight against injustice.
"The Phantom" that appears in the current comic strip is Kit's 21st descendant.
Created as a newspaper filler by illustrator Lee Falk in 1936, "The Phantom" origin follows 'Christopher Standish', a cabin boy for explorer Christopher Columbus, who marries and becomes the captain of his own commercial vessel.
But when his ship comes under attack by pirates, Christopher's only son 'Kit', the sole survivor, washes up on a 'distant African shore', befriended by the 'Bandar' tribe of pygmies.
Swearing revenge against 'piracy and injustice', Kit fashions a costume and becomes a feared figure, sporting a skull ring that leaves an impression on his enemies, riding a ghost-white stallion accompanied by a red-eyed wolf.
As each 'Phantom' dies of old age, another son or daughter takes up the mask and the fight against injustice.
"The Phantom" that appears in the current comic strip is Kit's 21st descendant.
- 2/13/2016
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek the origins of "Mandrake The Magician", currently in development as a 'contemporary adventure' feature, based on creator Lee Falk's 1930's newspaper comic strip character:
Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically..." he could induce anyone to hallucinate.
In 1939, Columbia produced a 12-part "Mandrake the Magician" movie serial, starring actor Warren Hull as Mandrake and Al Kikume as his sidekick 'Lothar'.
NBC produced a "Mandrake" TV pilot in 1954, starring stage magician Coe Norton as Mandrake and Woody Strode ("Spartacus") as Lothar.
Actor Anthony Herrera starred in the 1979 TV movie "Mandrake" with Ji-Tu Cumbuka as Lothar.
In the animated TV series "Defenders of the Earth", Mandrake teamed up with fellow King Features characters 'Flash Gordon' and 'The Phantom'.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Mandrake The Magician"...
Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically..." he could induce anyone to hallucinate.
In 1939, Columbia produced a 12-part "Mandrake the Magician" movie serial, starring actor Warren Hull as Mandrake and Al Kikume as his sidekick 'Lothar'.
NBC produced a "Mandrake" TV pilot in 1954, starring stage magician Coe Norton as Mandrake and Woody Strode ("Spartacus") as Lothar.
Actor Anthony Herrera starred in the 1979 TV movie "Mandrake" with Ji-Tu Cumbuka as Lothar.
In the animated TV series "Defenders of the Earth", Mandrake teamed up with fellow King Features characters 'Flash Gordon' and 'The Phantom'.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Mandrake The Magician"...
- 12/20/2015
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Legendary comics artist Fred Fredericks died this week.
After attending New York’s School of Visual Arts in the period following the Korean War, Fredericks started drawing historical comics that attracted the attention of comic book editors. Before long, Fred was a regular at Western Publishing (Dell, Gold Key), where he drew such titles as The Twilight Zone, The Munsters, Mighty Mouse, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Mister Ed, Nancy, and Snuffy Smith. After working on several short-lived Civil War newspaper strips, Fredericks created the comics feature Rebel for Scholastic Scope, which ran for 30 years.
In 1965, the year following the start of Rebel, Fred was selected by writer / playwright Lee Falk to take over the art chores on his daily and Sunday Mandrake The Magician newspaper strip. Fred drew Mandrake until the Sundays ended in 2002, but he continued drawing the daily feature until his retirement in 2013. Fredericks took over the writing chores...
After attending New York’s School of Visual Arts in the period following the Korean War, Fredericks started drawing historical comics that attracted the attention of comic book editors. Before long, Fred was a regular at Western Publishing (Dell, Gold Key), where he drew such titles as The Twilight Zone, The Munsters, Mighty Mouse, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Mister Ed, Nancy, and Snuffy Smith. After working on several short-lived Civil War newspaper strips, Fredericks created the comics feature Rebel for Scholastic Scope, which ran for 30 years.
In 1965, the year following the start of Rebel, Fred was selected by writer / playwright Lee Falk to take over the art chores on his daily and Sunday Mandrake The Magician newspaper strip. Fred drew Mandrake until the Sundays ended in 2002, but he continued drawing the daily feature until his retirement in 2013. Fredericks took over the writing chores...
- 3/13/2015
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
Sneak Peek the first image tweeted by director Scott Derrickson of actor Bendedict Cumberbatch as Marvel Comics' 'Doctor Strange' from Marvel Studios' prepping "Doctor Strange" superhero feature:
Pre-production is now underway @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton studios with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project.
Pre-production is now underway @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton studios with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project.
- 12/22/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Marvel Studios have now officially confirmed that Brit actor Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game") will play Marvel Comics' "Doctor Strange", in the prepping "Doctor Strange" superhero feature, to be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts:
Pre-production is now underway @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I...
Pre-production is now underway @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I...
- 12/5/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
According to reports, actor Benedict Cumberbatch ("Sherlock Holmes") will play Marvel Comics' "Doctor Strange" in the new "Doctor Strange"Marvel Studios feature, to be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts:
Pre-production is now underway @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything...
Pre-production is now underway @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything...
- 10/28/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"The crazy 'acid trip' way of traveling through dimensions and traveling through realms, is something that we think is very, very cool..." said Marvel's Kevin Feige, about the studio's big screen "Doctor Strange" feature, with a production start date now set, targeting a July 8, 2016 release:
The new film will be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, with 43-year old Ethan Hawke in talks for the lead role, as well as talks reportedly with 'Big Boy Caprice' Al Pacino as 'Baron Mordo' (?!) Pre-production is now starting @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of...
The new film will be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, with 43-year old Ethan Hawke in talks for the lead role, as well as talks reportedly with 'Big Boy Caprice' Al Pacino as 'Baron Mordo' (?!) Pre-production is now starting @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural," said Feige.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of...
- 10/3/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"The crazy 'acid trip' way of traveling through dimensions and traveling through realms, is something that we think is very, very cool..." said Marvel's Kevin Feige, about the studio's big screen "Doctor Strange" feature, with a production start date now set, targeting a July 8, 2016 release:
The new film will be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, with Joaquin Phoenix in final talks for the lead role. Pre-production is now starting @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed...
The new film will be directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, with Joaquin Phoenix in final talks for the lead role. Pre-production is now starting @ the UK's Pinewood-Shepperton with principal photography scheduled for May 2015.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
Director Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed...
- 9/22/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"The crazy 'acid trip' way of traveling through dimensions and traveling through realms, is something that we think is very, very cool..." said Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige, about the developing "Doctor Strange" 3D multi-million dollar budgeted motion picture, paving the way for the next phase of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
"Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything...
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
"Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything...
- 8/5/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"This is the Marvel movie we're all ready to see now..." said director Scott Derrickson about his developing Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange" 3D multi-million dollar budgeted motion picture, paving the way for the next phase of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," Derrickson said. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project. Genuinely felt like I was the right guy to do it."
"I think people who know the comic world and the Marvel universe, they all feel the same way I do...the outpouring of excitement that people have shown is the thing I've been most pleasantly surprised."
Casting suggestions to play 'Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange', include Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jon Hamm,...
Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," Derrickson said. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project. Genuinely felt like I was the right guy to do it."
"I think people who know the comic world and the Marvel universe, they all feel the same way I do...the outpouring of excitement that people have shown is the thing I've been most pleasantly surprised."
Casting suggestions to play 'Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange', include Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jon Hamm,...
- 6/20/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek the entire "Doctor Strange" 1978 TV movie on the news that Marvel Studios have hired a director to helm their big screen "Doctor Strange" motion picture, paving the way for 'phase two' of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
Scott Derrickson ("The Day The Earth Stood Still"), will direct the first big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics' 'Sorcerer Supreme', with casting suggestions to play 'Doctor Steven Vincent Strange', including Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jon Hamm, Oscar winner Jared Leto ("Dallas Buyers Club"), Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy. Matthew Modine ("Full Metal Jacket") has also expressed interest in the role.
Following their Marvel Comics' success with "The Amazing Spider-Man", writer Stan Lee and co-writer/illustrator Steve Ditko debuted 'Doctor Strange' in Marvel Comics' "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), fashioning the physical look of the character after creator Lee Falk's popular, 1930's comic strip character "Mandrake The Magician".
'Dr. Stephen Strange' was an arrogant,...
Scott Derrickson ("The Day The Earth Stood Still"), will direct the first big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics' 'Sorcerer Supreme', with casting suggestions to play 'Doctor Steven Vincent Strange', including Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jon Hamm, Oscar winner Jared Leto ("Dallas Buyers Club"), Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy. Matthew Modine ("Full Metal Jacket") has also expressed interest in the role.
Following their Marvel Comics' success with "The Amazing Spider-Man", writer Stan Lee and co-writer/illustrator Steve Ditko debuted 'Doctor Strange' in Marvel Comics' "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), fashioning the physical look of the character after creator Lee Falk's popular, 1930's comic strip character "Mandrake The Magician".
'Dr. Stephen Strange' was an arrogant,...
- 6/9/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
(Cbr) "The Phantom" shall rise again! The Tracking Board reports that The Mark Gordon Company has secured the rights bring Lee Falk’s comic strip hero back to the big screen. Referred to as The Ghost Who Walks, the Phantom is a legacy character whose roots trace back to the fictional African country of Bangalla. For centuries, men have donned a domino mask, skintight costume, guns and a pair of rings to right wrongs and fight evil doers. Created by Falk in 1936, The Phantom has gone on to have a long life appearing in serials, comics, cartoons, a 1996 film starring Billy Zane and a 2010 Syfy miniseries.
- 5/1/2014
- by TJ Dietsch, Comic Book Resources
- Hitfix
Yes, what you’re looking at is a picture of a man in purple spandex riding a horse. That’s Billy Zane in costume as The Phantom, in the eponymous 1996 mega-flop from Paramount Pictures. Someone in Hollywood must have fond memories of the cult classic though, because the character is now getting another shot at the big screen.
Created by Lee Falk in 1936, The Phantom is a costumed crime fighter operating in the fictional African country of Bangalla. He doesn’t have any superpowers, and instead relies on his intelligence, strength and fearsome reputation of being an immortal ghost in order to conquer his foes.
Of course, he’s not a ghost, but in fact the twenty-first person to don the purple costume. The story begins in 1536, with a sailor named Christopher Walker. When Walker’s father is killed by pirates, he swears an oath to fight evil as the Phantom.
Created by Lee Falk in 1936, The Phantom is a costumed crime fighter operating in the fictional African country of Bangalla. He doesn’t have any superpowers, and instead relies on his intelligence, strength and fearsome reputation of being an immortal ghost in order to conquer his foes.
Of course, he’s not a ghost, but in fact the twenty-first person to don the purple costume. The story begins in 1536, with a sailor named Christopher Walker. When Walker’s father is killed by pirates, he swears an oath to fight evil as the Phantom.
- 5/1/2014
- by James Garcia
- We Got This Covered
According to new rumors, Marvel Studios has shown an interest in actor Johnny Depp to play 'Doctor Strange', based on Marvel Comics' 'sorcerer supreme'.
"He is a great individual singular character," Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige said about "Doctor Strange".
"He's got a great personality. He's got a great origin story.
"And he's very, very different than any of our other characters.
"Doc Strange, as I've been saying for years, is a movie I believe we should make -- we're just figuring out how to make it a great movie.
"It is in active development right now.
"And, you know, we could find a great, great actor to bring that role to life.
"And a lot of people have been calling us, for years, about that. And he is a section of the Marvel universe -- like 'Guardians', is cosmic, and 'Thor' and 'The Avengers' sort of tease into that cosmic realm.
"He is a great individual singular character," Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige said about "Doctor Strange".
"He's got a great personality. He's got a great origin story.
"And he's very, very different than any of our other characters.
"Doc Strange, as I've been saying for years, is a movie I believe we should make -- we're just figuring out how to make it a great movie.
"It is in active development right now.
"And, you know, we could find a great, great actor to bring that role to life.
"And a lot of people have been calling us, for years, about that. And he is a section of the Marvel universe -- like 'Guardians', is cosmic, and 'Thor' and 'The Avengers' sort of tease into that cosmic realm.
- 1/14/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige recently talked about Disney's developing big screen "Doctor Strange" movie, based on Marvel Comics' 'sorcerer supreme' "Doctor Strange."
"He is a great individual singular character, Feige said about "Doctor Strange".
"He's got a great personality. He's got a great origin story. And he's very, very different than any of our other characters.
"Doc Strange, as I've been saying for years, is a movie I believe we should make -- we're just figuring out how to make it a great movie.
"It is in active development right now.
"And, you know, we could find a great, great actor to bring that role to life.
"And a lot of people have been calling us, for years, about that. And he is a section of the Marvel universe -- like 'Guardians', is cosmic, and 'Thor' and 'The Avengers' sort of tease into that cosmic realm.
"He deals...
"He is a great individual singular character, Feige said about "Doctor Strange".
"He's got a great personality. He's got a great origin story. And he's very, very different than any of our other characters.
"Doc Strange, as I've been saying for years, is a movie I believe we should make -- we're just figuring out how to make it a great movie.
"It is in active development right now.
"And, you know, we could find a great, great actor to bring that role to life.
"And a lot of people have been calling us, for years, about that. And he is a section of the Marvel universe -- like 'Guardians', is cosmic, and 'Thor' and 'The Avengers' sort of tease into that cosmic realm.
"He deals...
- 10/21/2013
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Feature David Menzies 12 Apr 2013 - 07:00
Would we have had Mutant Enemy or Bad Robot without Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Robert Tapert's Renaissance Pictures? David thinks not...
After 1992's Army Of Darkness, another Sam Raimi feature film wouldn't emerge in theatres for another three years. What Raimi did with the time in between is anybody's guess - perhaps he wandered the world; maybe he dug through a peculiar collection of Spider-Man comics with most of the dialogue cut out. But what he certainly did with his Renaissance Pictures partners was bring to light a new frontier of genre TV (cue heroic music and a narrator saying, "This is the story of a time long ago – a time of myth and legend. When the ancient gods were petty and cruel, and they plagued mankind with suffering, only one man dared to challenge their power...")
While Hercules may be one...
Would we have had Mutant Enemy or Bad Robot without Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Robert Tapert's Renaissance Pictures? David thinks not...
After 1992's Army Of Darkness, another Sam Raimi feature film wouldn't emerge in theatres for another three years. What Raimi did with the time in between is anybody's guess - perhaps he wandered the world; maybe he dug through a peculiar collection of Spider-Man comics with most of the dialogue cut out. But what he certainly did with his Renaissance Pictures partners was bring to light a new frontier of genre TV (cue heroic music and a narrator saying, "This is the story of a time long ago – a time of myth and legend. When the ancient gods were petty and cruel, and they plagued mankind with suffering, only one man dared to challenge their power...")
While Hercules may be one...
- 4/12/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Time for a twisted take on a very special subset of the business they call show (which is like no business I know). Yup it’s another flick about (exploding hand gesture)…magic! Very hot on the heels of last week’s box office behemoth Oz: The Great And Powerful, comes another story of an illusionist. This is a more modern and comic take on this entertainment staple that certainly pre-dates the wagons and caravans of Oz. Magicians soon went from those carnival side shows and became sensations of live theatre with Harry Houdini, perhaps achieving the greatest fame (folks still gather every Halloween awaiting his return from the great beyond). They even inspired a long-running newspaper comic strip, Phil Davis and Lee Falk’s “Mandrake the Magician”. When television began in the late 1940′s they immediately snapped up these performers for their visual appeal. A few hosted their own...
- 3/15/2013
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige continues to push for a live-action "Doctor Strange" feature, with the 'Sorceror Supreme' up on the big screen as part of 'Phase 3' in the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe' :
"'Doctor Strange,' I've been talking about for years," said Feige.
"He's a great, original character, and he checks the box off this criteria that I have: he's totally different from anything else we have (and) totally different from anything we've done before...which keeps us excited."
Written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko, 'Doctor Strange' debuted in Marvel Comics' "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), with Ditko fashioning the physical look of the character after creator Lee Falk's 1930's hypnotic comic strip character "Mandrake The Magician".
'Dr. Stephen Strange' was an arrogant, womanizing world-renowned neurosurgeon, until a Chappaquiddick-like car accident damaged his hands, preventing him from conducting surgery.
In bitter desperation, he seeks out...
"'Doctor Strange,' I've been talking about for years," said Feige.
"He's a great, original character, and he checks the box off this criteria that I have: he's totally different from anything else we have (and) totally different from anything we've done before...which keeps us excited."
Written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko, 'Doctor Strange' debuted in Marvel Comics' "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), with Ditko fashioning the physical look of the character after creator Lee Falk's 1930's hypnotic comic strip character "Mandrake The Magician".
'Dr. Stephen Strange' was an arrogant, womanizing world-renowned neurosurgeon, until a Chappaquiddick-like car accident damaged his hands, preventing him from conducting surgery.
In bitter desperation, he seeks out...
- 1/29/2013
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
While we’re all busy celebrating the 49th anniversary of Doctor Who and the 50th anniversary of both Spider-Man and the James Bond movies, the daddy of heroic fantasy characters quietly turned 76 way back in February. Or, depending upon how you look at it, he turned 476.
The Phantom was the very first masked, costumed hero in comics, debuting in the pages of the many Hearst papers February 17, 1936. He wore a dark outfit – when the feature added a Sunday page, an unthinking engraver made the costume purple for some unknown reason and the color stuck. He fought piracy and other crimes and handed down his clothes, his weapons, his Skull Cave, his fortune and, most important, his legacy to his son. The current guy – most have been named Kit Walker – is the 21st. This cool concept predated Doctor Who by a generation.
One would think the locals were pretty stupid to...
The Phantom was the very first masked, costumed hero in comics, debuting in the pages of the many Hearst papers February 17, 1936. He wore a dark outfit – when the feature added a Sunday page, an unthinking engraver made the costume purple for some unknown reason and the color stuck. He fought piracy and other crimes and handed down his clothes, his weapons, his Skull Cave, his fortune and, most important, his legacy to his son. The current guy – most have been named Kit Walker – is the 21st. This cool concept predated Doctor Who by a generation.
One would think the locals were pretty stupid to...
- 11/28/2012
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, owned by The Walt Disney Company, is the film production/distribution company that currently owns rights to all characters based on Marvel Comics except the "X-Men", "Spider-Man", "Ghost Rider", "Fantastic Four", "Man-Thing" and "Kick-Ass".
During a New York Comic Con, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige talked about his desire to see a big screen "Doctor Strange" motion picture as part of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
"I think I can probably say sooner rather than later in some announcements on 'Doc Strange'," said Feige. "I would love to see him..."
Written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko, 'Doctor Strange' debuted in Marvel Comics' "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), with Ditko fashioning the physical look of the character after creator Lee Falk's 1930's hypnotic comic strip character "Mandrake The Magician".
'Dr. Stephen Strange' was an arrogant, womanizing world-renowned neurosurgeon, until a Chappaquiddick-like car accident damaged his hands,...
During a New York Comic Con, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige talked about his desire to see a big screen "Doctor Strange" motion picture as part of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
"I think I can probably say sooner rather than later in some announcements on 'Doc Strange'," said Feige. "I would love to see him..."
Written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko, 'Doctor Strange' debuted in Marvel Comics' "Strange Tales" #110 (July 1963), with Ditko fashioning the physical look of the character after creator Lee Falk's 1930's hypnotic comic strip character "Mandrake The Magician".
'Dr. Stephen Strange' was an arrogant, womanizing world-renowned neurosurgeon, until a Chappaquiddick-like car accident damaged his hands,...
- 11/13/2012
- by M. Stevens
- SneakPeek
With production marred by delays and changes in the director's chair, Hugh Jackman's second solo outing as Wolverine might have looked like it would never claw its way into cinemas.
Filming is set to start in August and giving more weight to that possibility is the news, via Deadline, that 20th Century Fox has brought in Hutch Parker as a producer.
Having an X-tensive background with the franchise, Parker oversaw the original films while previously working at Fox. He's now returning to the studio after exiting as New Regency co-chairman.
This hiring of the series veteran, who joins producers Lauren Shuler Donner and John Palermo on the mutant adventure, will hopefully solidify its completion and prevent further complications as Jackman and director James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma, Knight and Day) press forward on the project.
The Wolverine, reportedly based on the Chris Claremont and Frank Miller comic book miniseries set in Japan,...
Filming is set to start in August and giving more weight to that possibility is the news, via Deadline, that 20th Century Fox has brought in Hutch Parker as a producer.
Having an X-tensive background with the franchise, Parker oversaw the original films while previously working at Fox. He's now returning to the studio after exiting as New Regency co-chairman.
This hiring of the series veteran, who joins producers Lauren Shuler Donner and John Palermo on the mutant adventure, will hopefully solidify its completion and prevent further complications as Jackman and director James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma, Knight and Day) press forward on the project.
The Wolverine, reportedly based on the Chris Claremont and Frank Miller comic book miniseries set in Japan,...
- 6/19/2012
- by Michael Pellegrini
- The Geek Files
Variety has landed a couple of scoops concerning the upcoming film adaptations of Mandrake The Magician and Moby Dick. First up, the site reports that Warner Bros. has hired Tom Wheeler (who has previously scripted Dreamworks Animation's Puss In Boots spin-off) to rewrite their Mandrake The Magician movie, which will be a new modern take on the character (who is described as "a powerful illusionist who hypnotized foes from gangsters to aliens"). The film will be based on the classic comic strip created by Lee Falk in 1934. David and Janet Peoples wrote the first draft of the script. The film has been in development since 2009 at WB/Altas Entertainment. Charles Roven and Andy Horwitz are overseeing the project for Atlas, while Sarah Schechter will oversee for WB. No director is currently attached. Meanwhile, Variety also reports that Universal Pictures has set a new writer for their adaptation of the...
- 6/15/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
Earlier this year Warner Bros announced plans to adapt Lee Falk's comic strip Mandrake the Magician into a PG-13 action-adventure in the vein of Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. However, the project has been laboring in development at Atlas Entertainment since 2009. And it seems now that Warner Bros is on board, they want a fresh start on this re-imagining, as Variety reports the studio has brought in Tom Wheeler, Puss in Boots scribe and creator of the short-lived action series The Cape, to rewrite Mandrake the Magician's screenplay, which was originally drafted by David and Janet Peoples, who co-wrote Terry Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys. For those unfamiliar with the long-running comic, Mandrake the Magician followed the adventures of the titular illusionist who had a special talent for quickly hypnotizing people, making them susceptible to his every command. While this sounds like a useful skill set for a comic book villain,...
- 6/13/2012
- cinemablend.com
Update: Puss in Boots scribe Tom Wheeler is rewriting the script for Mandrake the Magician. (Putting a script in rewrites by a different screenwriter is normal for movies). The character is a crime-fighting hypnotist who uses his mental powers on those he comes up against, be it criminals, aliens and those from another dimension. His sidekick is Lothar, an African prince who is also the strongest man in the world.
March 13, 2012 -- The comic "Mandrake the Magician" will become a feature film once again through Warner Brothers. Atlas Entertainment will produce the film for WB from a script by David and Janice Peoples.
The comic by Lee Falk was made into a movie by Columbia Pictures in 1939 and a TV show in the 1950s.
March 13, 2012 -- The comic "Mandrake the Magician" will become a feature film once again through Warner Brothers. Atlas Entertainment will produce the film for WB from a script by David and Janice Peoples.
The comic by Lee Falk was made into a movie by Columbia Pictures in 1939 and a TV show in the 1950s.
- 6/13/2012
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
Warner Bros. is in the rewriting spirit. Less than 24 hours after Methuselah‘s reworking came to our attention, Variety has learned that Tom Wheeler (Puss in Boots) will put his own spin on Mandrake the Magician, their big-screen depiction of a long-running comic strip you’ve probably encountered.
Created by Lee Falk back in the ’30s, the character is an illusionist who uses powers of hypnosis to fight fellow magicians — one of them being “a twin brother who used his power for evil instead of good” — gangsters, and even aliens, thanks in part to the help of his sidekick, African strongman Lothar. A modern spin will, as is often the case, take cues from Guy Ritchie‘s Sherlock Holmes, though the presence of steampunk-style action has yet to be confirmed. Fingers crossed.
Calling this a rewrite — one that would, in all likelihood, be of a script by David and Janet Peoples...
Created by Lee Falk back in the ’30s, the character is an illusionist who uses powers of hypnosis to fight fellow magicians — one of them being “a twin brother who used his power for evil instead of good” — gangsters, and even aliens, thanks in part to the help of his sidekick, African strongman Lothar. A modern spin will, as is often the case, take cues from Guy Ritchie‘s Sherlock Holmes, though the presence of steampunk-style action has yet to be confirmed. Fingers crossed.
Calling this a rewrite — one that would, in all likelihood, be of a script by David and Janet Peoples...
- 6/13/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
During a recent interview, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, said there are currently 5 more films in the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe' pipeline.
Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, owned by The Walt Disney Company, is the film production/distribution company that currently owns rights to all characters based on Marvel Comics except the "X-Men", "Spider-Man", "Ghost Rider", "Fantastic Four", "Man-Thing", "Daredevil' and "Kick-Ass".
"We want to do two films a year," said Feige.
"'Avengers' is our only film this year, but in a week and a half we begin filming 'Iron Man 3'. By the end of the summer we'll be working on the next 'Thor' film. Early next year the next 'Captain America' film. Those are the three we've announced so far. We've got two beyond that that we haven't announced yet, but we're working on."
Feige talked about a big screen "Doctor Strange" motion...
Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, owned by The Walt Disney Company, is the film production/distribution company that currently owns rights to all characters based on Marvel Comics except the "X-Men", "Spider-Man", "Ghost Rider", "Fantastic Four", "Man-Thing", "Daredevil' and "Kick-Ass".
"We want to do two films a year," said Feige.
"'Avengers' is our only film this year, but in a week and a half we begin filming 'Iron Man 3'. By the end of the summer we'll be working on the next 'Thor' film. Early next year the next 'Captain America' film. Those are the three we've announced so far. We've got two beyond that that we haven't announced yet, but we're working on."
Feige talked about a big screen "Doctor Strange" motion...
- 5/15/2012
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
For someone who's considered one of the greatest filmmakers in history, Sergio Leone was not especially prolific. While he worked extensively as an assistant director (with credits including "Bicycle Thieves," "Quo Vadis" and "Ben Hur"), he was only credited on seven films across his thirty-year career (with uncredited direction work on three others -- "The Last Days Of Pompeii," "My Name Is Nobody" and "A Genius, Two Partners and A Dupe").
But given that those films include some of the greatest Westerns -- the Man With No Name trilogy, and "Once Upon A Time In The West" -- and a wonderful crime epic, "Once Upon A Time In America," it's hard not to mourn that we didn't get more films from the director, who passed away 23 years ago today, on April 30th, 1989. But it wasn't for a lack of trying, as there were a number of other projects that Leone considered,...
But given that those films include some of the greatest Westerns -- the Man With No Name trilogy, and "Once Upon A Time In The West" -- and a wonderful crime epic, "Once Upon A Time In America," it's hard not to mourn that we didn't get more films from the director, who passed away 23 years ago today, on April 30th, 1989. But it wasn't for a lack of trying, as there were a number of other projects that Leone considered,...
- 4/30/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Warner Bros. Pictures and Atlas Entertainment are planning to bring the pulp classic, syndicated newspaper comic strip character, Mandrake the Magician to the big screen. Mandrake, created by Lee Falk (The Phantom) back in 1934 is an illusionist and hypnotist who uses his magical abilities to fight crime alongside an African Prince named Lothar, who also happens to be one of the strongest men in the world.
According to THR, Warner Bros. wants to give the character a 21st century makeover, the same way it did for Sherlock Holmes, and is on the hunt for new writers. A Mandrake the Magician 12-part serial was made by Columbia Pictures in 1939, and there was a TV movie which aired in the 1970s, but studios have yet to bring about a successful big-screen adaptation of Falk’s character.
No production or release dates have been announced for Mandrake the Magician.
According to THR, Warner Bros. wants to give the character a 21st century makeover, the same way it did for Sherlock Holmes, and is on the hunt for new writers. A Mandrake the Magician 12-part serial was made by Columbia Pictures in 1939, and there was a TV movie which aired in the 1970s, but studios have yet to bring about a successful big-screen adaptation of Falk’s character.
No production or release dates have been announced for Mandrake the Magician.
- 3/16/2012
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
In development since Sneak Peek first reported on it in 2007, Warner Brothers have now acquired King Features' "Mandrake The Magician", to adapt as a 'contemporary adventure' feature, based on creator Lee Falk's 1930's newspaper comic strip character.
The film will be in direct competition with Disney's developing "Dr. Strange" ("Master Of The Mystic Arts') feature, based on the Marvel Comics character (which in turn was based on "Mandrake").
Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically..." he could induce anyone to hallucinate.
In 1939, Columbia produced a 12-part "Mandrake the Magician" movie serial, starring actor Warren Hull as Mandrake and Al Kikume as his sidekick 'Lothar'.
NBC produced a "Mandrake" TV pilot in 1954, starring stage magician Coe Norton as Mandrake and Woody Strode ("Spartacus") as Lothar.
Actor Anthony Herrera starred in the 1979 TV movie "Mandrake" with Ji-Tu Cumbuka as Lothar.
The film will be in direct competition with Disney's developing "Dr. Strange" ("Master Of The Mystic Arts') feature, based on the Marvel Comics character (which in turn was based on "Mandrake").
Created in 1934, 'Mandrake' was an illusionist whose work was based on hypnotic technique. When Mandrake "...gestured hypnotically..." he could induce anyone to hallucinate.
In 1939, Columbia produced a 12-part "Mandrake the Magician" movie serial, starring actor Warren Hull as Mandrake and Al Kikume as his sidekick 'Lothar'.
NBC produced a "Mandrake" TV pilot in 1954, starring stage magician Coe Norton as Mandrake and Woody Strode ("Spartacus") as Lothar.
Actor Anthony Herrera starred in the 1979 TV movie "Mandrake" with Ji-Tu Cumbuka as Lothar.
- 3/16/2012
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
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