Wagner's Green Hornet: Year One [Archive]

comixfan1980

01-20-2010, 10:10 PM

Thats an amazing looking cover, I am really looking forward to this title to come out so I can lean more about this iconic character, I have yet to be formally introduced to Green Hornet. I will have my chance soon! I am really liking how everything is looking so far, the creative team looks tight and I know GH has a lot of eager fans waiting to get their hands on this, it could be huge for DE.

TwinPistols

01-21-2010, 12:28 AM

You can stare at the other covers for Hornet: Year one here (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Dynamite-April-2010-Solicitations-100120.html) at newsarama.

Looking at these April solicits, they're really not playing around with this Green Hornet push.

Hornet: Year One, Green Hornet ("the movie") and a Kato ongoing series? It looks like Dynamite has ultimate confidence that this character will catch fire in 2010. Green Hornet fans have got to be salivating.

It's been said that Red Sonja is Dynamite's flagship character, like "Spider-Man" and "Superman" are for Marvel and DC. Will Green Hornet be Dynamite's Batman?

Ghornet2

01-21-2010, 06:51 PM

Thought I'd post this for everybody to see. It's an add for the original serial (there were 2). Real close isn't it. Note that Kato's wearing a mask more like the TV show than the goggles from the serial.

md62

01-28-2010, 11:03 PM

I think this version of GH will be the favorite.

Ghornet2

01-29-2010, 07:39 PM

I think this version of GH will be the favorite.

I agree. The classic heroes have become very popular of late, and there are few more classic than the Green Hornet!

Renaud

02-23-2010, 10:20 AM

Now that's what I call the real deal, the original Green Hornet Year One, that's a sure purchase for me in hardcover edition. Not interested in any other versions of the same name, and I love the face mask

Also these cover looks nice

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1002/22/greenhornetyearone2.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1002/22/katoorigins1.jpg

Renaud

03-16-2010, 11:44 PM

If I could order the Green Hornet Year One Hardcover now, I would

Probably a 100 times better than that Year One Million Whatever Knock off anyway

Ghornet2

03-17-2010, 03:03 PM

I like this issue better than issue #1 of the Kevin Smith series. Even though we see very little of the Green Hornet & Kato, we get to see how they started on the road to becoming the heros they will become. All in all a good balance between character building and action.

The art was good and the characters seemed to be 'in character' as was not the case with the KS series.

I liked all of the covers, but went with the Ross cover and that seems to be the more popular one in my LCS (I got the last copy). As seen above it's very close to the poster for one of the Moive Serials.

Renaud

03-17-2010, 07:36 PM

Would love to see that old Movie Serial, and I like many of those old Time radio episodes as well

That year one, once in hardcover, should sell like crazy

zirron

03-17-2010, 08:14 PM

I have heard all the existing radio shows like 4 or 5 times... and I can tell you guys that this series is the closest that comes to the icon that is the Green Hornet. This is what the Green Hornet should be about, and I hope Dynamite has a best seller with this title... It's well done. The art isn't over done and it looks great.

Great book Mr. Wagner!

Ghornet2

03-17-2010, 08:42 PM

Would love to see that old Movie Serial, and I like many of those old Time radio episodes as well

That year one, once in hardcover, should sell like crazy

Both serials (Green Hornet & Green Hornet Strikes Again) re pretty good but Captain Marvel or Spy Smasher are great. The two Green Hornet are available on ebay at a decent price. I've got both on VHS and should be upgrading soon.

Tulku

03-21-2010, 01:29 PM

Getting back to the comic book, I thought issue #1 was fabulous! This was far more satisfying to me than the updated Smith series. I particularly like the part near the end when the Hornet is surprised that the guys they were rescuing assumed that he and Kato were gangsters, too--and Britt suddenly realizing that that misperception could come in handy.

I also love the focus on the gas gun and the way the cartridges eject. Don't know, why exactly. It just seemed so cool. Apparently, this version of the gas gun also comes with a bit of an electric sting as well--or am I misunderstanding the drawing. I'm okay with that. The Hornet should have sting--although I also loved the fact that, in the original radio series, the "sting" of the Hornet was used in the sense of pulling a con job (like the movie "The Sting"): the Hornet would outwit the criminals by pulling a "sting" and trick them into betraying themselves into police hands!

I love this character! :)

TwinPistols

03-21-2010, 05:36 PM

I like it.

Different from you guys, my memories of the Hornet are very vague, so Smith's Hornet is still my favorite number one, due to the action and the straightforward timeline. Wagner's jumping around in time again with his writing here (as he did well in Zorro) and it takes me a few issues, I think, before I can really get into that. It still works, though.

I really liked the coloring of this ish, by Francavilla. It made me think of older, 4-color comics, while it still has that new sheen to it. The gas/sting gun is great. The sting from the electric bolt is my favorite part. Very appropriate and very cool.

-Pistols :cool:

Captain Canuck

03-25-2010, 08:47 AM

I like it.

Different from you guys, my memories of the Hornet are very vague, so Smith's Hornet is still my favorite number one, due to the action and the straightforward timeline.

I'm sorry to say that I actually went the other way. I defended Smith's version a bit but I found that reading Year 1 made Smith's version look ridiculous by comparison.

I don't want it to sound too harsh, but the only way I can think of right now to describe it is that Year one outclassed Smith's book. Year 1 was like watching the current Batman movies against the 90's versions.

GreenHornet23

03-25-2010, 12:47 PM

Captain Canuck

03-25-2010, 01:13 PM

I agree. So far, Year One is the superior of the two. But I can't really make a complete judgement because, for me at least, the Kevin Smith book's story hasn't evne really started. I mean, to me, it seemed like it was just a teaser for things to come.

True enough. It may have been better delivered as a #0 issue where you don't quite expect to be in the thick of the story right away.

Tulku

03-25-2010, 09:03 PM

I agree. So far, Year One is the superior of the two. But I can't really make a complete judgement because, for me at least, the Kevin Smith book's story hasn't evne really started. I mean, to me, it seemed like it was just a teaser for things to come.

Agreed. My bet is that, if it had been a movie, the whole flashback bit with the TV Hornet wrapping up his last case (i.e., about two-thirds of issue #1) would have been a pre-title sequence, with the movie-proper starting with the "Today" section.

But if I think too much about that, I'll start ranting again about Smith's version reading too much like a movie rather than a comic book...and I've already done that in the other thread. "Year One" is very much what I was hoping for in a Green Hornet series. I'd love it if DE kept this as the active ongoing series.

Mr. Fantastic

03-26-2010, 08:53 PM

I showed my copy of Green Hornet: Year One to my parents. They said "Wow! Where did you find that? That must be worth a fortune." I told them it was worth about 4 bucks.

They didn't understand at first. They read the Green Hornet when they were kids back in the forties. They thought I found a copy of the Green Hornet from the forties. I explained that Dynamite had started publishing it again. They wanted to know if there was any plans to bring back the Blue Beetle. I hated to tell them.

TwinPistols

04-13-2010, 08:43 AM

I just reread GH:YO #1 yesterday, and I have to admit, I've changed my mind. This book is my favorite of the two, right now. I recently visited otrstreet.com, and downloaded six episodes of the Green Hornet Radio serial. They're great.

Taking another look at Green Hornet Year One, afterward, I read two familiar names: Gunnigan and Axford. They were just nods, but it shows that Matt is doing his research. On top of the gas gun, Wagner added the electric shock, and that's such a cool addition to me. The Hornet needs to sting.

It looks like the "modern" Green Hornet will be moving away from using the Hornet darts, at least based on the covers. Kato uses them, but I do like them loaded into the guns. If Year One goes well, I'd definitely like to see a Green Hornet Classic book, written by Wagner, where we get to see an ongoing starring the TV version, with those guns and the male Kato.

Regardless, I've quickly become a fan of this character. I'll be looking to purchase all the radio shows, and the TV show, whenever I can. Kudos to Dynamite for doing stellar jobs revitalizing The Hornet and The Lone Ranger.

Alright, I'm done gushing for now. C'mon new comic book day!! I can't wait for tomorrow!

-Pistols

Ghornet2

04-13-2010, 09:29 AM

I've quickly become a fan of this character. I'll be looking to purchase all the radio shows, and the TV show, whenever I can. Kudos to Dynamite for doing stellar jobs revitalizing The Hornet and The Lone Ranger.

Alright, I'm done gushing for now. C'mon new comic book day!! I can't wait for tomorrow!

-Pistols

Gunnigan and Axford are main characters from the Radio show. The serials did a good job of adapting the show to the big screen. I have to upgrade my serials to DVD. I started out withn the TV show a still remember how amazed I was to find an album with an audio version of the show. I doubt I realized it was a 'radio show' at the time.
Check out ebay, lots of people offer a 1 or 2 disc set of MP3s of the Radio show. There are some shows are circultating under multiple titles so be careful. There were just over 1,000 shows produced and one season of 25 repeats. There was also 2 "shows" released direct to album while the TV show was on.

Jerry Haendiges has a very good log of the show at http://www.otrsite.com/logs/logg1005.htm
Another list of shows at http://www.old-time.com/otrlogs2/greenh_dj.log.txt isn't as good.

zirron

04-14-2010, 07:42 PM

Yeah okay.. Dynamite. You guys ROCK THE HOUSE.

this adaptation is cool. I really am loving it.

GOOD JOB GUYS! I LOVE MR. Francavilla's cover! Bloody Brilliant!

Ghornet2

04-14-2010, 09:50 PM

GOOD JOB GUYS! I LOVE MR. Francavilla's cover! Bloody Brilliant!

I picked up the other cover because MLCS got shorted and didn't receive and of the Francavilla cover :mad:

TwinPistols

04-15-2010, 01:08 AM

Check out ebay, lots of people offer a 1 or 2 disc set of MP3s of the Radio show. There are some shows are circultating under multiple titles so be careful. There were just over 1,000 shows produced and one season of 25 repeats. There was also 2 "shows" released direct to album while the TV show was on.

AH!! Nice!....Thanks for the info, and the links. I'm very happy to find out that there are plenty of radio shows to get through. 1,000??! That's rediculously cool. It'll add so much to my enjoyment of the character.

this adaptation is cool. I really am loving it.

As am I...just read #2 today, and it was a great read. Matt Wagner kills me, when he cuts away from the action, but I enjoyed the time jumping technique more here, and I thought Britt's letter to his Dad, with the date at the top (circa 1935), was a great segue.

I can't say enough about Campbell. Pick up the Trial of Sherlock Holmes for more of his work. It's quality.

I picked up the other cover because MLCS got shorted and didn't receive any of the Francavilla covers

Yeah...mine didn't either. Sooo disappointing. The Cassaday covers are good, but I really wanted Francesco's this time around, and I didn't realize they were 1-in-10 chase. Ah well.

I do like Cassaday's cover for issue three though. The words in the background of that cover are in the opening lines of the radio show. It's a great homage, and it makes my recent discovery of the shows all the sweeter.

-Pistols

Ghornet2

04-15-2010, 08:48 AM

Finally got a chance to read issue 2. Again it was a good balance between Green Hornet action and information about how they became the people they are. I like how in the past we get to see how Britt learned that some times words aren't enough and a look at how Kato thinks.

It looks like we're going to get the first meeting between Kato and Britt next issue. That should be very interesting.

Captain Canuck

04-16-2010, 12:53 PM

Yay! Got the chase cover! :)

And this is view #1000 of this thread! More yay for me! :p

Captain Canuck

04-16-2010, 12:53 PM

And this is my 100th post. God what an awesome day I'm having! Yay! :D

Captain Canuck

04-16-2010, 07:56 PM

Read #2 a few minutes ago and just loved it. Raining outside, reading under lamp light...great atmosphere. ;)

For a book that jumps several years at a time and back, I still find it easy to follow. And Campbell is a perfect artist for this book.

Has the story of why a green hornet is used as an "image" been told before, or was that new?

When all the Hornet stuff was being announced, it seemed overwhelming. Now I'll be disappointed if a week goes by without something new on the shelf. Totally hooked on this.

Ghornet2

04-16-2010, 08:10 PM

Has the story of why a green hornet is used as an "image" been told before, or was that new?

I vaguely remember something about the horn getting stuck and Britt saying it sounding like a hornet and Kato remarking that the green hornet is the deadliest hornet. I’m not sure where or when I heard it so I could be wrong.

Mortalis1

04-16-2010, 11:37 PM

Year One Green Hornet is a very solid comic, I loved both issues and the care that Matt Wagner is using in exploring their respective backgrounds. I can't wait to see how they finally meet and establish a partnership. Smith's series is much more visceral and modern in it's approach to storytelling and it is getting better as the issues go on, however the Year One book is clearly the better of the two books.
________
Yamaha cs-80 (http://www.yamaha-tech.com/wiki/Yamaha_CS-80)

TwinPistols

04-19-2010, 09:06 AM

Smith's series is much more visceral and modern in it's approach to storytelling and it is getting better as the issues go on, however the Year One book is clearly the better of the two books.

What I like the best about Year One is the art. Campbell and Francavilla are getting used to working with each other, and the result is fantastic. The colors in issue #2 blew me away. They're bright, bold and commanding, and sorta nostalgic. GH:YO looks like nothing on the stands right now.

-TP :)

comixfan1980

05-09-2010, 12:12 PM

I'm loving Year One, I just re-read the first issue and I love how they dip inbetween Hornet and Kato's origin about leaving home and serving a greater purpose and then back into a Hornet/Kato fight versus the mob. Very well done. I'm about to sit down and read issue #2 in a little bit, I think I've been stung by the GH stinger, hopefully this is going to be more than a standard 4 issue mini...

Ghornet2

05-09-2010, 07:56 PM

I think I've been stung by the GH stinger, hopefully this is going to be more than a standard 4 issue mini...

I was stung back in the 60's by the TV series. I think there is a good chance that Year One will become a regular series (it seems to be very popular) or at least have an "early years" spin off.

Please, please please!!!

TwinPistols

05-09-2010, 08:15 PM

I'm about to sit down and read issue #2 in a little bit, I think I've been stung by the GH stinger, hopefully this is going to be more than a standard 4 issue mini...

I read somewhere that Barucci says Wagner is signed to pen 12 issues. So it looks like it's a year long maxi series...for now. ;)

Crow331

05-22-2010, 01:00 PM

I thought I would share this with you guys ....

Aaron Campbell's original art to issue #1, page 8 of Green Hornet: Year One ... just picked this up from Aaron :D He rolled it and I still have to flatten it back out so that's why the shape looks a little wonky

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b344/Crow331/GreenHornetart.jpg

TwinPistols

05-23-2010, 11:58 AM

That's awesome Crow!! :cool:

I'm so jealous!!

-TP

Chiclo

05-23-2010, 08:14 PM

I feel like I have seen this somewhere before...:confused:

Crow331

05-23-2010, 09:48 PM

Thanks Pistols! :)

Chiclo, why the face? I am one and the same from VF ... Greetings :D

TwinPistols

05-28-2010, 01:45 AM

Ghornet2

05-28-2010, 08:24 PM

comixfan1980

05-30-2010, 10:49 AM

Green Hornet: Year One has been my favorite of all the GH stuff thats come out so far, I loved issue #3 and the story of how Britt and Kato meet eachother, it was such a good read. My favorite scene in this issue was the splash page of GH hanging onto the tope with his little zipline thing, it was kind of heroic and gave me something of a Batman feel. I also love the scene where he takes the mic on stage and uses his little trademark catchphrase, just awesome stuff in my opinion.

Man, I love this series!

Captain Canuck

05-30-2010, 05:37 PM

Hope you fans are still on board with this. GH:YO has been consistently good, IMHO, but with this issue (#3), it's even better. Loved the time shifts in this issue, and Britt and Kato's meeting.

I'm hoping GH and Kato get a good opponent here soon, but this book still rocks as is.

-Pistols

If I was allowed to only read one Hornet book, it would be this one. I just love it.

The only drawback for me is that it underlines how much better Kevin Smith's version should be. I read Smith's and think "well, that was silly, but fun". Then I read Year One and it totally puts it to shame.

Captain Canuck

05-30-2010, 05:42 PM

It was a great issue. We always knew that Kato owed a debt to Britt but, as far as I know, it was never really explained until now. Great to see the insight into Kato's character. This is this best of the GH bookas with Origns; Way of the Ninja a close second.vv

I mentioned before that I'm fairly new to the characters, and I recall someone here commenting that Kato is not a sidekick so much as he is a partner. I didn't really get the distinction all that much, but in this series you see the difference in skill sets and how the characters complement one another. During the 1938 scene in the night club in this issue, Kato does almost everything of consequence.

Tulku

05-30-2010, 07:55 PM

The only very minor thought that bothers me is that the Hornet's dialogue in this issue is still in the line of a good guy hero trying to clean up the underworld. What was so interesting about the original iteration of the Hornet (the radio version) was that he very much went out of his way to keep the Hornet appearing as a member of the underworld--a gang boss in his own right even if his "gang" consisted only of "the masked helper" (as Kato was called in those days :rolleyes:). The reason he did this was obvious: other criminals were more likely to divulge info to him as a crook than they would if they thought of him as a cop's best friend. That is why, in the radio series, time after time, when the Hornet would leave a crook for the police, he would set it up as appearing to be a payback because the crook tried to double-cross the Hornet.

But then, after all, this is "Year One" and actually there are occasional comments that point to the Hornet being forced into playing the crime boss role. For example, in issue 3, Patrilla kills Joey and clearly intends to blame it on the Hornet. It is stuff like that that may force the Hornet to play the criminal role rather than the Batman role.

But, yes, Year One is so much more interesting a read than the Smith Hornet.

comixfan1980

05-30-2010, 08:00 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing a "Year Two" and a "Year Three" series after they are done publishing "Year One", but only if they are written by Matt Wagner, I think he deserves the scribe duties on classic GH tales due to his awesome work on his current series.

I hope they cool down on the GH related series for now though, I don't see the need for Parralel Lives and anything else could eventually lead to saturation and readers giving up on GH as a whole.

Captain Canuck

05-30-2010, 08:17 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing a "Year Two" and a "Year Three" series after they are done publishing "Year One", but only if they are written by Matt Wagner, I think he deserves the scribe duties on classic GH tales due to his awesome work on his current series.

Yeah. And I hope they don't limit themselves to making every Year-book 12 issues. It's not as though one month of real time has to be one month of comic time. If year two takes 18 or 24 issues to tell, so be it. As it is, Year One is supposed to be in two 6-part phases.

I hope they cool down on the GH related series for now though, I don't see the need for Parralel Lives and anything else could eventually lead to saturation and readers giving up on GH as a whole.

Parallel Lives should probably be a double-sized one-shot that comes out a week or two before the movie. To promote a prequel to a movie that won't come out until six months later seems odd. Why not have a one-off book that's on the shelves right around the time that people are seeing the trailer on TV?

comixfan1980

05-30-2010, 08:21 PM

Yeah. And I hope they don't limit themselves to making every Year-book 12 issues. It's not as though one month of real time has to be one month of comic time. If year two takes 18 or 24 issues to tell, so be it. As it is, Year One is supposed to be in two 6-part phases.

I wouldn't mind seeing them as 6 issue mini's, they could easily tell a years worth of good stories in 6 issues instead of dragging it out a whole year, but on the flip side I wouldn't mind seeing it go beyond the 12 issue mark if they had such a complex and involved story to tell. It'll be fun to see what happens in coming years....