Simon Furman: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Simon-Furman.jpg|right|180px|thumb|But... but [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] is neither vast nor predatory nor even a bird! | [[Image:Simon-Furman.jpg|right|180px|thumb|But... but [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] is neither vast nor predatory nor even a bird! [[Furmanism|What is he playing at?]]]] | ||
{{ | {{quote|Who can I kill?|Simon Furman's first question upon being brought on to write for ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]<ref>[http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~sstoneb/tf/tidbits/botcon2002.txt BotCon 2002 appearance]''</ref>}} | ||
Probably the most well-known of all ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' comics writers, '''Simon Christopher Francis Furman''' was editor and author for much of the [[Marvel | Probably the most well-known of all ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' comics writers, '''Simon Christopher Francis Furman''' was editor and author for much of the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)|UK]] run, and began writing for the [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)|Marvel US]] comic after writer [[Bob Budiansky]] left. | ||
Since then, Furman has also written ''Transformers'' comics for [[ | Since then, Furman has also written ''Transformers'' comics for [[Dreamwave Productions]], [[IDW Publishing]], and [[3H]], and scripted the final episode of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]], "[[Nemesis Part 2]]". His IDW run is notable for being the only instance where he has actually created the mythos from the ground up. Every other series has had Furman coming in after someone else had already set everything up. | ||
He has also written and created many non-''Transformers'' characters, including [[ | He has also written and created many non-''Transformers'' characters, including [[Death's Head]] with [[Geoff Senior]] and "Brute Force" with [[Jose Delbo]]. He is an editor at [[Titan Books]], which publishes collections of ''Transformers'' comics, among other material. | ||
Furman is a highly prolific writer and well regarded in the [[ | Furman is a highly prolific writer and well regarded in the [[fandom]]. As a result, he is often the first, last, and occasionally ''only'' resort in penning ''Transformers'' literature, with a deep involvement in a wide variety of product. Notably, he penned ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'', a book which described the background of several continuities which he was not particularly involved in crafting. This book has seen significant criticism for being biased towards comic [[canon]] (particularly that which he penned) and, in places, inventing continuity wholecloth without any precedent in prior fiction. In such instances, it has since been assumed that Furman was filling in neglected areas of the (at the time underdeveloped) [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]]. | ||
Contrary to the popular opinion that he is an outspoken critic of the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon series]], Furman has stated in an interview that he loves the series. He explained that when he was involved with the Marvel comic books as a twenty-something-year-old writer, he thought the show was pitched a little young and that the stories were simplistic and had huge logic flaws, but conceded that he saw them from a different perspective than the generation that grew up watching the cartoon and buying the toys as kids, and so he concentrated on his work, which he believed was more "adult" in tone. He added that, in hindsight, he went back to watch the series and now really enjoys it, particularly Season 2's strong character stories. When he wrote for Marvel comics, he was averse to episodes that dealt with the character back-stories because they clashed with his own back-stories and also caused him to worry that he wasn't presenting the characters as intended. But now he had the freedom to take the series as a viewer and admire the way they were building upon their own mythos. | Contrary to the popular opinion that he is an outspoken critic of the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon series]], Furman has stated in an interview that he loves the series. He explained that when he was involved with the Marvel comic books as a twenty-something-year-old writer, he thought the show was pitched a little young and that the stories were simplistic and had huge logic flaws, but conceded that he saw them from a different perspective than the generation that grew up watching the cartoon and buying the toys as kids, and so he concentrated on his work, which he believed was more "adult" in tone. He added that, in hindsight, he went back to watch the series and now really enjoys it, particularly Season 2's strong character stories. When he wrote for Marvel comics, he was averse to episodes that dealt with the character back-stories because they clashed with his own back-stories and also caused him to worry that he wasn't presenting the characters as intended. But now he had the freedom to take the series as a viewer and admire the way they were building upon their own mythos. | ||
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In the same interview, he thought [[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|the 1986 animated movie]] was "fantastic", and one of his stated reasons was that "characters died." <ref>Simon Furman's interview on [[Madman Entertainment]]'s ''Beast Wars'' Season 3 DVD set</ref> | In the same interview, he thought [[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|the 1986 animated movie]] was "fantastic", and one of his stated reasons was that "characters died." <ref>Simon Furman's interview on [[Madman Entertainment]]'s ''Beast Wars'' Season 3 DVD set</ref> | ||
These days, he's a big fan of ''[[ | These days, he's a big fan of ''[[Transformers Animated]]'', saying it's the best cartoon since ''Beast Wars''. <ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/a-touch-animated/ July 4, 2008 blog post]</ref>, despite a relative lack of violent deaths. He's also a fan of West Ham United football club<ref>[http://transfans.net/interviews_furman3.php Interview on Transfans.net]</ref>, which perhaps explains his bloodlust. | ||
In his spare time, Furman enjoys drinking [[ | In his spare time, Furman enjoys drinking [[Corona]] and killing off hordes of background characters. And [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]. | ||
==Alternate mode== | ==Alternate mode== | ||
When Furman became the editor of the UK ''Transformers'' comic, it opened up a dilemma, as Marvel policy, enforced by Marvel US editor-in-chief [[ | When Furman became the editor of the UK ''Transformers'' comic, it opened up a dilemma, as Marvel policy, enforced by Marvel US editor-in-chief [[Tom DeFalco]], frowned on editors serving as their own writers. To circumvent this problem, it was agreed that senior editor (and frequent ''Transformers'' letterer) [[Richard Starkings]] would serve in an advisory capacity on Furman's own strips.<ref>Starkings, Richard "Prophetic Words" in ''Dark Designs'' [[Trade paperback]] (London; [[Titan Books]], 2002), page 4.</ref> | ||
When an editorial credit for the comic as a whole was required, Furman used the credit "Chris Francis", derived from his middle names.<ref>Unknown author "Transformers UK" in ;;Second Generation'' Trade paperback (London; Titan Books, 2004), page 6.</ref> | When an editorial credit for the comic as a whole was required, Furman used the credit "Chris Francis", derived from his middle names.<ref>Unknown author "Transformers UK" in ;;Second Generation'' Trade paperback (London; Titan Books, 2004), page 6.</ref> | ||
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The flesh creature known as Simon Furman pleases [[Unicron|Unicron]] with his accurate depiction of Unicron's omnipotent magnificence. {{storylink|The End|The End}} | The flesh creature known as Simon Furman pleases [[Unicron|Unicron]] with his accurate depiction of Unicron's omnipotent magnificence. {{storylink|The End|The End}} | ||
{{Note|In the final issue of [[Dreamwave|Dreamwave]] | {{Note|In the final issue of [[Dreamwave|Dreamwave's]] [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)|''Armada'' comic'']], Unicron used his ability to gaze across parallel dimensions into a world where he was only a comic-book character and answer letters from readers. He was apparently unaware this issue ended with his defeat.}} | ||
===Titan Magazines=== | ===Titan Magazines=== | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
* [[Armada (comic)|''Armada'']] #6–18 | * [[Armada (comic)|''Armada'']] #6–18 | ||
* [[Energon (comic)|''Energon'']] #19–30 (#31–36 unreleased) | * [[Energon (comic)|''Energon'']] #19–30 (#31–36 unreleased) | ||
* "[[ | * "[[Perspective]]", from the ''[[Dreamwave Summer Special]]'' | ||
===IDW=== | ===IDW=== | ||
* ''[[Infiltration]]'' #0–6 | * ''[[Infiltration]]'' #0–6 | ||
* ''[[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]]'' #1–6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 (story by [[ | * ''[[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]]'' #1–6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 (story by [[Klaus Scherwinski]]), 16–19 (''Revelation''), unrevealed ''Spotlight'' | ||
* ''[[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]]'' #1–4 | * ''[[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]]'' #1–4 | ||
* ''[[ | * ''[[Escalation]]'' #1–6 | ||
* ''[[ | * ''[[Devastation]]'' #1–6 | ||
* ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' #1–4 | * ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' #1–4 | ||
* ''[[ | * ''[[Maximum Dinobots]]'' #1–5 (currently being published) | ||
* ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1–4 | * ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1–4 | ||
* ''[[The Ascending]]'' #1–4 | * ''[[The Ascending]]'' #1–4 | ||
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* ''[[Transformers: The Thirteen|The Thirteen]] (Not released yet)'' | * ''[[Transformers: The Thirteen|The Thirteen]] (Not released yet)'' | ||
* ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen comic book adaptation]] (Not released yet)'' | * ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen comic book adaptation]] (Not released yet)'' | ||
* ''[[ | * ''[[All Hail Megatron Coda]]'' (in collaboration with other artists) (Not released yet) | ||
===Titan=== | ===Titan=== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
* It is generally accepted that [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is Furman's signature ''Transformers'' character, although a case could be made for [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]. His signature ''creation'' (according to the [http://idwpublishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=42871#42871 man himself]) is the <strike>bounty hunter</strike> freelance peacekeeping agent [[ | * It is generally accepted that [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is Furman's signature ''Transformers'' character, although a case could be made for [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]. His signature ''creation'' (according to the [http://idwpublishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=42871#42871 man himself]) is the <strike>bounty hunter</strike> freelance peacekeeping agent [[Death's Head]], yes?. | ||
* He spent at least some time as the writer of the Marvel UK comics letters page, setting the precedent for having a Transformer "host" reply to the kids' letters, but without patronising them. This tradition has been followed up on in [[Armada (Panini comic)|other]] [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|UK]] comics. | * He spent at least some time as the writer of the Marvel UK comics letters page, setting the precedent for having a Transformer "host" reply to the kids' letters, but without patronising them. This tradition has been followed up on in [[Armada (Panini comic)|other]] [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|UK]] comics. | ||
* If his last words before dying aren't [[Furmanism|"hnng...never ''did'' want to live forever"]], there will be much sadness. | * If his last words before dying aren't [[Furmanism|"hnng... never ''did'' want to live forever"]], there will be much sadness. | ||
* Apparently, if [[ | * Apparently, if [[Pat Lee]] wants back in ''Transformers'', he will have to climb over Simon's cold, rotting corpse to do it.<ref>Based upon a comment Furman made at [[BotCon 2008]] when asked if Pat Lee would ever work for IDW Publishing</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[ | * [[Furmanism]] | ||
* 80% of this Wiki. | * 80% of this Wiki. | ||
| Line 100: | Line 100: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/ Simon Furman's blog] | * [http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/ Simon Furman's blog] | ||
* [http://www.wildfur.net/ Homepage of Wildfur Productions], original properties by [[ | * [http://www.wildfur.net/ Homepage of Wildfur Productions], original properties by [[Andrew Wildman]] and Simon Furman. | ||
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1084210/ Simon Furman on the Internet Movie Database] | * [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1084210/ Simon Furman on the Internet Movie Database] | ||
Revision as of 01:55, 23 March 2009
Probably the most well-known of all Transformers comics writers, Simon Christopher Francis Furman was editor and author for much of the Marvel Comics UK run, and began writing for the Marvel US comic after writer Bob Budiansky left.
Since then, Furman has also written Transformers comics for Dreamwave Productions, IDW Publishing, and 3H, and scripted the final episode of the Beast Wars cartoon, "Nemesis Part 2". His IDW run is notable for being the only instance where he has actually created the mythos from the ground up. Every other series has had Furman coming in after someone else had already set everything up.
He has also written and created many non-Transformers characters, including Death's Head with Geoff Senior and "Brute Force" with Jose Delbo. He is an editor at Titan Books, which publishes collections of Transformers comics, among other material.
Furman is a highly prolific writer and well regarded in the fandom. As a result, he is often the first, last, and occasionally only resort in penning Transformers literature, with a deep involvement in a wide variety of product. Notably, he penned Transformers: The Ultimate Guide, a book which described the background of several continuities which he was not particularly involved in crafting. This book has seen significant criticism for being biased towards comic canon (particularly that which he penned) and, in places, inventing continuity wholecloth without any precedent in prior fiction. In such instances, it has since been assumed that Furman was filling in neglected areas of the (at the time underdeveloped) Dreamwave continuity.
Contrary to the popular opinion that he is an outspoken critic of the Generation 1 cartoon series, Furman has stated in an interview that he loves the series. He explained that when he was involved with the Marvel comic books as a twenty-something-year-old writer, he thought the show was pitched a little young and that the stories were simplistic and had huge logic flaws, but conceded that he saw them from a different perspective than the generation that grew up watching the cartoon and buying the toys as kids, and so he concentrated on his work, which he believed was more "adult" in tone. He added that, in hindsight, he went back to watch the series and now really enjoys it, particularly Season 2's strong character stories. When he wrote for Marvel comics, he was averse to episodes that dealt with the character back-stories because they clashed with his own back-stories and also caused him to worry that he wasn't presenting the characters as intended. But now he had the freedom to take the series as a viewer and admire the way they were building upon their own mythos.
In the same interview, he thought the 1986 animated movie was "fantastic", and one of his stated reasons was that "characters died." [2]
These days, he's a big fan of Transformers Animated, saying it's the best cartoon since Beast Wars. [3], despite a relative lack of violent deaths. He's also a fan of West Ham United football club[4], which perhaps explains his bloodlust.
In his spare time, Furman enjoys drinking Corona and killing off hordes of background characters. And Nightbeat.
Alternate mode
When Furman became the editor of the UK Transformers comic, it opened up a dilemma, as Marvel policy, enforced by Marvel US editor-in-chief Tom DeFalco, frowned on editors serving as their own writers. To circumvent this problem, it was agreed that senior editor (and frequent Transformers letterer) Richard Starkings would serve in an advisory capacity on Furman's own strips.[5] When an editorial credit for the comic as a whole was required, Furman used the credit "Chris Francis", derived from his middle names.[6]
Fiction
Unicron Trilogy continuity
The flesh creature known as Simon Furman pleases Unicron with his accurate depiction of Unicron's omnipotent magnificence. The End
In the final issue of Dreamwave's Armada comic, Unicron used his ability to gaze across parallel dimensions into a world where he was only a comic-book character and answer letters from readers. He was apparently unaware this issue ended with his defeat.
Titan Magazines
According to Starscream, Furman is a Maximal disguised as a "strategically shaved ape. Especially on his head." #7's Star Screams When Starscream captured the Titan offices, only Furman escaped capture and is still at large #21's Star Screams.
Comic bibliography
Marvel
- Marvel UK #13–21, 29–32, 45–50, 59–65, 74–88, 96–104, 113–120, 125, 130–138, 146–153, 160–161, 164–173, 182–189, 198–205, 213–332
- Marvel US #56–80
- Generation 2 #1–12
Dreamwave
- The War Within vol.1 #1–6, vol.2 #1–6, vol.3 #1–3 (#4–6 unreleased)
- Armada #6–18
- Energon #19–30 (#31–36 unreleased)
- "Perspective", from the Dreamwave Summer Special
IDW
- Infiltration #0–6
- Spotlight #1–6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 (story by Klaus Scherwinski), 16–19 (Revelation), unrevealed Spotlight
- Stormbringer #1–4
- Escalation #1–6
- Devastation #1–6
- Revelation #1–4
- Maximum Dinobots #1–5 (currently being published)
- The Gathering #1–4
- The Ascending #1–4
- Prime Directive (Movie Prequel) #1–4 (with Chris Ryall)
- The Thirteen (Not released yet)
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen comic book adaptation (Not released yet)
- All Hail Megatron Coda (in collaboration with other artists) (Not released yet)
Titan
- Transformers UK magazine #1–Present
- Transformers Animated #1
Madman Entertainment
Bibliography
DK Publishing
Titan Books
Convention appearances
Trivia
- It is generally accepted that Grimlock is Furman's signature Transformers character, although a case could be made for Nightbeat. His signature creation (according to the man himself) is the
bounty hunterfreelance peacekeeping agent Death's Head, yes?. - He spent at least some time as the writer of the Marvel UK comics letters page, setting the precedent for having a Transformer "host" reply to the kids' letters, but without patronising them. This tradition has been followed up on in other UK comics.
- If his last words before dying aren't "hnng... never did want to live forever", there will be much sadness.
- Apparently, if Pat Lee wants back in Transformers, he will have to climb over Simon's cold, rotting corpse to do it.[7]
See also
- Furmanism
- 80% of this Wiki.
References
- ↑ BotCon 2002 appearance
- ↑ Simon Furman's interview on Madman Entertainment's Beast Wars Season 3 DVD set
- ↑ July 4, 2008 blog post
- ↑ Interview on Transfans.net
- ↑ Starkings, Richard "Prophetic Words" in Dark Designs Trade paperback (London; Titan Books, 2002), page 4.
- ↑ Unknown author "Transformers UK" in ;;Second Generation Trade paperback (London; Titan Books, 2004), page 6.
- ↑ Based upon a comment Furman made at BotCon 2008 when asked if Pat Lee would ever work for IDW Publishing
External links
- Simon Furman's blog
- Homepage of Wildfur Productions, original properties by Andrew Wildman and Simon Furman.
- Simon Furman on the Internet Movie Database
