NBC’s Heroes
Some of you are already enjoying the NBC show Heroes. If you’re already watching it, then it doesn’t require further explanation. However, if you’re not familiar with the show, you can think of it as a weekly version of M. Night Shyamalan’s feature film Unbreakable or Marvel’s X-Men. It’s also been described as being a lot like ABC’s Lost since there are diverse characters in mysterious circumstances. The show’s creator, Tim Kring, is friends with Damon Lindelof, the co-creator of ABC’s Lost and theories suggest that these two universes interact. However, as the hit shows are on different networks, the creators have dismissed the idea, perhaps only to satisfy the legal deparments. Most likely they’re not linked, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we notice a few nods to each other as both shows progress.
The show does have that ‘clean, well-lit’ NBC look to it, which can sometimes take away from the character of the show, but for the most part the production has used this effectively. This is demonstrated in colorful scenes with the Japanese character, Hiro Nakamura, and the vivid neon backdrops of Tokyo and Las Vegas. Perhaps more atmospheric lighting (similar to the The X-Files) would give the show a less polished and equally stylized look, but it works as it is. The show’s characters are generally great choices, but some (including the stereotypical suit and tie bad guy) could be reworked. I’d also like a more memorable musical score, but the constraints of weekly production can limit the scoring choices. Overall, the story and heroes - though somewhat predictable at times - are proving to be compelling enough to keep me watching.
One of my favorite parts of the show is seeing the work of comic book artist, Tim Sale. His work is featured as the paintings of the character, Isaac Mendez. I like his stuff because it’s a seems like a combination of Frank Miller and Bruce Timm’s art, yet distinctive enough to be his own. Tim’s done some amazing work, and his many collaborations with writer Jeph Loeb are some of the most widely acclaimed graphic novels and comic book series to date. His work is used very effectively throughout the show and you can see more of it on the official website and at 9thWonders.com, the official/unoffical fan site for Heroes. He’s one of the few artists that have the ability to tell a story with the art alone if need be.
There’s some real potential in the show, and I would enjoy seeing a few different styles from other storytellers. Despite its current high ratings, anything can happen in TV production. Let’s hope it doesn’t get cancelled before it really gets interesting.
I recommend the following books as example’s of some of Tim’s (and Jeph’s) best work. If you don’t want to order them through my Amazon links, at least do yourself a favor and head to your local comic shop, bookstore, library, or other online retailer and read these fantastically illustrated stories of other popular comic book heroes.
Canadian residents can also purchase the books through my aStore link in the upper right corner of this blog.
