So This Exists: Another Day of Life

It was while researching histories of Angola for my book The Benefit of Steel that I first encountered Polish journalist Ryszard Kapuściński and his memoir of Angola in 1975, Another Day of Life. I enjoyed that book immensely - it was the most welcoming book I read about Angola. Despite the subject matter surrounding the violence of the nation's independence, he wrote about people and places in such a way that I could easily grasp the situation.

I later learned that Mr. Kapuściński is a controversial figure in journalism. Although he took many photographs in his career of international reporting, apparently he took precious few notes. It seems much of what he wrote was concocted after the fact, so it's hard to know how much weight to place on any of the quotes in his stories. The debate on whether his work is non-fiction, fiction or a hybrid will no doubt continue.

I was stupefied to discover that in 2018 an animated movie was made of Another Day of Life. I try to keep informed about subjects concerning Angola, particularly in pop culture, so how did an entire movie get past me? An animated one, at that! It's quite an international production, apparently filmed in Cuba, Portugal & Angola by two directors (one Polish, one Spanish) and some form of participation between Belgium, France, Germany and Hungary. Fitting for the work international correspondent, I suppose.

Just as the debate surrounding Kapuściński's work has questioned how much was fact and how much fiction, the film version of Another Day of Life is an appealing blend of animation and live action. Even then, the animation was very clearly created through a rotoscoping process (said process invented by another Polish man - Max Fleischer). The Angola of 1975 doesn't exist any more, so recreating through animation seems an elegant solution. And, of course, people debate the truth in Kapuściński's works, so a sense of unreality will placate them.

The film certainly does not challenge Kapuściński; he's depicted in the film as very much the heroic journalist. His observations and decisions on what information to reveal about the situation in Angola is framed to make him a righteous man. But there was so much more going on in the original book than what the film could capture; the film is concerned mostly with him going to the frontlines in the war, but his descriptions of day-to-day life in Luanda were just as riveting to me.

Another Day of Life is quite an oddity - how many other journalistic works have been made into animated films? If you're interested in Kapuściński or Angola, obviously you'll want to see this. If you aren't certain, then I suggest reading the book Another Day of Life -- I think it will help you make up your mind.

RIP: David Anthony Kraft

Last week on May 19th, David Anthony Kraft passed away. He was a comic book writer who worked primarily for Marvel Comics in the 1970s and 80s.

My school and public libraries had copies of a 4-volume set he wrote - books about Spider-Man, Captain America, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk - which reprinted classic stories featuring those characters alongside Kraft's histories. In those days libraries carried precious few books about comic books, so those four were books I treasured.

Kraft is likely going to be best-remembered for his work on Defenders, particularly for the span of issues drawn by Keith Giffen (back in his faux Kirby days) which included an epic story with the Zodiac as its villains. It's an offbeat story - certainly following in the footsteps of Steve Gerber's work - and maybe the peak of Kraft's quality. His very goofy 'Defenders for a Day' was another memorable tale.

He also co-created Devil-Slayer, the character so nice, they created him thrice! I wrote about the oddity behind Devil-Slayer's many recreations here.

Kraft also ran the magazine Comics Interview, which ran lengthy interviews with major comic book personalities. They've become invaluable as a historical record and insight into comic book creators.

As a quick tribute for the Marvel Appendix, I wrote up a profile on a minor character from Kraft's Savage She-Hulk: Jill Stevens.

Rest in peace, Mr. Kraft.

RIP: Norman Lloyd

Norman Lloyd passed away last week having reached the astonishing age of 106!

He was one of the last great links to Hollywood's past as he had worked with Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin, three of cinema's greatest names. He also worked in stage and on radio - there's an interesting episode of the Listener's Playhouse called "No Program Tonight" which is a metatextual journey through a radio cast rebelling against their director's hackneyed script. And I suppose Star Trek fans will remember him best as Jean-Luc Picard's mentor Richard Galen.

He was an invaluable resource for information on Alfred Hitchcock because he worked with him as an actor and as a producer (the latter role on Alfred Hitchcock Presents). I was very pleased that he appeared on the DVD extras for Hitchcock's Saboteur to discuss his role in that film as the antagonist, and vividly explained how the movie's climactic fall from the Statue of Liberty was created. He also had a terrific anecdote about working with Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin's film Limelight.

He had a long and interesting career. Rest in peace Mr. Lloyd.

Creator credits for Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

This was a pretty decent series - it was neat to have a weekly Captain America show for awhile. And as a Mark Gruenwald fan it was amazing to see just how much was drawn from his work!

You can check out my master list of Marvel Cinematic Universe credits here. And as always I appreciate hearing what I might've missed.

Mark Gruenwald: creator of Georges Batroc's first name (Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #3, 1983); co-creator of the Flag-Smasher, a terrorist fanatic who wants to create a one world government; Flag-Smasher hatred of nationalism and particular distaste for Captain America; Flag-Smasher performing public acts of terrorism as a platform for sharing philosophy (Captain America #312, 1985); of Flag-Smasher leading a terrorist organization of like-minded individuals (Captain America #321, 1986); of John Walker, a blond-haired patriot with superhuman strength who promotes and merchandises himself like an entertainer; of Lemar Hoskins, black man, John Walker's best friend; of Lennox, an enemy of John Walker (Captain America #323, 1986); of the US government asserting that it holds ownership of the Captain America identity and shield (Captain America #332, 1987); of the US government assigning the identity of Captain America to John Walker, making him a direct agent of theirs; of John Walker's home town Custer's Grove, Georgia; of John Walker background in the military; of Lemar's first name (Captain America #333, 1987); of Lemar Hoskins' last name; of Lemar Hoskins working as John Walker's ally with the US government (Captain America #334, 1987); of a variant Captain America costume in black and red with red stripes across the chest (Captain America #337, 1988); of Battlestar, Lemar Hoskins' costumed identity alongside John Walker's Captain America, Battlestar wearing a red and blue costume; of John Walker's identity as Captain America as public knowledge (Captain America #341, 1988); of a variant Captain America shield with black and red stripes (Captain America #342, 1988); of John Walker losing control as Captain America and murdering his opponents (Captain America #345, 1988); of the John Walker Captain America and Battlestar battling Flag-Smasher, only for Walker to lose the fight (Captain America #348, 1988); of John Walker falling out of favor with the US government after committing murders as Captain America, leading to him losing the identity and shield (Captain America #350, 1989); of the U.S. Agent, John Walker's new costumed identity after losing the Captain America alias; of Walker wearing the variant Captain America costume and shield in black and red; of the U.S. Agent working for US intelligence (Captain America #354, 1989); of the Brass Monkey, a club in Madripoor (Captain America #363, 1989); of Lemar Hoskins as John Walker's friend in the US Army (Captain America #380, 1990); of John Walker and the Falcon battling Flag-Smasher (Captain America #400, 1992)

Jack Kirby: co-creator of the Avengers, a team of super heroes (Avengers #1, 1963); of Captain America throwing his shield so that it ricochets and returns to his hand (Avengers #5, 1964); of Baron Zemo, enemy of Captain America who wears a purple mask and a fur-lined coat (Avengers #6, 1964); of Bucky Barnes, a costumed hero and best friend of Steve Rogers; of Captain America, Steve Rogers, super hero from World War II who gained his peak human abilities from the Super-Soldier Serum; of Captain America wearing a red, white and blue costume with 'A' on forehead and star on chest, carrying a triangular shield; of Captain America punching Adolf Hitler in the face; of Abraham Erskine, the scientist who invented the Super-Soldier Serum; of the Red Skull, the wartime adversary of Captain America (Captain America Comics #1, 1941); of Captain America's round shield with red and white stripes (Captain America Comics #2, 1941); of Wakanda, an African nation with incredible scientific resources (Fantastic Four #52, 1966); of Vibranium, a rare metal found in Wakanda with unusual properties; of T'Chaka, king of Wakanda who was murdered (Fantastic Four #53, 1966); of Bruce Banner, a famous scientist and hero (Incredible Hulk #1, 1962); of S.H.I.E.L.D., a government agency; of Hydra, a notorious terrorist organization; of the Hydra motto "Hail Hydra!" uttered by its agents (Strange Tales #135, 1965); of Tony Stark, a genius inventor and hero (Tales of Suspense #39, 1963); of Batroc, a French mercenary and enemy of Captain America who is an expert at kicks and wants to prove his mettle against Captain America; of Peggy Carter, legendary wartime lover of Steve Rogers; of Sharon Carter, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., ally of Captain America; of Sharon Carter as a relative of Peggy Carter (Tales of Suspense #75, 1966); of Sharon Carter's name (Tales of Suspense #95, 1967)

Stan Lee: co-creator of the Avengers, a team of super heroes (Avengers #1, 1963); of Captain America throwing his shield so that it ricochets and returns to his hand (Avengers #5, 1964); of Baron Zemo, enemy of Captain America who wears a purple mask and a fur-lined coat (Avengers #6, 1964); of the Falcon, Sam Wilson, a black super hero and ally of Captain America; of Redwing, Sam's winged ally (Captain America #117, 1969); of Sarah Wilson, Sam Wilson's sister, mother of two sons (Captain America #134, 1971); of Wakanda, an African nation with incredible scientific resources (Fantastic Four #52, 1966); of Vibranium, a rare metal found in Wakanda with unusual properties; of T'Chaka, king of Wakanda who was murdered (Fantastic Four #53, 1966); of Bruce Banner, a famous scientist and hero (Incredible Hulk #1, 1962); of S.H.I.E.L.D., a government agency; of Hydra, a notorious terrorist organization; of the Hydra motto "Hail Hydra!" uttered by its agents (Strange Tales #135, 1965); of Tony Stark, a genius inventor and hero (Tales of Suspense #39, 1963); of Abraham Erskine's name (Tales of Suspense #63, 1965); of Batroc, a French mercenary and enemy of Captain America who is an expert at kicks and wants to prove his mettle against Captain America; of Peggy Carter, legendary wartime lover of Steve Rogers; of Sharon Carter, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., ally of Captain America; of Sharon Carter as a relative of Peggy Carter (Tales of Suspense #75, 1966); of Sharon Carter's name (Tales of Suspense #95, 1967)

Kieron Dwyer: creator of the U.S. Agent declaring "I'm back" when first appearing in his costume (Captain America #354, 1989); co-creator of Battlestar, Lemar Hoskins' costumed identity alongside John Walker's Captain America, Battlestar wearing a red and blue costume; of John Walker's identity as Captain America as public knowledge (Captain America #341, 1988); of a variant Captain America shield with black and red stripes (Captain America #342, 1988); of John Walker losing control as Captain America and murdering his opponents (Captain America #345, 1988); of the John Walker Captain America and Battlestar battling Flag-Smasher, only for Walker to lose the fight (Captain America #348, 1988); of John Walker falling out of favor with the US government after committing murders as Captain America, leading to him losing the identity and shield (Captain America #350, 1989); of the U.S. Agent, John Walker's new costumed identity after losing the Captain America alias; of Walker wearing the variant Captain America costume and shield in black and red; of the U.S. Agent working for US intelligence (Captain America #354, 1989); of the Brass Monkey, a club in Madripoor (Captain America #363, 1989)

Paul Neary: co-creator of the Flag-Smasher, a terrorist fanatic who wants to create a one world government; Flag-Smasher hatred of nationalism and particular distaste for Captain America; Flag-Smasher performing public acts of terrorism as a platform for sharing philosophy (Captain America #312, 1985); of Flag-Smasher leading a terrorist organization of like-minded individuals (Captain America #321, 1986); of John Walker, a blond-haired patriot with superhuman strength who promotes and merchandises himself like an entertainer; of Lemar Hoskins, black man, John Walker's best friend; of Lennox, an enemy of John Walker (Captain America #323, 1986); of the Power Broker, a shadowy figure who grants superhuman abilities to others but then forces them to work for his organization (The Thing #35, 1986)

Joe Simon: co-creator of Bucky Barnes, a costumed hero and best friend of Steve Rogers; of Captain America, Steve Rogers, super hero from World War II who gained his peak human abilities from the Super-Soldier Serum; of Captain America wearing a red, white and blue costume with 'A' on forehead and star on chest, carrying a triangular shield; of Captain America punching Adolf Hitler in the face; of Abraham Erskine, the scientist who invented the Super-Soldier Serum; of the Red Skull, the wartime adversary of Captain America (Captain America Comics #1, 1941); of Captain America's round shield with red and white stripes (Captain America Comics #2, 1941)

Tom Morgan: co-creator of the US government asserting that it holds ownership of the Captain America identity and shield (Captain America #332, 1987); of the US government assigning the identity of Captain America to John Walker, making him a direct agent of theirs; of John Walker's home town Custer's Grove, Georgia; of John Walker background in the military; of Lemar's first name (Captain America #333, 1987); of Lemar Hoskins' last name; of Lemar Hoskins working as John Walker's ally with the US government (Captain America #334, 1987); of a variant Captain America costume in black and red with red stripes across the chest (Captain America #337, 1988)

Ed Brubaker: co-creator of the Winter Soldier, a legendary assassin whose left arm is cybernetic (Captain America #1, 2005); of the Winter Soldier revealed to be Bucky Barnes having been brainwashed and kept in stasis except when sent on missions (Captain America #8, 2005); of the Winter Soldier regaining his memories as Bucky Barnes and attempting to atone for his misdeeds (Captain America #14, 2006); of the Winter Soldier, Falcon and Sharon Carter working together after losing Steve Rogers (Captain America #26, 2007); of a Russian code which can be used to shut down the Winter Soldier (Captain America #30, 2007)

Steve Epting: co-creator of the Winter Soldier, a legendary assassin whose left arm is cybernetic (Captain America #1, 2005); of the Winter Soldier revealed to be Bucky Barnes having been brainwashed and kept in stasis except when sent on missions (Captain America #8, 2005); of the Winter Soldier regaining his memories as Bucky Barnes and attempting to atone for his misdeeds (Captain America #14, 2006); of the Winter Soldier, Falcon and Sharon Carter working together after losing Steve Rogers (Captain America #26, 2007); of a Russian code which can be used to shut down the Winter Soldier (Captain America #30, 2007)

Robert Morales: co-creator of Isaiah Bradley, a black soldier who was subjected to a variant of the Super-Soldier Serum in an attempt to duplicate Captain America's origin; of Wilfred Nagel, the scientist who re-created the Super-Soldier Serum from Isaiah Bradley (The Truth: Red, White & Black #1, 2003); of Isaiah Bradley undergoing missions for the US government but then becoming a prisoner and subjected to horrifying experiments over decades; of Isaiah attempting to keep a low profile after his release (Truth: Red, White & Black #7, 2003)

Kyle Baker: co-creator of Isaiah Bradley, a black soldier who was subjected to a variant of the Super-Soldier Serum in an attempt to duplicate Captain America's origin; of Wilfred Nagel, the scientist who re-created the Super-Soldier Serum from Isaiah Bradley (The Truth: Red, White & Black #1, 2003); of Isaiah Bradley undergoing missions for the US government but then becoming a prisoner and subjected to horrifying experiments over decades; of Isaiah attempting to keep a low profile after his release (Truth: Red, White & Black #7, 2003)

Chris Claremont: co-creator of Hightown, the district of Madripoor where the extremely wealthy live; of Lowtown, the district of Madripoor where the impoverished live; of the Princess Bar, a drinking establishment in Madripoor (Marvel Comics Presents #1, 1988); of Madripoor, an island city in Asia which is notorious for its intense volume of organized crime (New Mutants #32, 1985)

Sal Buscema: co-creator of the Super-Soldier Serum causing mental disorders in people who took it (Captain America #155, 1972); of Helmut Zemo, an embittered man who blames Captain America for the death of his family and targets him and his friends (Captain America #168, 1973); of the Falcon utilizing mechanical wings built for him by the Wakandans (Captain America #170, 1974)

Mark Waid: co-creator of Sharon Carter being abandoned by her country, turning her into a rogue agent (Captain America #445, 1995); of Captain America honoured with an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute (Captain America #3, 1998); of the Falcon wearing Captain America's costume as his replacement (Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #8, 1999)

John Buscema: co-creator of Ultron, the robotic adversary of the Avengers (Avengers #54, 1968); of Hightown, the district of Madripoor where the extremely wealthy live; of Lowtown, the district of Madripoor where the impoverished live; of the Princess Bar, a drinking establishment in Madripoor (Marvel Comics Presents #1, 1988)

Christopher Priest: co-creator of the Dora Milaje, a team of Wakanda warrior women who speak in Hausa; of Kimoyo technology used by the Wakandans (Black Panther #1, 1998); of the White Wolf, alias of a white man in Wakanda (Black Panther #4, 1999); co-creator of the Falcon wearing a beard (Captain America & the Falcon #1, 2004)

Jim Steranko: creator of Contessa Valentina Allegro de la Fontaine, a government agent (Strange Tales #159, 1967); of a glider suit worn by spies which folds out from the wrists to the ankles (Strange Tales #166, 1968); co-creator of the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo, an eagle (Strange Tales #154, 1967)

Steve Englehart: co-creator of the Super-Soldier Serum causing mental disorders in people who took it (Captain America #155, 1972); of the Falcon utilizing mechanical wings built for him by the Wakandans (Captain America #170, 1974); of Sam Wilson appearing as a pimp (Captain America #186, 1975)

Rick Remender: co-creator of Sam Wilson wearing a Captain America costume which incorporates his Falcon technology, becoming a hybrid of the two costume styles (All-New Captain America #1, 2015); of Steve Rogers asking the Falcon to become the new Captain America (Captain America #25, 2014)

Gene Colan: co-creator of the Falcon, Sam Wilson, a black super hero and ally of Captain America; of Redwing, Sam's winged ally (Captain America #117, 1969); of Sarah Wilson, Sam Wilson's sister, mother of two sons (Captain America #134, 1971)

Mark Texeira: co-creator of the Dora Milaje, a team of Wakanda warrior women who speak in Hausa; of Kimoyo technology used by the Wakandans (Black Panther #1, 1998); of the White Wolf, alias of a white man in Wakanda (Black Panther #4, 1999)

Ron Garney: co-creator of Sharon Carter being abandoned by her country, turning her into a rogue agent (Captain America #445, 1995); of Captain America honoured with an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute (Captain America #3, 1998)

John Romita Jr.: co-creator of the Dora Milaje wearing primarily red and gold and shaving their heads (Black Panther #3, 2005); of James Rhodes, an Air Force officer and hero (Iron Man #144, 1981)

Mark Bagley: co-creator of Lemar Hoskins as John Walker's friend in the US Army (Captain America #380, 1990); of Smiling Tiger, Conrad Mack, a criminal active in Asia (New Warriors #19, 1992)

Stuart Immonen: co-creator of Sam Wilson wearing a Captain America costume which incorporates his Falcon technology, becoming a hybrid of the two costume styles (All-New Captain America #1, 2015)

Mike Carlin: co-creator of the Power Broker, a shadowy figure who grants superhuman abilities to others but then forces them to work for his organization (The Thing #35, 1986)

Tony Isabella: co-creator of Helmut Zemo, an embittered man who blames Captain America for the death of his family and targets him and his friends (Captain America #168, 1973)

David Michelinie: co-creator of the Falcon as one of the Avengers (Avengers #183, 1979); of James Rhodes, an Air Force officer and hero (Iron Man #144, 1981)

Roy Thomas: co-creator of Ultron, the robotic adversary of the Avengers (Avengers #54, 1968); of the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo, an eagle (Strange Tales #154, 1967)

Steve Leialoha: co-creator of Madripoor, an island city in Asia which is notorious for its intense volume of organized crime (New Mutants #32, 1985)

Brian Michael Bendis: co-creator of The Raft, a high-security prison used by the US government for superhuman adversaries (New Avengers #1, 2005)

David Finch: co-creator of The Raft, a high-security prison used by the US government for superhuman adversaries (New Avengers #1, 2005)

Cully Hamner: co-creator of the Falcon wearing Captain America's costume as his replacement (Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #8, 1999)

Trevor Hairsine: co-creator of the Falcon wearing goggles and a primarily black outfit and wielding guns (Ultimate Nightmare #1, 2004)

Daniel Acuña: co-creator of Joaquin Torrers, a Latino man who is an ally of Sam Wilson (Captain America: Sam Wilson #1, 2015)

Nick Spencer: co-creator of Joaquin Torrers, a Latino man who is an ally of Sam Wilson (Captain America: Sam Wilson #1, 2015)

Warren Ellis: co-creator of the Falcon wearing goggles and a primarily black outfit and wielding guns (Ultimate Nightmare #1, 2004)

Reginald Hudlin: co-creator of the Dora Milaje wearing primarily red and gold and shaving their heads (Black Panther #3, 2005)

Carlos Pacheco: co-creator of Steve Rogers asking the Falcon to become the new Captain America (Captain America #25, 2014)

J. M. Dematteis: co-creator of Helmut Zemo wearing the traditional garb of Baron Zemo (Captain America #275, 1982)

Fabian Nicieza: co-creator of Smiling Tiger, Conrad Mack, a criminal active in Asia (New Warriors #19, 1992)

Larry Alexander: co-creator of John Walker and the Falcon battling Flag-Smasher (Captain America #400, 1992)

Mike Zeck: co-creator of Helmut Zemo wearing the traditional garb of Baron Zemo (Captain America #275, 1982)

Michael Hoskin: creator of Karl Morgenthau, Flag-Smasher's real name (Deadpool Corps: Rank and Foul #1, 2010)

Alex Schomburg: creator of Captain America riding a motorcycle (Captain America Comics #27, 1943)

Kenneth Rocafort: co-creator of Ayo, one of the Dora Milaje, shaved head (Ultimates #2, 2016)

Al Ewing: co-creator of Ayo, one of the Dora Milaje, shaved head (Ultimates #2, 2016)

Don Heck: co-creator of Tony Stark, a genius inventor and hero (Tales of Suspense #39, 1963)

Larry Lieber: co-creator of Tony Stark, a genius inventor and hero (Tales of Suspense #39, 1963)

Bob Layton: co-creator of James Rhodes, an Air Force officer and hero (Iron Man #144, 1981)

Bill Mantlo: co-creator of Maria Stark, mother of Tony Stark (Iron Man #104, 1977)

George Tuska: co-creator of Maria Stark, mother of Tony Stark (Iron Man #104, 1977)

Bart Sears: co-creator of the Falcon wearing a beard (Captain America & the Falcon #1, 2004)

Gary Friedrich: co-creator of the Falcon wearing a red and white costume (Captain America #144, 1971)

John Romita: co-creator of the Falcon wearing a red and white costume (Captain America #144, 1971)

Frank Robbins: co-creator of Sam Wilson appearing as a pimp (Captain America #186, 1975)

John Warner: co-creator of Sam Wilson appearing as a pimp (Captain America #186, 1975)

Len Kaminski: co-creator of Bucky Barnes having a sister (Marvel Holiday Special #1, 1991)

Ron Lim: co-creator of Bucky Barnes having a sister (Marvel Holiday Special #1, 1991)

Stuart Vandal: creator of Wilfred Nagel's name (Captain America: America's Avenger #1, 2011)

Jim Cheung: co-creator of Eli Bradley, the grandson of Isiah Bradley (Young Avengers #1, 2005)

Allan Heinberg: co-creator of Eli Bradley, the grandson of Isiah Bradley (Young Avengers #1, 2005)

John Byrne: co-creator of the Falcon as one of the Avengers (Avengers #183, 1979)

Eliot R. Brown: creator of the flag of Madripoor (Marvel Atlas #1, 2007)

Black Panther character profiles at the Marvel Appendix

The Marvel Appendix recently published two new profiles of a pair of supporting characters from Black Panther: Ogun and Kunta, written by yours truly. I hope to write up a few more interesting Wakandans in the weeks and months to come.

New Black Panther essay at Sequart!

Sequart has published another in my series of essays about Christopher Priest's Black Panther. This one is titled "The Knighted King: A Brief Publication History of Christopher Priest's Black Panther." This one simply sorts out the publishing history of Black Panther and the many factors internal and external which shaped the book's development. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read and enjoy!

Day of the Spider

There's a mini-event going on at the Marvel Appendix today because it's the "Day of the Spider." To that end, I've submitted a profile on one of the Black Rider's enemies, The Spider. I'll be posting entries on the Appendix a little more frequently now. It's good to be back!