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AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

After five days of solid reading, I finally completed the series. I first got interested in 1996 when colored pages of the first volume began appearing in back of Disney Adventure (the Disney magazine for kids). Ever since then, I'd wanted to read the series, but didn't know where a comic book store was around us. Still, this page stuck in my head through all the years. When I began reading comics a few months ago, I remembered this series and went to Amazon to get the whole thing for $27 (that was one month ago- shipping is a bitch).

One of the things I was not prepared for was how it turned from this lighthearted adventure into Lord of the Rings. Towards the middle of the book, I was very surprised to see Gran'ma Ben bleeding and Kingdok with his arm cut off... I didn't even think later pages'd show a guy being cut in two.

It was great how well the characters were developed. Thorn was a bit whiney, but whenever she had that sword out, she turned into a badass. Fone Bone was my favorite character throughout the entire book. The one uncorrupted nice guy. I thought the Great Red Dragon was cool as well.

There's so much to talk about with this series, so hopefully this thread drags out a couple of fans.

Hell, I liked this series so much, I'm changing my avatar. If only for a little bit.

Spike · Sep 25, 2004

I've been onboard with this series from issue #1. I even got the chance to meet Jeff Smith and have him sign an issue for me.

To say that this is my favourite comic series ever would be understating it. The clean, crisp artwork that Jeff provides is a throwback to Walt Kelly's Pogo. The fantastical and hilarious storylines within the series really play with your emotions.

I love this series, and I am proud to recommend it to anyone and everyone. If you haven't given Bone a try, then you shouldn't be reading comics.

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

One thing I did not understand was why did Fone Bone have a piece of the Lord of the Locusts inside him?

Did anyone else want Fone Bone to stay with Thorn at the end as well?

It would be great to see this in animated form, if only so it could gain more fans and recognition. It would have to stay completely true to the comics though. I heard from my sister who was a huge fan of the series as well that a couple years back Nickelodeon wanted to do a movie... only if pop songs from Britney Spears and other people were included.

Dan · Sep 25, 2004

What's the deal with this? Amazon seems to indicate the volume you show is being released sometime this month, so how'd you get it?

I'm almost embarassed to admit that I too first saw this in Disney's magazine so long ago. I'd completely forgotten about it, but I really enjoyed it back then. Cool, vivid art and a fun story. I'd love to get the full story, particularly in one book since buying them all separately looks expensive.

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

Dan said:
What's the deal with this? Amazon seems to indicate the volume you show is being released sometime this month, so how'd you get it?

I'm almost embarassed to admit that I too first saw this in Disney's magazine so long ago. I'd completely forgotten about it, but I really enjoyed it back then. Cool, vivid art and a fun story. I'd love to get the full story, particularly in one book since buying them all separately looks expensive.

Maybe it's a new print? The one I bought said "June 2004" or "July 2004." I HIGHLY recommend you buy the One Volume Edition if you loved it in the Disney magazine. You might want to e-mail amazon about this, or just go to www.boneville.com where you can get it for $40 (there's a hardcover edition coming for $125 too).

Dan · Sep 25, 2004

Sweet, thanks for the link. I'll probably just order from there unless Amazon gets it back. The hardcover one would surely be nice to have, but I don't think I could justify $125 for it. Thanks again, I'll definitely be picking this up one way or another. I've been itching for something fun to read anyway.

BuddyC · Sep 25, 2004

I snagged this back in June or July. A good read, and yea,

it really started to feel like Lord of the Rings towards the end.

Shoryuken · Sep 25, 2004

AniHawk said:
One thing I did not understand was why did Fone Bone have a piece of the Lord of the Locusts inside him?

Did anyone else want Fone Bone to stay with Thorn at the end as well?

It would be great to see this in animated form, if only so it could gain more fans and recognition. It would have to stay completely true to the comics though. I heard from my sister who was a huge fan of the series as well that a couple years back Nickelodeon wanted to do a movie... only if pop songs from Britney Spears and other people were included.

This is easily one of my favorite books/series. This series had everything adventure, comedy, great characters, great plot, and in the end it tied together really well. I agree that an animated series for this would be great.

I do have to disagree with you on one thing:

I thought it was great that Fone Bone decided to go back with his cousins. Their last arguement/discussion at the end sealed it for me. The ending just felt right.

FoneBone · Sep 25, 2004

Not a fan at all. Nope, no way.

Finally got the One Volume Edition earlier this week -- still haven't finished it. Love it, though.

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

Shoryuken said:
This is easily one of my favorite books/series. This series had everything adventure, comedy, great characters, great plot, and in the end it tied together really well. I agree that an animated series for this would be great.

I do have to disagree with you on one thing:

I thought it was great that Fone Bone decided to go back with his cousins. Their last arguement/discussion at the end sealed it for me. The ending just felt right.

The ending was good. I loved how it ended the way the story began right down to the dialog. I'm just a sucker for romance I guess.

And yeah, this had a great blend of adventure, comedy, plot, characters, etc. I'm just coming off a high from this book, but I currently like it better than any other comic book, Harry Potter, and even Animorphs.

One of my favorite pieces of dialog went along the lines of this:
Thorn: ...and I'm a PRINCESS with MAGIC POWERS? WHAT DOES THAT MAKE ME!?
Fone Bone: ...A Fairy Princess?
Thorn: *looking like she's about to kill him* Thank you so much.
Fone Bone: *meekly* Sorry.

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

FoneBone said:
Not a fan at all. Nope, no way.

Finally got the One Volume Edition earlier this week -- still haven't finished it. Love it, though.

I got mine on Monday, and read about 250-300 pages each day until last night. You were actually the one to remind me to go and get the book. I saw it back in July, but I didn't have the money then. When I saw your name and avatar in a comic book topic, I ordered it that day.

Jason · Sep 25, 2004

I got it a couple months back and read the whole thing that very same day. The best part for me was when you find out why they were after Phoney Bone. I couldn't stop laughing. :lol

Claus · Sep 25, 2004

I ordered the hardcover version so mine won't be shipped till November. Probably not a good idea in the first place since I'm out of work and I'm getting low on money. :lol

enjoy bell woods · Sep 25, 2004

I used to read this back when I was about 10 or 11. I LOVED BONE.

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

enjoy bell woods said:
I used to read this back when I was about 10 or 11. I LOVED BONE.

Finish the story!

enjoy bell woods · Sep 25, 2004

AniHawk said:
Finish the story!

That book contains the entire thing? If so, I definitely will.

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

enjoy bell woods said:
That book contains the entire thing?

Yyyyyyup!

Here's the article on the movie:

If Jeff Smith has his way, there'll be no singing in Boneville. Smith, creator of the black-and-white comic Bone, has inked a deal to co-write, co-produce and direct an animated "Bone" movie for Nickelodeon Films. Just don't expect your typical Disney musical.
*"I am so pleased with the people at Nickelodeon," Smith said. "They realy get it. Nickelodeon just wants to make a really good 'Bone' movie. It's very clear that we're both on the same track.".
*And that track could get the animated film into theaters as early as 2000. Using traditional cel animation, Smith estimates it'll take some 18 months to complete the project once development begins.
*Although Smith's major involvement in the "Bone" movie seems to be the exception to the rule for most comic-to-movie adaptations, he has the résumé to back it up. He's directed animated commercials for such firms as White Castle and Warner Animation, and established his own animation house, Character Builders to his former partner dan Root, who's also collaborating on the "Bone" screenplay.
*Bone, originally created as a sweeping trilogy, tells the tale of three Bone cousins-the friendly, heroic Fone Bone, the slightly stupid Smiley Bone, and the devious Phoney Bone-who are run out of their hometown of Boneville and lost in a fantasy-based forest. The cousins are soon reunited, and besides meeting with a number of human creatures such as the smart and beautiful Thorn, they face all manner of rat creatures, dragons and talking bugs.
*Smith hopes to keep the movie's similar to that of the comic. And with more than 30 issues of the series already behind him, there's plenty to choose from where plot's concerned. "The main storyline for the movie is going to be the Great Cow Race," Smith revealed, in reference to the hysterical event cronicled in Bone #10. "Essentially, the film's storyline comes from the first three paperbacks, about 16 issues. But the movie will have a definite ending."
*Smith had already commissioned development art for the film proposal form Neil Ross, the artist who provided conceptual illustrations for "Space Jam" and "Braveheart." Presently, Smith is selecting his creative team and working on finishing the second draft of the screenplay, due in November.
*But for now, Smith's just happy that his baby is in good hands. "Nickelodeon understands not just 'Bone' but the same things I think animated movies should be," he explained. "They don't want to make another Disney movie. 'Bone' is as unique as 'Star Wars' or 'Lord of the Rings', and the people at Nick understand that Han Solo doesn't break out into song!"

Fucking Nickelodeon. What the FUCK happened to them in the mid-late 90s?

Dan · Sep 25, 2004

...

Are you mad that Nickelodeon had the rights to do the film, or are you mad that they never made it?

It seems to me that most everything that Nickelodeon has done since the mid-to-late 90s has sucked, so I'd be pleased with the film not being made under them.

I'm not really sure if there's any force out in Hollywood that would do Bone justice, at least based on what I remember of it. Disney hasn't been doing much of interest lately, Dreamworks has latched onto lame pop-culture ridden CGI films for the lowest common denominator, Fox does minor cute flicks, etc. I haven't seen Lilo & Stitch, but from what I have seen I think its animators might be a good match for Bone. Get Roy E Disney to produce and keep any studios pressures away, find an experienced director...

[/strange tangent]

AniHawk · Sep 25, 2004

Dan said:
...

Are you mad that Nickelodeon had the rights to do the film, or are you mad that they never made it?

It seems to me that most everything that Nickelodeon has done since the mid-to-late 90s has sucked, so I'd be pleased with the film not being made under them.

I'm not really sure if there's any force out in Hollywood that would do Bone justice, at least based on what I remember of it. Disney hasn't been doing much of interest lately, Dreamworks has latched onto lame pop-culture ridden CGI films for the lowest common denominator, Fox does minor cute flicks, etc. I haven't seen Lilo & Stitch, but from what I have seen I think its animators might be a good match for Bone. Get Roy E Disney to produce and keep any studios pressures away, find an experienced director...

[/strange tangent]

What I meant was that Nickelodeon wanted to ruin it anyway. I said in an above post that they wanted to put Britney Spears and other flavor-of-the-month pop star songs into the movie.

As much as a movie by Roy E Disney would be good, I'd much rather see a miniseries on Cartoon Network instead. 9 episodes an hour (45 minutes if it was on CN) long each (or something like that). If I had my way about making it, I would not change a single thing. The book would basically be the storyboard for the miniseries.

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

Here's a link I just found that contains what it could look like animated (Fone Bone being chased by one of the stupid, stupid rat creatures):

http://geocities.com/SoHo/4643/flipbook.html

Apparently the movie was in production even in 2000, but here's something from a fan who knew what was going on (posted on the message board in 2002):

Anyway, what I heard was that Nickelodeon wanted to change the story here and there, and (worst of all), make it a musical only with music parodies! Like Angelica Pickle's "Cynthia, I gonna get ya!" from the first Rugrats Movie. And there were some other things that made me shiver when I first heard them, but I can't remember them specifically. Jeff was just not getting along well with the production team and eventually got fed up with them and closed the project.

Here's a comment made last January by someone named "Justin" who seems to know Jeff:

The BONE movie is something that Jeff still wants to pursue, but right now it isn't Jeff's primary focus.

It could still happen. I hope.

Dan · Sep 26, 2004

A nine part television series would work pretty well I imagine. He'd just have to make sure that the entirety would be produced and aired, or at least released on DVD. I'm still sore about CN dropping Samurai Jack and not completing the full 52 episodes (although it's unclear to me whether the last couple are sitting in a vault or were never even produced). It's be cool, and maybe as CN brings in more profit they'd spring for producing some alternative stuff, as in, not episodic comedy.

And that little movie sketch is pretty nice. I certainly think Bone would have a rather smooth transition to animation, at least visually, given some competent animators. The style wouldn't have to be skewered or anything.

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

Dan said:
A nine part television series would work pretty well I imagine. He'd just have to make sure that the entirety would be produced and aired, or at least released on DVD. I'm still sore about CN dropping Samurai Jack and not completing the full 52 episodes (although it's unclear to me whether the last couple are sitting in a vault or were never even produced). It's be cool, and maybe as CN brings in more profit they'd spring for producing some alternative stuff, as in, not episodic comedy.

And that little movie sketch is pretty nice. I certainly think Bone would have a rather smooth transition to animation, at least visually, given some competent animators. The style wouldn't have to be skewered or anything.

Samurai Jack got the axe? That's too bad. Some of the episodes (like the one which won the emmy) were really damn good. A lot of it dragged out though, including the 1.5 hour pilot. Would have been better to simply shorten up the series if it was going to have any sort of episode constraints.

Back to Bone, I don't think there would be the need for any Production IG style animation. When I think of animated Bone, I think 1980s style Don Bluth films for some reason.

SD-Ness · Sep 26, 2004

Is the book Anihawk showed, the complete series all together?

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

Zero said:
Is the book Anihawk showed, the complete series all together?

Yes.

Dan · Sep 26, 2004

AniHawk said:
Back to Bone, I don't think there would be the need for any Production IG style animation. When I think of animated Bone, I think 1980s style Don Bluth films for some reason.

By "competent" I didn't mean that high end, but something a step above say, Genndy Tartakovsky's stuff or even modern Nickoledeon stuff, that is obviously made on the cheap. Bone would need some reasonably fluid animation, certainly not stilted, and probably as rich a color palette as possible. And animators capable of using curves in their designs, and not just straight edged ones as are pretty popular in television animation nowadays. Otherwise, yeah, it doesn't need to be that high end at all.

And speak of the fucking devil... apparently Cartoon Network is airing the last four Samurai Jack episodes right fucking now! I've apparently missed the first of the batch, but I'll have to keep watching for the rest. Damnit, wish I'd glanced at CN's site an hour earlier.

Edit: I might add that the Samurai Jack episodes are being aired for the first time.

dskillzhtown · Sep 26, 2004

I thought this thread was going to be about the rap group...

Spike · Sep 26, 2004

Zero said:
Is the book Anihawk showed, the complete series all together?

Yes, but there are two other spinoff series.

Rose
Stupid, Stupid Rat-Tails

Also, starting in February, Bone will be re-released by Scholastic in full colour!! The colouring is being done in-house by Cartoon Books and it is beautiful. If you ever happen across the Bone #1 tenth anniversary colour edition, you'll get an idea of what it'll be like since it's the same colourist. The books will be the dimensions of the Harry Potter books they produce and will be hardcover. The first one kicks off in February, and one follows every six months until all 9 trades are done.

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

Spike said:
Yes, but there are two other spinoff series.

Rose
Stupid, Stupid Rat-Tails

Also, starting in February, Bone will be re-released by Scholastic in full colour!! The colouring is being done in-house by Cartoon Books and it is beautiful. If you ever happen across the Bone #1 tenth anniversary colour edition, you'll get an idea of what it'll be like since it's the same colourist. The books will be the dimensions of the Harry Potter books they produce and will be hardcover. The first one kicks off in February, and one follows every six months until all 9 trades are done.

That is awesome. I might shell out more cash once all are completed, or a "One Volume Color Edition" is released. AND it keeps the series alive for a few more years.

Dan · Sep 26, 2004

That'd take 4.5 years, geez. Even though I remember it as being in color from that Disney magazine back in the day, I think I'll settle with the black and white full volume for now. Plus, I have a hard time spending tons on books when I should be investing in things relevant to career interests. I'll grab the color ones later, maybe when I have a real income coming in.

FoneBone · Sep 26, 2004

I still need to get Rose. Smith has said he's planning a sequel to that, BTW.

The color books are cool, but I just don't have the money to bother with them. I'm happy with B&W.

Oh, and I can't fucking wait for Smith's Shazam! miniseries.

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

I'm interested on how the color one would look compared to the b&w version. As is, I think it looks great.

It definitely won't look as good as this (concept art for the movie, I believe), but it should look nice (at the bottom of the page):

http://members.tripod.com/BoneNET/movie/wizard.html

I really ought to pick up Rose as well.

belgurdo · Sep 26, 2004

dskillzhtown said:
I thought this thread was going to be about the rap group...

jiggle · Sep 26, 2004

Is the 1 volume book out? I checked on it's status so many times on amazon, but it's always listed as "not yet been released". WTF.

What? He left Thorn at the end?? That sucks...

FoneBone · Sep 26, 2004

A very good, in-depth interview with Jeff Smith, for those interested (yes, even though it's on AICN):
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15592
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15612
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15613

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

jiggle said:
Is the 1 volume book out? I checked on it's status so many times on amazon, but it's always listed as "not yet been released". WTF.

What? He left Thorn at the end?? That sucks...

Either check www.barnesnoble.com or www.bonesville.com for it.

Spike · Sep 26, 2004

There is also a very hard to find, out of print book called The Bone Reader. It has early comic strips, and new strips that have not appeared in any of the trades.

FoneBone · Sep 26, 2004

Spike said:
There is also a very hard to find, out of print book called The Bone Reader. It has early comic strips, and new strips that have not appeared in any of the trades.

Good news on that front:
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15612

You published a behind-the-scenes book, the "Bone Reader," after Book Three came out - but then you let it go out of print. It was sort of like the DVD special features of "Bone." Are we going to see that in print again?

Yes, I think so. I originally did that, exactly as you said, as the "special features" between Act One and Act Two, to kind of split of this giant story into three parts. And there were things about that book I really liked - the technology that allowed us to show the early sketches and things like that - but there's not enough explanation in the book. There's no through-line.

So instead of doing another [behind-the-scenes book] after the next act break, I thought, "Why don't I just wait until the end, and I can do the whole book right?" I wanted to do something like that Disney Illusion of Life book - maybe not that big, but....

AniHawk · Sep 26, 2004

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