Quentin Tarantino & Comics
We did a little research, and were pleased to find that Quentin Tarantino has had a notable influence on and relationship with the comic book medium.
Quentin Tarantino is an American director and screenwriter who has made his mark on pop culture. Love them or hate them, Tarantino‘s films are notable for their stylized neo-noir violence, razor-sharp dialogue, and insight into American culture. We recently rewatched Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and got to thinking about Tarantino’s connection to comic books. We did a little research, and were pleased to find that Quentin Tarantino has had a notable influence on and relationship with the comic book medium. For your consideration:
We think it’s safe to say that Tarantino has drawn inspiration from comics for his films. For instance, Kill Bill famously includes a comic-inspired monologue and uses manga-style animation for a particularly violent sequence. We know the director is a voracious reader, and it has been reported that he has stacks of graphic novels stored in his home.
It’s been reported that Tarantino has been attached to, or considered for, several comic book adaptations. In the early 1990s, sources say Tarantino pitched a Luke Cage film, which would have been one of the earliest Marvel character adaptations. At various stages, Tarantino reportably has also expressed interest in making Sgt. Rock and a Silver Surfer movie. We can see an Inglorious Bastards style adaptation of Sgt. Rock, but are minds are blown by the idea of a Tarantino Surfer film.
In addition to his interest in certain comic book properties, we have seen some comic adaptations of Tarantino’s films. You’ll recall the Django/Zorro collaboration between Vertigo and Dynamite (JUL151228), which was a sequel to Tarantino’s film Django Unchained. We also have Quentin By Tarantino (AUG240395), a graphic novel chronicling Tarantino’s life and career, featuring anecdotes from the filmmaker himself.
While Tarantino has never directed a comic book adaptation, his work has both influenced and been influenced by the medium. His unique storytelling style and visual flair have left an indelible mark on popular culture, including comic creators.It’s worth noting that Tarantino’s relationship with comics is complex. While he has drawn inspiration from them, and nearly worked on several adaptations, he has also been critical of their current dominance in cinema. In recent years, Tarantino has expressed concern about their impact on original storytelling and the concept of movie stars. This tension reflects the ongoing debate about the place of comic book adaptations in modern filmmaking, and that’s a topic best saved for later.
Do you think any of Quentin Tarantino’s films would make for a good ongoing or mini-series? Would you want to see the early adventures of the Inglorious Bastards team in World War II? The further adventures of “The Bride” from Kill Bill? Ready for a Tarantino Silver Surfer movie (insert Sam Jackson as Galactus joke here). Let us know what you think at aloha@csnpress.com!
