http://www.afronerd.com/2018/10/daryll-b-returns-and-it-must-be-all.html
Hello once again Afronerd Readers, new and old. I’m once again back from the abyss with a column straight from the BenCave to make you ladies and gents think. Why? This is my time of year. October 1st just passed and this blerd’s mind has a bit of a horror edge.
First up, there has been news and confirmation of Aquaman’s James Wan being tapped to helm an American remake of Train To Busan. My Twitter followers know how “energetic” I was in saying this is a bad idea…HOWEVER… here are 5 tips to actually make it work (Yes, you read that right. I’m going to help them out. They aren’t going to read this anyway but let it never be said I am not trying to help instead of just hate…):
1. Forget everything you have seen or read from previous American/Western zombie stories – I know that everyone wants to be George Romero OR Robert Kirkman and create something that leaves a lasting impact but, more often that not this ends badly. Go “The Girl With The Gifts” route and concentrate on original stories intertwining with the zombie apocalypse.
2. In this vein “Keep It Simple Stupid” – No need to make super fast zombies or ultra complicated soap opera plots. K.I.S.S. system. Humans. Zombies. Hunger. Dwindling Numbers and Options. Escape is possible…or is it?
3. Stay Away From Big Cities – Train To Busan works because of the near solitary situation that being on a cross country train puts the passengers in. Even with social media/digital age, news was spotty, interaction was few and far between outside of your car “mates”.
4. On that note, Spend Time On Character Building – Anyone that has seen the original, LOVED how it flipped tropes and built heroes out of people we tend to hate. American horror storytelling tends to fall into the same conventions/techniques. Hence why I am saying again to drill point 1 in your head.
5. Finally, Stick To Your Bible – But Daryll B? This had nothing to do with religion? What bible? If you paid any attention to Captain Kirk over the years on Afronerd Radio, you should know that power sets are key. This goes for horror creatures too. Train set up early with background newscasts and 2 key scenes on the train what the abilities/detractions of the zombies & spreading of the plague was. Did not divert. Did not upgrade. They stayed consistent.
James? Focus on making a good zombie flick. DON’T try and reinvent the wheel here! Good Luck, man! After all you are trying to remake a film that got Romero’s personal seal of approval! Uphill Climb AHOY!
Afronerd Radio has a patreon now in case you didn’t know. Check this out and consider giving for a little more bang for your buck(s)
And speaking of Afronerd Radio, the guys’ last podcast will definitely have everyone thinking as it started with Haddish/Nubia “rumor” analysis leading into an interesting film debate, among other stories including Dark Phoenix….
Dark Phoenix? HA!!! Although, I will state that yes I will be seeing Venom sometime during my New York Comic Con weekend. I have no expectations for the movie to wow me. Let’s see what the movie makers have. I know Tom Hardy ain’t going to be phoning this in so…. and as far as NYCC is concerned, I’m only there on Friday. So me, my friends and sister will blitz everything we can and I am sure to take pictures while annoying creators. LOL
Coming up: Daryll B makes some personally fun horror tinged comics/graphic novels because it is the season! Thx For Reading! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!