Collected Comics Library Podcast #237
53,694Kb; 57m 12s
http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/
Looking back on my childhood, I have no memory of ever watching the moon landings of the 1970’s. Apparently, not many others do, either. As the moon missions were coming to an end, space exploration was not so much on live TV but on movie screens. I distinctly remember going to the Esquire Theater for Star Was and Close Encounters of the Third Kind and watching reruns of Star Trek on Chanel 20.
But author Brian Fies (Mom’s Cancer) remembers it very differently. His new book Whatever Happened To The World Of Tomorrow? (Abrams) is a look back in time and forward in to the future from the perspective of a Father and Son duo. Starting of in 1939, Pop and Buddy head off to the 1939 New York World’s Fair and marvel at all of the good things to come: jet packs, space exploration and even television. We journey with them though the years to see what inventions come true and what are made differently then originally planned. We also get a perspective that is all too forgotten, family life in the midst of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, The Cold War and its’ counterpart, the Space Race.
In 200 pages, Fies moves quickly through the decades, but stopping at the right moments in time to reflect on the important technological happenings and the events that have shaped America. The two characters are both optimistic and hopeful as they head into an unknown future all while the story stays pragmatic and scientific. Part graphic novel and part history lesson, Fies incorporates real life in his book with actual black and white photographs from the World’s Fair and other moments in history. Also added in are 4 real comic books, Space Age Adventures that mirror genuine events and situations. In these well crafted, authentic comics, Pop and Buddy are essentially turned into Cap Crater and Cosmic Kid who take on the evil doings of Dr. Xander. They are my favorite part of the book. Even the paper stock and color palette is switched up.
Ultimately, Whatever Happened To The World Of Tomorrow? is a story about Fathers and Sons and how each generation views the world in which they both occupy. As a father, myself, I already know that I’ll be sharing with book with Patrick (9) and I’m curious to see what his take will be on it. After all, he is the one who was born in the World Of Tomorrow, perhaps he’ll get his jet pack yet.
For an in-depth interview with Brian Fies, please listen to this week’s Podcast. Brian and I not only discuss Whatever Happened To The World Of Tomorrow? but also his first book Mom’s Cancer.
Lastly, Brian and I talk about the special Belly Band dustjacket for WHTTWOT?. To display the differences, I posted the cover art with and without the band.
Chris
Links of Note:
The Fies Files, The Official brian Fies Blog
Whatever Happened To The World Of Tomorrow? Facebook Page
Brian Fies bio at Abrams Books
LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel at the Toledo Museum of Art
Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.
![[facebook]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/social/facebook.jpg)
![[twitter]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/social/twitter.jpg)
![[google+]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/social/g.jpg)
![[blog rss]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/social/rss.jpg)
![[itunes]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/social/itunes.jpg)
![[podcast rss]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/social/podcast.jpg)
![[Forbidden Planet International]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/images/fp_image.jpg)
![[In Stock Trades]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/images/instocktrades.jpg)
![[Party Poker]](http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/images/PartyPokerLogo12.gif)