It has been
a busy few weeks reviewing abstracts and drafting a preliminary layout for my
anthology sections. I am initially organizing the book by medium – film,
television, videogames, etc. – that I think will work well. It’s not an
original or ingenious method, but I think it is effective and efficient. Of
course this can, in all likelihood, change once I have the essays in hand this
November. In all though, I have chosen twenty abstracts that represent a broad
range of mediums influenced by Bond the past six decades.
While the
essayists are busily researching and composing, it is that time of year for me
to prepare my area’s call for proposals for the Southwest Popular/American
Culture Associations (SWPACA) 35th annual conference being held in
Albuquerque next February 19 - 22. I should have that CFP posted in the next
couple of weeks here at my blog as well as at the organization’s website for your perusal and consideration.
Deadlines have been pushed forward a bit earlier this year to early November,
rather than mid December.
And, after
having a successful screening and discussion of OSS 117 Cairo Nest of Spies (2006) at last year’s conference, I am waiting for
acceptance of my proposed screening and roundtable discussion of The
Quiller Memorandum (1966) at this upcoming
conference. For those who do submit a proposal for the conference, let me know
if you would be interested in being a participant at the roundtable, since I’ll
be looking for a few individuals that have expertise in the spy/espionage
genre.
If you have
not attended an academic conference before, this conference is still small
enough to provide an encouraging environment for those who may be hesitant
about speaking publicly or sharing one’s academic research. And, of course, it’s an excellent
opportunity to network with like minded individuals.
At the
moment, I’m completing research for a few upcoming posts:
Octopussy
and The Living Daylights (1966, UK, Literature)
The two
short stories plus Property of a Lady
and 007 In New York make up
current editions of Fleming’s fourteenth and final novel, published
posthumously in 1966. This past Sunday (the 23rd) marked the 47th
anniversary of the release from UK publisher Jonathan Cape.
Najica
Blitz Tactics (2001, Japan, Anime)
Studio
Fantasia brought A LOT of fanservice to this spy oriented anime. Once getting
past all of the knickers and crotch shots, this anime explores the overarching
concept of humanity. The two main characters are strong female types – Najica
Hiiragi and Lila – as well as an abundance of supporting female characters (all
in miniskirts and white undies.
She Spies
(2002-04, US, Television)
This spy
(term loosely applied) adventure series premiered on NBC and ran a surprising
two seasons. It has several similarities to another more popular series, Charlie’s
Angels, but is decidedly more comedic in
its approach. Season one was available on DVD, culminating in 20 episodes.
In addition,
I’m formulating a series of posts on mature spies (think: Red 1 and 2,
Crackerjack 3, Agent 88) and spotting Bond’s influence in some unusual places.
So, bookmark and visit often. Thanks!
Good to see a post. Just like the Staind song goes... "it's been a while"...
ReplyDeleteI watched the heck out of Najica Blitz Tactics when I first got it back in 2003. But I never got around to getting DVD 2 and 3. The first DVD was really great and I bought into the story pretty well. I am not sure about all the knicker shots thought, that's a little too much, even for me.
However as the story progressed, it did take a bad turn in quality. There was alot of concepts they could explore and directions they could've taken it, but they just kind of ended the anime, and of course in a less then spectacular fashion.
Oh god, She Spies. That pilot episode was terrible. It was very annoying and not funny. The season has gotten a bit better and I don't cringe at the tought of watching it. I confess, I may have fallen for Kristen Miller, the actress who plays D.D. She's really cute.
Cracker Jack 3! Oh boy, a Lyod Simandel movie! Bring on the white slave trading and girl bondage!
Hello Nick and yes, finally a post from yours truly.
ReplyDeleteThe first episode of Najica Blitz Tactics was a bit off-putting with all of the fanservice, however the series got better and I believe, the fanservice did subside with subsequent episodes.
The She Spies premiere was difficult to sit through, due in large part to the show spoon-feeding the humor - I had so many eye-rolling moments. I actually like the three ladies and feel they have good chemistry together. And, the humor is getting a little bit better. I'm actually enjoying their special guests - Ray Wise!!! - which is rather fun.
I am looking forward to revisiting Cracker Jack 3 and working on the mature spies angle for a few articles in preparation for the premiere of Red 2, which will be out at in cinemas July 19th (where's Karl Urban?!).