Happy 4th of July, everyone!
Captain Who? “Captain Blasto” is a new video web series that’s original, funny, creative, and heartwarming—perfect for any comic book fan. Find out more about it after the jump and you’ll also see the show’s trailer, first episode, some screen shots, andddd … an exclusive interview with the man behind the series (who also plays the main character), Christopher Preksta.
“Captain Blasto” tells the story of high school outcast Colin Carter (played by the show’s director/producer Christopher Preksta). In the first episode, “Secret Origins,” we are introduced to both Colin and his janitor friend Daryl (producer Aaron Kleiber). Living a lonely and mundane life that’s echoed with the arguments of his parents, for inspiration and as a means to break out of the routine of daily life Colin turns to his childhood idol: Captain Blasto. You can watch this first episode below.
In episode two, “A Comic Caper,” Colin devises a plan to introduce his new superhero alter ego—staging a fake robbery with Daryl in the disguise of the thief. And let’s just say what happens with superheroes and villains in comic books doesn’t exactly go as smoothly in real life. In the latest episode, “Mild Mannered Reporter,” Colin works on his non-superhero counterpart and continues to fight “crime,” while Daryl works on expanding their superhero operation.
I got the chance to ask Christopher Preksta some questions about the web series, and he was more than happy to answer them. (He even sent me some cool pics, which you can see throughout this article.)
WITA: I’m really enjoying “Captain Blasto!” You guys are doing a fantastic job. What inspired you to make the web series?
Chris: The project actually began life as a feature film and then developed into a web series. The script was always broken up into 10 smaller chapters telling the larger story.
As for the story itself, the idea of staging events to make yourself appear to be a super-hero stuck with me since middle school. The first episode is actually a fairly close representation of myself at that time. I was bored to tears and I’d often sit in class and day dream about being a super-hero. I’d be forming these schemes in my head on how I could appear to be one to my classmates. Years later when considering my first screenplay it seemed perfect for a fun story.
“Captain Blasto” is fresh, pure fun. Some of the scenes are set-up like comic book panels, making it feel genuine. The directing itself is great and communicates a lot on top of the dialogue. And it’s full of subtle humor—the kind you’d find in shows like The Office. If you like the idea behind Twilight Guardian and even Kick Ass—a random, average guy (or girl, in the case of Top Cow’s TG) becoming a real-life superhero—then you have to check out “Captain Blasto.”
WITA: Are any of you guys—cast or crew—comic book fans? Do you have any favorites?
Chris: I’m a long time comic reader along with most of the cast/crew. I’m a huge fan of Darwyn Cooke, Doug TenNapel, and Jeph Loeb/Tim Sale. I buy anything those guys make. The style and atmosphere of New Frontier was actually a pretty big inspiration for Blasto.
My all time favorites are Earthboy Jacobus by TenNapel and Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, which I consider to be the best comic book ever written.
My regular titles are Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers, and up until the finale, Y: The Last Man. Those books I’ve been with since issue 1.
WITA: I’m a big fan of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, myself; and Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns is a great book.
“Captain Blasto” is very reminiscent of Superman—except without the convenient superpowers and tights and with smarts. In fact, glasses-wearing fictional reporter Chase Conrad—not unlike Clark Kent—is from the comic book that inspires our protagonist. There’s even a funny reference to a phone booth! I mentioned this to Chris, asking him if Superman was indeed an influence in the writing process.
Chris: I’m a huge Superman fan. That’s the hero I grew up on.
In the very first draft of the screenplay Colin was actually inspired by his love of Superman to CREATE Captain Blasto. DC Comics made it quickly clear (with a beautiful letterhead) that Superman was completely off limits. The story then changed into what it is now.
But on top of that, those characteristics from Superman’s story (the glasses, phone booth, reporter, etc.) are what non-comic readers regularly associate with all super-heroes in general. So when Colin begins incorporating those attributes into his real life, it is easily understood by the broader audience.
WITA: Good point about Superman. He is very universal, iconic, and identifiable even to non-comic book fans.
Best of luck with Captain Blasto! I’ll be tuning in every other Monday!
“Captain Blasto” has won various film festival awards: like Official Selection at the London Independent Film Festival 2008 and Best Feature Film at the GenCon Film Festival 2007.
Check out “Captain Blasto” for yourself at the official website. New episodes are put up every other Monday. Chris was kind enough to let me preview the next episode: “The Crew.” It just gets better and better!
July 8th, 2008 at 6:35 am
This is GREAT! I love the storyline. I hope Captain Blasto finds his way to Comic Con this year!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
We’ll be there!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Ohhh, really? That’s awesome! Becky, make sure you and the girls remember to stop by!
Unfortunately I won’t be able to go to Comic Con. It’s not exactly close and I can’t afford the trip.
Poo.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
You better believe it. Blasto, do you know what booth you will be at? Or, are you just Blasting around the con solo? There are about 5 - 6 of us attending this year in costume so we MUST get a photo- op!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Unfortunately no booth because we didn’t know we’d be attending until after the deadline, so we’ll just be strolling. (Look for an insanely tall guy in a Captain Blasto t-shirt and it’s more than likely me.)
Our concept short for our next web series is playing as part of the film festival on Sunday at 2:05.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Very cool. We’ll, we’ll be hard to miss. A group of girls all in costume on all 4 days.
Thursday we’re all going as the Danger Girl girls so you can DEF. find us then!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
This is simply amazing, I am going to be watching Captain Blasto from now on. They are re-creating every comic book kids dream!
July 9th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
We won’t be arriving until Friday unfortunately.