>A friend recommended Kevin Smith's movies to me, which I'm plowing through
>(along with the 4-hour "An Evening with Kevin Smith" DVD). I'm struck by the
>similar origins of you both (comics, New Jersey) and of course found out
>you're
>both writing Spider-Man projects.
>
>So my question is, how much opportunity have you two had to get to know each
>other? What do you think of his work? What does he think of yours? On one
>of
>the DVDs filmed at his comics store the B5 figurines were arrayed on the
>shelf
>in the background, which would suggest some passing knowledge of your work.

I've only spoken to Kevin once, at a con, where he was signing. I came up and
introduced myself. He blinked at me for a second, then said, "Huh. You're
taller than I thought you'd be." And that was about it.

jms

(jmsatb5@aol.com)
(all message content (c) 2003 by synthetic worlds, ltd.,
permission to reprint specifically denied to SFX Magazine
and don't send me story ideas)

>My girlfriend Carol and I watched "Dogma" last night. (If you've seen it,
>I'd
>be curious to hear any thoughts you have, as this movie is pretty much the
>Catholic Church as SF.) One running discussion we have is
>comparing/contrasting your work to Kevin's, given your common background,
>tastes and interests. She made the observation that "Kevin is very
>self-indulgent," which I guess is true. You have those "self-indulgent"
>moments, as all creators do, but Kevin's largely seem to be the core of his
>art.

I think I pretty much agree with this assessment, though I would, since I kind
of come out better in it and it would be in my interests to agree (standard
disclaimer).

>But if you have a few moments, I'd like to know what you think about "Dogma"
>from the perspective that you're an atheist while Kevin claims to believe in
>God.

I saw it an awfully long time ago, and to be honest it's a bit fuzzy to me now.
I do remember that I enjoyed it, in a dopey kind of way, and that it was
entertaining and made some good points along the way. It's certainly not for
everybody (but really, what is?), but it does seem to have teeth in all the
right places.

jms

(jmsatb5@aol.com)
(all message content (c) 2003 by synthetic worlds, ltd.,
permission to reprint specifically denied to SFX Magazine
and don't send me story ideas)