Several months ago, Peter David announced on his blog that he had been hired to write the novelization of the third Transformers movie. Now I’m a fan of his writing, but have no interest in the Transformers. I haven’t seen a single one of the movies, and no real desire to change that.
During that conversation, I notified Mr. David that if he sneaked the phrase “earth-shattering kaboom” into the novel, I would give him five bucks, personally. He didn’t accept the offer directly, but replied “make it twenty.” I agreed. This was my opportunity to be a (very small) part of this summer’s big blockbuster.
And he didn’t.
I was disappointed, but also inspired. I happen to know a guy who’s an artist (and graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies), and I had an idea for a drawing I wanted done. I explained the backstory and exactly what I wanted in the illustration, and Matt worked magic.
See for yourself:
I presented a print of the image to Mr. David, who was disappointingly blase’ about the whole thing. He said he’d forgotten about the discussion, could have easily put it in the book, and promised to add it into the “Mystery Trekkie Theater 3000” skit that wraps up the annual Shore Leave convention (which I’ve attended every year for about seven years) and is, to me, the highlight of the weekend.
Meh. As I said, I was disappointed that he wasn’t more impressed with the drawing (which, I repeat, Matt drew, but I did conceive of and described in detail — but he added to it and made even better). But dang it, I still think it’s a great idea, brilliantly executed, and figured I’d share with you folks.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m on vacation. There’s a pool awaiting me out back, along with a very nice little used book store just down the street. I don’t know which I’ll get to first, and quite frankly I don’t care.
Update: Peter David has responded — he’d forgotten the details, but now has reminded himself. He DID put the phrase in, but it was yanked by his editors.
And considering how hectic his weekend was, and that he DID work it (seemlessly) inty Mystery Trekkie Theater 3000, I am once again a very happy fanboy.
